Cutting Edge Thermal/optical OC-EC Particulate Matter Monitoring Technology Now Available in British Isles

Exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Sunset Lab, Enviro Technology Services Ltd, would like to introduce their latest editions to its product portfolio: the Model 4 Semi-Continuous OC-EC (Organic Carbon and Elemental Carbon) carbon analyser. This rack mountable instrument incorporates the latest advances in electronic and optical technology, along with an optimised oven and detector designed for sensitive and reliable field operation.

The Model 4 OC-EC features an easy access panel for filter service and calibration, safety mechanisms and inline pressure regulators for superior flow control. The computer controlled flow system aids enhanced sensitivity and fast analysis times and improved user access for simplified maintenance and service.

Its small, rugged design makes it ideal for field operation in air quality monitoring shelters. As well as ambient air quality and environmental exposure measurements Sunset’s versatile analyser is also perfect for indoor air monitoring, long-term environmental research such as studying the effects of regulatory changes and NIOSH (and equivalent) exposure assessments in the workplace.

Sunset Lab’s Model 5 Lab OC-EC Aerosol Analyser is also now available via ET. The Model 5 uses a proven thermal-optical method to analyse for organic and elemental carbon aerosols collected on quartz filters.

The Model 5 Lab OC-EC has a temperature controlled diode laser, an integrated 16-bit data system/CPU board, redesigned power control hardware, automated flow controls, and software making this OC-EC analyser unsurpassed for reliability.

The samples are thermally desorbed from the filter medium under an inert helium atmosphere followed by an oxidising atmosphere using carefully controlled heating ramps.

A flame ionisation detector (FID) is used to monitor the analysis. Proven low dead volume carrier gas control system and proprietary quartz oven design provide high sensitivity with ultra-low carbon background and no oxygen contamination.

This instrument has been used to analyse a wide variety of sample types, including: ambient urban and rural areas, national parklands, forest fire plumes and oil fires from the Gulf War.