Condensation particle size measuring instrument CCN-100/200

for researchautomatic

Product overview
The CCN-100/200 measures the count and size of aerosol particles capable of acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Fast response and continuous flow support both airborne and ground deployments. Available as single-column CCN-100 (single supersaturation) and dual-column CCN-200 (two supersaturations measured simultaneously) for droplet activation kinetics and split-sample experiments.

Features and benefits

• One-of-a-kind measurements — direct, time-resolved CCN concentration data to support climate and cloud studies.
• Responsive and versatile — fast response, uninterrupted sample flow and multi-channel optical particle counting for dynamic environments.
• Advanced supersaturation range — programmable 0.07% to 2.0% supersaturation; up to 250 automated/scanned settings.
• Improved accuracy — cylindrical diffusion chamber geometry reduces size and buoyancy biases.
• Onboard computer — real-time control, visualization and data logging via a virtual instrument panel.
• Lifecycle Care options — maintenance and calibration programs to preserve long-term instrument performance.

Technology

• Continuous-flow thermal-gradient diffusion chamber generates controlled supersaturated vapor conditions.
• Supersaturation produced by differential diffusion of water vapor and heat within the chamber.
• Droplet activation on CCN is detected and droplets are counted and sized by an optical particle counter.

Software

• Data collection and logging with timestamped records.
• Set and program supersaturation sequences, including scanned sequences.
• Adjust temperature, sample and sheath flows; control pumps and operational modes.
• Fault detection, calibration updates and shipping/re-humidification procedures.
• PADS compatibility for combined data analysis (PADS does not control CCN instrument).

Main applications

• Weather modification research
• Cloud physics and microphysics studies
• Climate modeling and radiative forcing investigations

Accessories

• Consumables Kit: inline disposable filters, syringe, labels, nylon and TEFZEL® ferrules, bottles and caps, pump repair parts, Nafion humidifier element, tubing and fittings.
• Field Repair Kit: TEC connectors, power cable, ribbon cables, ATA drive, servicing manual, sensors, controllers, fasteners, tools, diaphragm and priming pumps, valves, circuit breaker and tool set.
• Airborne Inlet Assembly Kit: rail mount and aircraft inlet options, constant-pressure inlet for aircraft installation.

Technical specifications

• Aerosol medium: Air; operating temperature 5–40 °C (41–104 °F).
• Number concentration range: Up to ≈6,000 particles/s at supersaturations <0.2%; ≈2,000 particles/s at >0.3% (depends on settings).
• Measured particle size range (after supersaturation): 0.75–10 µm.
• Size bins: 20.
• Sampling frequency: 1 Hz.
• Supersaturation range: 0.07%–2.0% (up to 250 programmable scanned settings).
• Supersaturation change time: ~30 s for a 0.2% change.
• Optical laser: 660 nm, 35 mW.
• Flow range (total / sample / sheath): 200–1000 Vccm / 20–100 Vccm / 180–900 Vccm (factory calibrated at 500 Vccm).
• Flow control: adjustable via software; sample/sheath ratio via manual metering valve.
• Pumps: solenoid pumps for water; diaphragm pump for air.
• Interfaces: Ethernet, USB, serial data port, 28 VDC power connector, touchscreen/keyboard/video ports.
• On-board computer: Intel® Celeron® 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB HDD; keyboard and monitor interface included.
• Data interface: RS-232 (9.6 kb/s single CCN; 57.6 kb/s dual CCN).
• Aircraft features: rack-mount compatible; COG 15.5” from base; sealed plumbing for pressurized aircraft.
• Power: 28 VDC. Current: CCN-100 startup/nominal 15 A / 7 A; CCN-200 startup/nominal 25 A / 20 A.
• Dimensions (lab with frame): 35.0” H x 19.3” W x 15.6” D (88.9 x 48.9 x 39.7 cm).
• Dimensions (aircraft without frame): 32.0” H x 15.25” W x 10.6” D (81.3 x 38.7 x 27 cm).
• Weight: CCN-100 lab 35.2 kg; CCN-100 aircraft 29.0 kg; CCN-200 lab 50 kg; CCN-200 aircraft 43.8 kg.
• Environmental conditions: Temperature 5–40 °C; RH 0–100% non-condensing.