Why Ultrafine Particle (UFP) Measurement Matters: Introducing the Pegasor Airam
Pegasor: Making the Invisible, Visible
Why Pegasor’s Number-Based UFP Measurement Solutions Are Essential
By: Mauli Sood
Understanding Ultrafine Particles: Why Measurement Matters
Ultrafine particles (UFPs), typically defined as particles smaller than 0.1 microns (PM0.1), are increasingly recognized for their significant impact on air quality and human health. Traditional mass-based measurement methods such as gravimetric, light scattering, beta attenuation, and TEOM are effective for larger particles (like PM2.5), but often fail to accurately detect or quantify UFPs.
Mass-Based vs. Number-Based Measurements: The Critical Difference
When it comes to monitoring ultrafine particles (UFPs), the method you choose makes all the difference.
- Mass-Based Measurement: Each nanogram of particulate matter is counted equally, regardless of particle size. Although this method works well for general air quality monitoring and regulatory compliance, it usually overlooks the vast numbers of ultrafine particles, which contribute little to total mass.
- Number-Based Measurement: Each particle, regardless of mass or size, is counted equally. This method is essential to UFPs, making it indispensable for applications where understanding exposure to ultrafine particles is critical.
Imagine a particle distribution centered at 190nm. From a mass perspective, this is the median. But when viewed through a number-based lens, the median shifts to 100nm. This shift demonstrates how measurements based on mass and those based on numbers provide rather different information about the same air sample.
In fact, 50% of the total mass can be made up of just 8% of the particles. That means mass based systems can hardly see 92% of the particles, which are primarily ultrafine. Pegasor's technology ensures they are not missed.
Why Does This Matter?
While 50% of the mass may contain over 90% of the particles, the remaining mass is dominated by a small fraction of much larger particles. This means that mass-based methods can miss dramatic changes in UFP number concentration, changes that may have significant implications for health and atmospheric science.
Pegasor: Leading the Way in Number-Based UFP Monitoring
Pegasor’s Unique Approach
Pegasor specializes in advanced number-based measurement solutions, designed specifically to address the limitations of traditional mass-based techniques. Our instruments, such as the Pegasor AQ Urban and Pegasor GHG, provide real-time, high-sensitivity detection of ultrafine particles, delivering both particle number concentration and size distribution data.
How It Works
Pegasor sensors work by charging particles as they pass through the device. The sensor then detects the tiny electric signals from these particles. Think of it like scanning people by the static charge on their clothes instead of weighing them. This makes it incredibly fast, accurate, and ideal for measuring ultrafine particles (UFPs), which traditional methods often lack.
Key Advantages of Pegasor’s Technology
- Real-Time Measurement: Immediate feedback and a response time of less than 0.2 seconds on UFP concentrations and size distributions.
Figure 1: Pegasor Particle Sensor PPS-G2 Operating Principle - Broad Size Range: Accurate detection from a few nanometers up to several microns. Determines particle size by measuring electrical mobility, with a consistent fit across various particle types and sizes.
Figure 2: Pegasor Particle Sensor Concentration & Size Distribution Response Time - Unbiased Data: Unlike light scattering or extinction-based methods, Pegasor’s technology is not biased toward larger particles. While many sensors struggle with small particles and are more sensitive to larger ones, Pegasor detects particles of all sizes evenly.
Figure 3: Pegasor Particle Sensor Size Determination - Portable and Robust: Ideal for both stationary and mobile applications, from urban air quality monitoring to occupational exposure assessment.
Figure 4: Pegasor Particle Sensor Detection Efficiency Curve
Whether you are conducting environmental research, monitoring urban air quality, or assessing occupational exposure, Pegasor’s number-based technology gives you the clarity and precision you need.
Applications
- Urban Air Quality Monitoring
- Industrial Emissions and Workplace Safety
- Vehicle Emissions Testing
- Atmospheric and Climate Research
Why Choose Pegasor?
By choosing Pegasor’s number-based UFP measurement solutions, you gain access to the most comprehensive and actionable data on ultrafine particles available. Our technology empowers researchers, regulators, and industry professionals to:
- Measure particle number concentration and size distribution
- Operate without dilution, preserving sample integrity
- Provide real time data for dynamic environments
- Enable deeper insights into exposure and atmospheric processes
Ready to see what you have been missing?
Discover how Pegasor’s UFP monitoring solutions can transform your understanding of air quality.
Contact us today to speak with an expert or request a demo.
