Air airborne particle counter TSP & TPC

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Particulate matter sensor
Smart cartridge by Kunak integrating a laser‑scattering optical particle counter that provides concentrations and size distributions for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and Total Particle Count (TPC). Available in two variants to suit Kunak AIR Pro and Kunak AIR Lite platforms.

Key benefits and features

• Optical particle counting (laser scattering) with multi‑fraction outputs: PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, TSP, TPC.
• Two variants: Type A (broad range OPC, 0.3–40 µm, 24 bins) and Type B (focused on fine particles, 0.3–10 µm).
• Particle size distribution exportable via Kunak AIR Cloud; remote calibration tools for site‑specific correction factors.
• Embedded humidity correction algorithm; automatic invalidation of data under fog/condensation conditions to reduce noise.
• Local data buffering and multiple communication interfaces for integration (Modbus, cellular, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, REST API).

Where is it found?
Particles originate mainly from anthropogenic sources: road transport, industrial combustion and processes, commercial/residential combustion and power plants. Natural events (volcanoes, dust storms) contribute but are typically less frequent for urban/industrial monitoring contexts.

Why is it harmful?
Particle size, number and composition determine health impact: PM10 affects upper airways, fine and ultrafine particles penetrate deeper (alveoli). Exposure is linked to increased mortality in vulnerable groups, cardiovascular events, asthma aggravation, reduced lung function and respiratory irritation.

PM sensor
The sensor uses laser scattering/OPC technology. Two options are available:

• Type A (for Kunak AIR Pro): Optical Particle Counter measuring 0.3 µm to 40 µm with 24 bin channels. Calculates PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, TSP and TPC using an assumed particle density profile. Field co‑location studies show comparable performance to equivalent OPC instruments; certified for indicative ambient particulate monitoring.
• Type B (for Kunak AIR Lite): Sensor measuring 0.3 µm to 10 µm. Accurately monitors PM1 and PM2.5; PM10 accuracy is reduced when coarse particles are present.

Calibration and correction
Humidity effects corrected by embedded algorithms. Remote calibration tools enable adjustment of correction factors for the specific installation site. Particle size distributions and calibration workflows are managed via Kunak AIR Cloud. Data are invalidated automatically under fog/condensation to avoid noisy readings.

Specifications (summary)
Type A (Kunak AIR Pro) — Optical particle counter
Type | Optical particle counter
Unit of measurement | µg/m3 (mass) and counts/cm3 (TPC)
Measurement range | PM1: 0–1,000 µg/m3; PM2.5: 0–2,000 µg/m3; PM4: 0–2,000 µg/m3; PM10: 0–10,000 µg/m3; TSP: 0–15,000 µg/m3; TPC: 0–8,000 counts/cm3
Resolution | 1 µg/m3; 1 count/cm3 (TPC)
Operating temperature | -20 to 50 °C (or -40 to 50 °C with heater on request)
Operating RH | 0–99 %RH (recommended 0–95 %RH)
Operating life | > 24 months
LOD (typical) | PM1: 0.5 µg/m3; PM2.5: 0–0.5 µg/m3; PM4: 0–0.5 µg/m3; PM10: 0–1 µg/m3; TSP: 0–6 µg/m3
Repeatability | PM1: 2 µg/m3; PM2.5: 3 µg/m3; PM4: 3 µg/m3; PM10: 5 µg/m3; TSP: 6 µg/m3
Response time | < 10 s
Typical accuracy (MAE) | PM1: ±2 µg/m3; PM2.5: ±3 µg/m3; PM4: ±3 µg/m3; PM10: ±4 µg/m3; TSP: ±6 µg/m3
Typical precision (R2) | PM1: > 0.9; PM2.5: > 0.8; PM4: > 0.8; PM10: > 0.7; TSP: > 0.7; TPC: > 0.8

Type B (Kunak AIR Lite) — Optical particle counter
Type | Optical particle counter
Unit of measurement | µg/m3
Measurement range | 0–1,000 µg/m3 (typical per fraction)
Resolution | 1 µg/m3
Operating temperature | -10 to 60 °C
Operating RH | 0–99 %RH (recommended 0–95 %RH)
Operating life | > 24 months
LOD (typical) | PM1: 0.5 µg/m3; PM2.5: 0.5 µg/m3; PM10: 0.5 µg/m3
Repeatability | PM1: 3 µg/m3; PM2.5: 3 µg/m3; PM10: 6 µg/m3
Response time | < 10 s
Typical accuracy (MAE) | PM1: ±3 µg/m3; PM2.5: ±3 µg/m3; PM10: ±6 µg/m3 (higher error in presence of coarse particles)
Typical precision (R2) | PM1: > 0.85; PM2.5: > 0.8; PM10: > 0.5

Notes and definitions

• Measurement range: concentration interval measurable by the sensor.
• Resolution: smallest unit indicated by the instrument.
• Operating temperature / RH: environmental limits for safe operation; continuous exposure outside recommended ranges may reduce cartridge life.
• Operating life: expected operational period under normal use.
• LOD: Limit of Detection measured under laboratory conditions (20 °C, 50 % RH) per CEN/TS 17660.
• Repeatability: agreement between successive measurements under laboratory conditions (20 °C, 50 % RH).
• Response time: time to reach ~90 % of final stable value.
• Accuracy/precision statistics: derived from field tests against reference instruments (MAE, R2, slope, intercept).

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Sensor technology: Laser scattering / Optical Particle Counter (OPC).
• Variants: Type A (0.3–40 µm, 24 channels, Kunak AIR Pro) and Type B (0.3–10 µm, Kunak AIR Lite).
• Measured outputs: PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, TSP, TPC and particle size distributions.
• Unit: µg/m3 (mass) and counts/cm3 (TPC).
• Typical response time: < 10 s.
• Humidity compensation: embedded algorithm; fog/condensation invalidation.
• Remote calibration and cloud management: supported via Kunak AIR Cloud.
• Interfaces: Modbus RTU, cellular, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, REST API.
• Mounting: masts, lamp posts, walls, tripods; modular cartridge replacement.