The Aerosol Magee Scientific CASS is a real-time instrument that measures TC, BC, EC, OC, and BrC in near-real-time for complete carbonaceous aerosol speciation. It combines optical analysis of Black Carbon by an Aethalometer® (AE36 or AE36s), which continuously collects aerosol on a filter and measures light attenuation from UV to IR wavelengths, with thermal analysis of Total Carbon by the TCA09, which flash-heats a quartz-filter sample to convert all carbon to CO₂. Organic Carbon is then derived in near-real-time as OC = TC - BC. The system contains no fragile glassware and requires no special gas supplies, using ambient air as a carrier gas for greater reliability, flexibility, and substantial operational cost savings.

• Real-time speciation of TC, BC, EC, OC, and BrC from a single integrated system
• DualSpot® Aethalometer technology for spot-loading-compensated Black Carbon and aerosol composition insight
• Multi-wavelength optical analysis identifies Brown Carbon and separates biomass smoke from diesel emissions via source apportionment
• Thermal Total Carbon analysis with no glass, no gas, and no catalyst, using ambient air as carrier gas
• BC detection from < 0.01 to > 100 µg/m³ with limit of detection < 0.001 µg/m³ (1 hour)
• Dual 10.1" color touchscreens, network-ready operation, and automated calibration, validation, and Clean Air Test

Specified Performance of AE36 or AE36s

Parameter	Specification
Sensitivity	Proportional to time-base and sample flow rate settings: <10 ng/m³ @ 1 min, 5 LPM
Limit of Detection of BC (1 hour)	< 0.001 µg/m³
Detection Range of BC	< 0.01 to > 100 µg/m³

Specified Performance of TCA09

Parameter	Specification
Limit of Detection	100 ng C
TC Mass Range	100 ng C to 500,000 ng C
TC Concentration Range	20 ng C/m³ to 3,000,000 ng C/m³ (depends on the selected timebase)

Sampling Flow Rates

Parameter	Specification
AE36 or AE36s (BC/EC)	Adjustable from 2 to 5 LPM, provided by closed-loop stabilized internal pump and two mass flow sensors
TCA09	16.7 SLPM (1 m3/h), provided by closed-loop stabilized internal pump

Operator Interface

Parameter	Specification
Display	10.1" color touch-screens with status indicator LEDs. Graphical User Interface with basic data display and control, advanced screens for detailed reporting and parameter setup. Network ready for remote management and data transfer.

Data Output & Storage

Parameter	Specification
Output	Digital data via RS-232 COM port and Ethernet. Network ready for remote management and data transfer.
Timebase	BC/EC: 1 s (1 Hz) or 1 minute @ AE36s and 1 min or 5 min @ AE36 TC/OC: 10 min to 24 h
Storage	Data are written to internal memory once every timebase period. Stored data may be transferred over a network or to a manually inserted USB drive.

Physical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Construction	Standard 19" rack-mount chassis, fully-enclosed and self-contained, with modular internal hardware for rapid servicing
Dimensions (H x W x D)	62 x 48 x 52 cm (25" x 19" x 20")
Weight	74 kg (163 lbs)
Electrical Supply	100-240 VAC, voltage range 85-264 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption (maximum)	max 1200 W; typical 100 W
Internal Sampling Pump	Dual diaphragm, brushless speed-controlled DC motor, stabilized flow

Installation Requirements

Parameter	Specification
Use	Indoor or laboratory use, rack or benchtop
Temperature	5°C - 45°C
Humidity	5 % - 95 %, non-condensing
Operating Altitude	0 ~ 3000 m
Sampling Air Inlet	Stainless steel Swagelok tube fitting, union, 1/2 inch tube OD
Sampling Air Outlet	Standard ¼" NTPF threaded connector
Analytical Carrier Air Inlet	Standard ¼" NTPF threaded connector

CASS Specifications  Download
CASS Brochure  Download