On 6th December 2021, the Whole Measurement Calibration Method of Particle Number Concentration Measuring Instrument, an association standard initiated and led by Jiangsu Auto Testing Technologies Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Auto Testing), a Palas® agent, was officially released. Palas®, with proven experience in air quality monitoring and know-how in particle size distribution and development, took part in the preparation and drafting process as a drafting team member, and contributed constructive comments and suggestions to the document. Taking full advantage of its strengths in measuring devices, Palas® uses its scanning mobility particle sizer to provide accurate and stable technical support for the formulation of the measurement calibration method.
The need for the measurement calibration method
At present, particle concentration measuring instruments vary in their performance due to the lack of a uniform standard and calibration method. Thus, it is necessary to introduce such a standard to improve management. The Wujiang District Intelligent Manufacturing Association in Suzhou launched a project to develop the Whole Measurement Calibration Method of Particle Number Concentration Measuring Instrument. Under the principle of practicality and validity, Auto Testing has applied its quality management concept and methods in developing the standard. As a technical service provider, Auto Testing offers “calibration” and “testing” services. The company has invited Palas® to provide key technical support as a member of the drafting team.
The Whole Measurement Calibration Method of Particle Number Concentration Measuring Instrument was released on 6th December 2021
The organisers held a preparatory briefing meeting before the start of work to clarify the purpose, significance and requirements of the standard. The drafting team reviewed the first draft and held several discussions and meetings before passing it over for final review by the expert group. During this process, the project team timely revised the draft according to the comments made by the review experts, and completed the standard and related documents.
| Engine exhaust or CVS sampling system | 发动机排气或CVS采样系统 |
| Heated sampling tube | 加热采样管 |
| Cyclone separator (optional) | 旋风分离器（可选） |
| Primary thermal diluter | 一级热稀释器 |
| Evaporation tube or high temperature catalytic vaporizer | 蒸发管或高温催化汽提器 |
| Secondary cold diluter (optional) | 二级冷稀释器（可选） |
| Impact nozzle (optional) | 冲击喷嘴（可选） |
| Volatile particle remover | 挥发性颗粒去除器 |
| Particle counter (DC or CPC) | 颗粒计数器（DC或CPC） |
Sketch of a particle concentration measuring instrument
| Aerosol generator | 气溶胶发生器 |
| Aerosol conditioner | 气溶胶调节器 |
| Aerosol classifier | 气溶胶分级器 |
| Neutraliser | 中和器 |
| Clean air | 洁净空气 |
| Splitter | 分流器 |
| Condensation particle counter (CPC) | 标准颗粒计数器（CPC） |
| Particle number concentration measuring instrument | 待检PN检测仪 |
| Exhaust gas treatment | 废气处理 |
Calibration instrument diagram
The indispensable Palas® monitoring technology
Palas® devices helped draft the standard with a large amount of measurement data from the start. The Palas® SMPS, used for developing this standard, is an advanced nanoparticle measuring system that measures aerosol particle size distributions from 4nm to 1200nm. It provides not only accurate and reliable particle size analysis and counts, but also ensures high resolution in up to 256 size channels. The SMPS series offers a wide range of benefits for aerosol analysis at different concentrations and particle size distributions. For example, it can flexibly integrate with various pre-treatment devices (e.g., dilution device). Its easy-to-use touchscreen enables intuitive operation. With its open data file, it is convenient to access and analyse data for self-testing and calibration. In addition, the device is extremely flexible and compatible with mainstream counters.
Publication of the association standard
The Whole Measurement Calibration Method of Particle Number Concentration Measuring Instrument specifies terminology, units of measurement, metrological characteristics, calibration conditions, calibration items, calibration methods, expression of calibration results and recalibration intervals for the whole measurement and calibration of particle number measuring instruments. It is applicable to calibrating particle number concentration measuring instruments (hereinafter referred to as PN instrument) with condensation particle counter (CPC) or diffusion charger (DC) design, including heated sampling tubes, particle counters and volatile particle removers. Other measuring instruments may also refer to this standard.
The release of this standard is significant for the work of measurement and calibration. It also places higher demands on manufacturers of testing equipment to improve product performance. In the future, Palas® will continue to introduce high-precision and cutting-edge monitoring devices for versatile applications and accurate results.
Palas® scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS)
Benefits
· Particle size distributions from 4 nm to 1.2 µm
· Continuous and fast-scanning principle of measurement
· High resolution in up to 128 size classes / decade
· Suitable for concentrations of up to 108 particles/cm3；
· Universally connects to DMAs and nanoparticle counters from other manufacturers
· Graphic display of measurement values；
· Intuitive operation using 7″ touchscreen and GUI；
· Integrated data logger；
· Supports multiple interfaces and remote access；
· Low maintenance；
· Reliable function；
· Reduces your operating expenses
Applications
· Filtration test；
· Aerosol research；
· Environmental and climatic studies；
· Inhalation experiments；
· Interior and workplace measurements.