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Grimm (1.108/1.109) Spectrometer plus NANO-Check (1.320)
Grimm (1.108/1.109) Spectrometer plus Nano-Check (1.320)
The spectrometers of the series 1.100 are light small portable units with a size of 24 x 12 x 6 (cm) and a weight of approx. 1.7 Kg + battery (0.7 Kg), used for the continuous measurement of particles in the air (aerosols). The highest reachable time resolution which can be used with this world wide unique single particle counter instrument is 1s.
The results of a measurement are shown in one of two modes: particle concentration as µg/m³. Particles are classified in size channels which amount to 16 channels for the model 1.108 and 31 channels for the model 1.109.
The NanoCheck sensor consists of an aerosol Faraday cup Electrometer, combined with an unipolar corona charger and a time multiplexed electrode for conductivity measurement.
The result of the conductivity measurement combined with the diffusion charger, the current of the aerosol electrometer and a calibration factor enables this setup to reach a total number concentration range of 500 to > 10exp6 particles/cm³ and an average particle diameter range of 25 to 300nm.
Therefore, the above-described compact system can be used for determination of particle number-, surface-, volume- and mass-distribution from 25nm to 32 µm with more than 30 size channels, as well as occupational helath monitoring according to EN 481, i.e., inhalable, thoracic and alveolic mass fractions, plus nanoparticles.
The NanoCheck sensor consists of an aerosol Faraday cup Electrometer, combined with an unipolar corona charger and a time multiplexed electrode for conductivity measurement.
The result of the conductivity measurement combined with the diffusion charger, the current of the aerosol electrometer and a calibration factor enables this setup to reach a total number concentration range of 500 to > 10exp6 particles/cm³ and an average particle diameter range of 25 to 300nm.
Therefore, the above-described compact system can be used for determination of particle number-, surface-, volume- and mass-distribution from 25nm to 32 µm with more than 30 size channels, as well as occupational helath monitoring according to EN 481, i.e., inhalable, thoracic and alveolic mass fractions, plus nanoparticles.
Hightech from Ainring, Laser-Aerosol spectrometer Measuring of volcanic ash
Hightech from Ainring, Laser-Aerosol spectrometer Measuring of volcanic ash
Photo 1:NERC-Airbourne Research and Survey Facility. Dornier 228 of FAAM with special sample inlet for floating particles (Aerosole) on the roof and Grimm Sky-OPC, spring 2010.The outbreak of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull volcanic ash in the atmosphere caused significant impairment of the European air transport. Scientific centres try to predict by modelling the spread of volcanic ash and assessments of the potential hazard to aircraft based on the Volcanic Ash Advisory Simulations Centre (VACC).
Another way to learn more about the volcanic ash is to directly measure the volcanic ash in the atmosphere. These are LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) instruments on the ground or in aircraft used. This emitted laser pulses are reflected at the ash particles and collected the backscattered reflections of a telescope. Such data do not allow any direct conclusions on concentration and size of ash particles.
In order to measure directly and in real time in the volcanic ash aircraft is with specially designed laser aerosol spectrometers, such as the Sky-OPC the company Grimm Aerosol Technik from Ainring. They have developed in cooperation with the German Centre for Aerospace Research (DLR) of such equipment, now called the Sky-OPC. The dust mass concentration as well as the particle size distribution of ash particles between 250nm and 32μm can be detected in over 30 different sizes. This special laser aerosol spectrometer is designed to be used for measurements at high altitudes up to 10km or more is meanwhile successful in use in Germany, Britain, Norway and Iceland.
Photo 2: FH Düsseldorf. Prof. Konradin Weber with his battery operated Laser-Aerosol spectrometer for measurement of volcanic ash in the lower atmosphere, Mai 2010.Other laser Aerorosol spectrometer the company Grimm Aerosol Technik are also suitable for airborne measurements of volcanic ash up to an altitude 2-3 km. These devices are extremely compact, lightweight and battery operated. Thus, you are perfect for ultra light aircraft or one or two-seat machines without special scientific personnel aboard. Such measurements are currently being conducted in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, for example, by the laboratory for environmental monitoring under the direction of Prof. Dr. Konradin Weber at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering of the University of Applied Sciences Duesseldorf.
Photo 3: Photo Dr. F: Schneider with a Cessna of the FU-Berlin and his Grimm Laser-Aerosol spectrometer and Mini-Cascade impactor of the University Hohenheim during the LACE 98, Summer 1998.The laser aerosol spectrometer of the company Grimm Aerosol technique are for over ten years world wide used for measurements of aerosol particles by aircraft. First experiences and measurements were e.g. in 1998 at the Lindenberg Aerosol Characterization Experiment (LACE 98) collected.
The measured ash particles were not of a volcano but from a forest fire at canada.
Additional Material on the subject airplane measurements and volcanic ash:
http://www.dlr.de/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-6449/10620_read-23839/
http://www.fh-duesseldorf.de/a_fh/zeigeNewsLang?c_id=c20100428104353
http://www.rocketrange.no/?page_id=21
Copyright: Grimm Aerosol Technik 2010
