The microAeth® AE51 is a real-time, pocket-sized Black Carbon aerosol monitor. This palm-size instrument is small enough to be worn on-person and provides aerosol Black Carbon concentration in real-time. The microAeth incorporates the same Aethalometer® measurement technology which has been used worldwide for over 30 years.

• Real-time Black Carbon measurement via optical absorption at 880 nm
• Measurement range 0-1 mg BC/m³ with 0.001 µg BC/m³ resolution and ±0.1 µg BC/m³ precision
• User-selectable timebase (1, 10, 30, 60, or 300 s) and flow rate (50, 100, 150, or 200 ml/min)
• Internal pump with mass flow meter and closed-loop flow control; optional PM2.5 size-selective inlet
• Portable, pocket-sized design powered by an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery (min. 24-hour run time)
• USB connectivity and included microAethCOM PC software for data download, configuration, calibration, and firmware updates

General

Parameter	Specification
Measurement Principle	Real-time analysis by measuring the rate of change in absorption of transmitted light due to continuous collection of aerosol deposit on filter. Measurement at 880 nm interpreted as concentration of Black Carbon (‘BC’).
Measurement Range	0-1 mg BC/m3, filter life time dependent on concentration and flow rate setting: avg. 5 µg BC/m3 for 24 hours @ 100 ml/min avg. 100 µg BC/m3 for 3 hours @ 50 ml/min avg. 1 mg BC/m3 for 15 minutes @ 50 ml/min
Measurement Resolution	0.001 µg BC/m3
Measurement Precision	±0.1 µg BC/m3, 1 min avg., 150 ml/min flow rate
Measurement Timebase (User setting)	1, 10, 30, 60, or 300 seconds
Flow Rate (User setting)	Internal pump provides 50, 100, 150, or 200 ml/min, monitored by mass flow meter and stabilized by closed-loop control.
Sampling	3 mm spot created on filter strip containing insert of T60 Teflon-coated borosilicate glass fiber filter material. PM2.5 size selective inlet available.
Consumables	Filter strip: 1 filter strip per sampling campaign, typically one per day. High concentration sampling may require more than one filter per day.

Data & Communications

Parameter	Specification
Data Storage	4 MB internal flash memory, providing up to 1 month data storage when operating on a 300 second timebase, and 1 week when operating on a 60 second timebase.
Communications	USB connectivity to Windows®-based PC with microAethCOM.
Data Output	Internal data files are uploaded to microAethCOM PC software and stored on local disk.
PC Software	microAethCOM software is included. Provides visual interface including real-time BC mass concentration values. Facilitates settings configuration, calibration routines, downloading data, and uploading new instrument firmware.

Physical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Dimensions	4.6 in (117 mm) L x 2.6 in (66 mm) W x 1.5 in (38 mm) D
Weight	Approximately 9.88 ounces (280 g).

Electrical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Power	Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Power Supply Adapter	Input: 100~240 VAC 50/60 Hz 0.2 A Output: 5VDC / 0.5A
Charging Time	4 hours to full charge (using AC adapter, instrument turned off).
Total Run Time (Single battery charge)	Minimum 24 hours @ 300 second timebase at 100 ml/min flow rate. Run time may vary due to PM concentrations.

Environmental

Parameter	Specification
Operation Environment	0 ~ 40 °C operating, non-condensing.

AE51 Specifications  Download