Electronic Diffusion Tube (EDT) Introduced by Independent UK Manufacturer

Alphasense (UK) now provides a solution to some old problems:-

Palmes-type diffusion tubes are commonly used for indicative measurement of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in cities and towns for Local Air Quality Management. But sampling over several weeks gives only one average concentration for the entire sampling period and the result is reported after the measurement.

Odours which were previously ignored by local industry and city councils are now headline problems. There is a growing requirement to monitor odour plumes around landfills, waste water treatment plants, agricultural/poultry farms and industrial sites, but the cost of the necessary network of monitoring nodes is prohibitive. Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) or Ammonia (NH₃) are the two most commonly measured gases for odour detection.

Alphasense introduces the Electronic Diffusion Tube (EDT): a single gas data logger with ppb resolution using the proven Alphasense A4 family of electrochemical ppb gas sensors.

Features include:-

• The low cost EDT makes networks affordable

• User- adjustable logging interval from one minute to four hours
• Also records relative humidity and ambient temperature
• Eight months battery life from two Lithium AA cells
• Data is downloaded in seconds via Bluetooth to the Android smart phone app
• Designed for waterproof to IP 67
• Mounting bracket connects easily to both walls and poles

• Gases include NO₂, NO₂+O₃, H₂S, NH₃ and CO. Sensor data sheets specify performance.
• Data analysis support available

Applications include:-

• Co-locating with Palmes-type diffusion tubes to record diurnal and weekly patterns and peaks
• Monitoring urban construction sites for compliance, especially for peak concentrations
• Ring-fencing odour sources for plume monitoring- daily downloads provide regular feedback
• Tracking ammonia plumes on poultry farms
• Detecting fugitive emissions from industrial sites for both leak detection and ensuring compliance
• Low cost educational tool when teaching about air quality

Shipped with the EDT is a mounting bracket, two AA lithium batteries and instructions for downloading the Android App, an IOS App will be available soon.