New Wide-ranging Particulate Sensor

Alphasense has launched a new version of its optical particle counter. The new OPC-N3 retains all of the advantages of its predecessor (OPC-N2) with the added benefit of automatic range switching covering PM10, PM2.5 and PM1. With an expanded measuring range (0.38 to 40 µm), the OPC-N3 is able to measure the particulate fractions of most interest; from the finest of particles up to larger particles such as pollen. "This is an extremely important development for manufacturers of air quality monitoring instrumentation," says Alphasense Director, Arthur Burnley.

"A few years ago, the public was generally unaware of the threat posed by air pollution. However, the many thousands of premature deaths that occur every year in almost every country, have finally caused a high level of media coverage and political interest, and this has led to demands for air quality improvement measures, which in turn have created a need for accurate particulate sensors.

"This bodes well for our customers as the demand rises for small, accurate, reliable, cost-effective particulate sensors."

The OPC-N3 measures particulates with minimal maintenance using a patented design, providing both particulate matter readings and real-time particle size histograms. As such, the sensor competes in performance with existing analytical units, but at a fraction of the cost.

Full technical specifications for the new OPC-N3 are available from www.alphasense.com in addition to detailed information on the company's other sensors.