Liquid particle counter A20-UF bCPC

digitalcondensationEthernet

Overview
The A20-UF bCPC is an ultrafine condensation particle counter (CPC) capable of detecting aerosol particles down to 3 nm. It is listed on the ACTRIS UF whitelist and supports measurement configurations requiring total ultrafine particle counting at the 3 nm threshold.

Principle
Condensation Particle Counters detect and count ultrafine particles by growing nanoparticles in a saturator–condenser system to optically detectable sizes. The A20-UF can operate in dualCPC setups and as the detector CPC for PSM instruments. Data acquisition is supported via Airmodus MultiLogger with native ACTRIS data format.

Compliance

• ACTRIS UF whitelist
• EN 16976:2024
• dualCPC compliant

Individual counting and calibration
Calibration algorithms are fully transparent and published. The detection efficiency curve is available for traceable calibration. Algorithms support individual particle counting and provide calibration metadata for traceability.

Features and benefits

• 3 nm cut-off (Dp50% ~2.8–3.8 nm)
• Fully open calibration algorithm
• Extremely low false counts and noise
• Advanced signal and system diagnostics
• dualCPC compatible
• BlockSafe inlet system

Applications
Suitable for ACTRIS-affiliated stations, atmospheric and aerosol research, cleanroom monitoring and laboratory measurements requiring ultrafine particle counting to 3 nm.

Technical information
Particle size range: 3 nm – 2.5 µm (butanol)*
Cut-off (Dp50%): 2.8–3.8 nm (silver particles); Dp90% < 10 nm
Concentration range: 0 – 150,000 #/cm³ (single particle counting)**
Aerosol inlet flow: nominal 1.05 lpm ±5%
Aerosol sample flow: nominal 1.05 lpm (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 < 10°C***
Environmental conditions: Temperature 15–35°C; Pressure 75–105 kPa; RH 0–95%
Communication: Analog out (BNC, 0–10 V), Pulse out (BNC), RS-232, Ethernet RJ45, USB-B
Diagnostics: Flow, saturator/condenser/optics temperature, liquid level, nozzle pressure, critical orifice pressure, laser current, pulse quality
Fittings: Inlet 1/4" SS tube; external vacuum 1/4" SS 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 100 W; output 12 VDC 11.5 A
Dimensions & weight: 260 × 230 × 400 mm (H × W × D), 8.5 kg
Shipping: Temperature 0–40°C; RH <95% non-condensing; ship upright.
* Cut-off expressed in mobility equivalent diameter (silver particles). PG variant achieves ~4 nm cut-off.
** Calibrated range.
*** Dew point < 10°C (stricter than CEN variant). Aerosol dryer recommended for ACTRIS setups.

Technical specifications

• Model: A20-UF bCPC
• Detection limit: down to 3 nm (Dp50% ~2.8–3.8 nm)
• Measured size range: 3 nm – 2.5 µm (butanol)
• Concentration range: up to 150,000 #/cm³ (single particle counting)
• Nominal flow: 1.05 lpm (inlet & sample)
• Response time t95: < 1.15 s
• False counts: < 0.001 #/cm³
• Working fluid: n-Butanol (>99.5%)
• Communications: 0–10 V analog, pulse out, RS-232, Ethernet, USB-B
• Diagnostics: internal flow and system diagnostics
• Power: external 100–240 VAC adapter, steady 100 W (output 12 VDC 11.5 A)
• Dimensions/weight: 260 × 230 × 400 mm, 8.5 kg
• Standards: ACTRIS UF whitelist, EN 16976:2024, dualCPC compliant