Droplet PAX Aerosol optical properties analyzer (< 1 Mm⁻¹ – 10,000 Mm⁻¹)

Measured Parameters: Absorption coefficient (Babs); Scattering coefficient (Bscat)

Auxiliary Parameters: Temperature; Pressure; Relative humidity

Derived Parameters: Black carbon (BC) mass; Extinction coefficient (Bext); Single scattering albedo (SSA); Dew point

Measurement Range (Absorption & Scattering): < 1 Mm⁻¹ – 10,000 Mm⁻¹ (870 nm, 60 sec averaging)

Aerosol Medium: Air, 0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)

Laser: 870 nm, 1.4 W (standard); optional 405 nm and 532 nm; modulation frequency: 1500 Hz nominal (square wave)

Angular Integration (Scattering): 6 – 174°

Sample Flow Rate: 1 L/min

Flow Control: Critical orifice

Pump: Diaphragm

Response Time: < 10 sec; 1-second resolution

Data Averaging Time: 1, 10 or 60 seconds (user selectable)

Calibration Interval: Recommended every 6 months or before/after critical projects

Calibration Particles:

Absorption: Strongly absorbing particles (e.g., black smoke, glassy black carbon)

Scattering: Strongly scattering particles (e.g., ammonium sulfate, PSL spheres 200–260 nm)

Zero Check: On demand or automatic (5, 15, 20, 30, or 60 min); using high-efficiency filtered air

Front Panel Features: Graphical color touch-panel display; 2 USB-A ports; Power switch; Touch screen user interface (keyboard interface also supported)

Rear Panel Connections: Sample inlet (¼” compression fitting); Pump exhaust (¼” compression fitting); AC and DC power connections; RS-232 serial port; Ethernet port; 2 analog BNC inputs; 4 analog BNC outputs

Data Storage Capacity: >200 days

Communications Output: Ethernet 100/10 Mbps; RS-232 serial

Power Requirements: 90 – 264 V, 47 – 63 Hz (AC) or 12 VDC; power consumption 25 W

Dimensions: 18 cm (H) x 48 cm (W) x 61 cm (D) (7” x 19” x 24”); rack mountable

Weight: 18 kg (40 lb.)

Environmental Operating Conditions: Temperature: 0 – 40°C (32 – 104 °F); Relative humidity: 0 – 90% RH, non-condensing

PAX Maintenance Console (PMC) Software: Executable program written in LabVIEW; External PMC software for maintenance, data playback and archiving; Computer and PMC software not required for instrument operation

Computer Requirements (PMC Software): Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7; Minimum 1 GB RAM (computer not included)

Datasheet