Digital particle counter A20-CEN bCPC

condensationUSBRS-232

Overview
The A20-CEN bCPC is the ACTRIS whitelist reference condensation particle counter for atmospheric monitoring networks. It detects and counts ultrafine particles down to 10 nm using a saturator–condenser growth stage to make nanoparticles optically detectable. Proven in hundreds of research stations, it operates as an indoor/outdoor total particle concentration monitor and as the standard CPC detector in Airmodus A-SMPS systems for CEN/TS 17434 compliant size distribution measurements.

Key capabilities

• ACTRIS whitelist reference product
• Precise particle detection and counting at 10 nm
• Fully open calibration algorithm for measurement transparency
• Standard detector CPC for SMPS systems
• Advanced signal diagnostics for instrument health and data quality
• Compatibility with Airmodus PSM/PSM systems
• New BlockSafe inlet system to reduce inlet blockages

Applications

• Atmospheric research networks and monitoring stations
• SMPS particle size distribution measurement systems (Airmodus A-SMPS)
• Clean-room and nanoparticle research monitoring
• Continuous indoor and outdoor total particle concentration monitoring

Approvals & Certifications

• ACTRIS whitelist product
• Compliant with EN 16976:2024

Technical specifications

• Particle size range: 10 nm – 2.5 μm *
• Cut-off (Dp50%): 10 nm ± 1 nm; Dp90% < 20 nm
• Concentration range: 0 – 150,000 #/cm³ (single particle counting mode) **
• Aerosol inlet flow: Nominal 1.05 L/min ±5%
• Aerosol sample flow: Nominal 1.05 L/min (no dilution, full flow through optics)
• Response time: t95 < 1.15 s
• False counts: < 0.001 #/cm³
• Working fluid: n-Butanol (>99.5%)
• Sample conditions: Pressure 75–105 kPa; Dew Point < 15°C ***
• Environmental conditions: Temperature 15–35°C; Pressure 75–105 kPa; Relative Humidity 0–95%
• Communication interfaces: Analog out (BNC, 0–10 V); Pulse out (BNC); RS-232; Ethernet (RJ45); USB type B
• Diagnostics: Flow rate, saturator/condenser/optics temperatures, liquid level, nozzle pressure, critical orifice pressure, laser current, pulse quality
• Fittings: Inlet: 1/4" stainless steel tube; External vacuum: 1/4" stainless steel tube (built-in pump on request)
• Software: Airmodus MultiLogger (Windows 10+)
• External vacuum: 100–400 mbar at NTP (or <40% of inlet pressure)
• Power: External adapter 100–240 VAC 50/60 Hz, max 160 W; Steady state 100 W; Output 12 VDC, 11.5 A
• Dimensions & weight: 260 × 230 × 400 mm (H × W × D); 8.5 kg
• Shipping conditions: Temperature 0–40°C; RH <95% non-condensing; ship upright
• Notes: * Cut-off given as mobility equivalent diameter (silver particles). ** Calibrated concentration range; instrument can measure higher concentrations without individual accuracy verification. *** For high RH, use an aerosol dryer.