Nanoparticle measurement
GRIMM nanoparticle measurement systems include nanoparticle counters and nanoparticle spectrometers for use in a wide range of applications. In addition, our product portfolio in the area of nanoparticle measurement also includes aerosol generators and a range of aerosol neutralizers.
Nanoparticle counters
Our nanoparticle counters include condensation particle counters (CPCs) for laboratory use, for automotive emission measurements (PMP-CPC) and versions optimized for 24/7 operation in measuring stations or remote locations (including 19″ rack mounting). All CPCs feature the proven condensate removal pump and our anti-spill saturator design. They enable single particle counting of up to 150,000 p/cm3 with high detection efficiency and a fast response time. Thanks to a unique saturator shutter, the CPCs can also be transported without having to remove or dry the saturator.
For the measurement of high particle number concentrations or for use as a reference device for the calibration of measuring instruments, we also offer a high-precision, highly sensitive Faraday cup electrometer (FCE). With its fast response time and rinsing air flow design for noise reduction, the FCE features performance characteristics that are unique on the market.
The European draft standard prEN 16976:2023 takes up the urgent recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to extend the common air quality strategy regarding the determination of the particle size distribution (PSD) and the particle number concentration (PNC) in ambient air to include ultrafine particles (UFP), i.e. nanosized particles. Thus, prEN 16976 harmonizes the measurement of particle number concentration in ambient air. It describes the applicable measurement methods and ensures the traceability of the instruments to generally accepted references. Most importantly, the standard defines the performance characteristics of the instruments and the associated measurement uncertainties.
Our condensation particle counter CPC 5421 - as well as its siblings 5412 and 5410 - can be calibrated according to prEN 16976. We also participate in the corresponding working group of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and collaborate with the major research and calibration infrastructure in this field. One of these is the World Calibration Center of Aerosol Physics (WCCAP) at TROPOS, the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research in Leipzig, Germany.
The WCCAP is one of the key calibration institutions within the ACTRIS network (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure). We are therefore proud to have our instruments listed on the ACTRIS instrument recommendation list.
References:
Nanoparticle spectrometers
GRIMM offers scanning mobility particle sizers with condensation particle counters (SMPS+C) and with Faraday cup electrometers (SMPS+E) as detectors. In addition, the GRIMM PSMPS is a mobility particle size spectrometer that combines a Grimm SMPS+C system with the Airmodus Particle Size Magnifier (PSM). All nanoparticle sizer systems feature the “Vienna-type” DMA design1, which is known for its highest size resolution and lowest particle diffusion losses. Thanks to the flexible design of the DMAs with three electrodes of different lengths (S-M-L), a wide range of experimental requirements can be met.
1) Winklmayr et al. (1991), J. Aerosol Sci., 22, 289
Reischl, G.P., Mäkelä, J.M. and Necid, J. (1997). Aerosol Sci. Technol., 27, 651-672
Wide range aerosol spectrometers
Our unique measuring devices detect particle number size distributions from just a few nanometers up to the micrometer range. The data from these wide range measuring devices are the basis for numerous applications in aerosol research, in climate research or in the optimization of processes.
We offer flexible solutions for stationary continuous measurements outdoors, aerosol studies in the laboratory and portable all-in solutions for industrial research.
Aerosol neutralizers
Bipolar aerosol neutralizers from GRIMM ensure a well-defined stationary charge distribution on the aerosols to be examined. We offer neutralizers based on radioactive sources (241Am and 63Ni) and also with alternative ionization sources based on an annular dielectric barrier discharge and based on soft X-rays. The latter are subject to considerably fewer safety restrictions for operation, transport and storage and, depending on the country, often require no special handling licenses.
Aerosol generators
GRIMM aerosol generators are used when a well-defined particle composition in conjunction with a stable particle number size distribution is required. Our devices generate aerosols from all types of liquids, suspensions and solutions, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DEHS) and polystyrene latex spheres (PSL), but also metal oxide particles by sublimation of tungsten oxide (WOx).
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