The Aethalometer is the instrument most-used in the world for the real-time measurement of aerosol Black Carbon. The Model AE33 is the culmination of almost 40 years of experience and development. It provides accurate data with aerosol speciation on time-scales as rapid as 1 second, using our patented DualSpot™ technology and multi-wavelength optical analysis. The Model AE33 'Next Generation' Aethalometer incorporates scientific and technical advances which offer improved measurement performance, user features, networking and communications.

• Full spectrum 7-wavelength analysis (370, 470, 520, 590, 660, 880 and 950 nm) at up to 1 Hz data rate
• DualSpot™ technology compensates for filter loading effects and yields aerosol composition information
• Real-time source apportionment discriminating fossil fuel from biomass combustion
• Measurement range from <0.01 to >100 µg/m³ with detection limit <0.005 µg/m³ (1 hour)
• 8.4" color touch-screen interface with status LEDs and internal data storage
• NIST-traceable calibration/validation via neutral density optical kit; RS-232, Ethernet, and USB connectivity

Measurement

Parameter	Specification
Measurement principle	Continuous collection of aerosol on filter with simultaneous measurement of attenuation of transmitted light at 370, 470, 520, 590, 660, 880 and 950 nm; Black Carbon defined by absorption at 880 nm
Sensitivity	Approximately 0.03 µg/m3 @ 1 min, 5 LPM (proportional to time-base and sample flow rate)
Detection limit (1 hour)	<0.005 µg/m3
Range	<0.01 to >100 µg/m3 Black Carbon
Resolution	0.001 µg/m3 or 1 ng/m3 (user-definable display units)

Sampling

Parameter	Specification
Filter media	Teflon-coated glass fiber filter tape; advances automatically when user-selectable loading threshold is reached
Time-base	1 second or 1 minute, post-processing to any time resolution
Flow rate	2 to 5 LPM provided by internal pump, measured by two mass flow sensors and stabilized by closed-loop control
Tape advance	Automatic on aerosol loading or at predefined times or time intervals
Inlets	Size selective inlets (impactor, cyclone) may be attached

Operator Interface

Parameter	Specification
Display	8.4" color touch-screen with status indicator LEDs
Interface	Graphical User Interface with basic data display and control, advanced screens for detailed reporting and parameter setup
Remote management	Network ready for remote management and data transfer

Data Output & Storage

Parameter	Specification
Output	Digital data via RS-232 COM port and Ethernet
Storage	Data written to internal memory once every time-base period; transferable over network or to manually inserted USB drive

Quality Control and Assurance

Parameter	Specification
Flow calibration	Automatic or manual sample flowrate calibration using an externally-attached calibrator
Optical verification	Verification of optical performance using a set of NIST-traceable neutral density optical filters
Zero & stability tests	Automatic or manual "Dynamic Active Zero" and stability tests programmable at specified time intervals

Physical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Dimensions (H x W x D)	28 x 43 x 33 cm
Weight	21 kg
Power supply	100-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz (auto-switching)
Power consumption	25 W average
Internal vacuum pump	Dual diaphragm, brushless motor
Construction	Modular hardware in a fully-enclosed 19" rack mount 6U chassis, hermetically sealed

AE33 Specifications  Download