Tag: UFP

Field Review: nanoDUST AirPN10 — The Next Generation of Nanoparticle Monitoring

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The landscape of air quality monitoring is shifting. For years, the focus remained on PM2.5 and PM10 (mass concentration), but we are increasingly realizing that the most dangerous threats are the ones we can’t weigh. Ultrafine particles (UFPs), or nanoparticles, are so small they penetrate deep into the bloodstream, yet they often escape traditional sensors and regulatory implementations.

Enter the nanoDUST AirPN10. Designed as a “Plug & Play” solution for monitoring these invisible threats, it promises to bring lab-grade accuracy to the field without the logistical headaches of traditional counters.

Technical Specifications

The nanoDUST AirPN10 is built for high-precision air monitoring. Its standout feature is its independence from working fluids, unlike Condensation Particle Counters (CPC) that require constant refills of butanol or water.

  • Measurement Range: 1,000 to 500,000 particles/cm³
  • Lower Detection Limit: D50 at 10 nm
  • Technology: Advanced Diffusion Charging (ADC)
  • Aerosol Handling: Integrated Aerosol Switching Technology (AST) for solid vs. volatile separation.
  • Weight: ∼9 kg
  • Connectivity: LTE (Cloud), LAN (Ethernet), and USB.
  • Durability: Weatherproofed for outdoor use (when not using the rear USB port).
  • Power Consumption: Typically <100 W
  • Ingress Protection: IP55 Weatherproof
  • Sample Inlet: PM10 Sampling Head
  • Calibration Aerosol: Soot
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Interview – Airport Series: #1 The Growing Concerns of Van Nuys Airport and Its Impact on Local Community

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

I recently learn from Sue, a resident of Los Angeles, who is living in the shadow of the Van Nuys Airport (VNY) that the air quality of the area and mental health of the residents have been affected dramatically. She shared with me the growing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the airport’s operations, particularly due to the increasing number of private and charter jets.

According to Sue over the past few years, the VNY has essentially transformed into a commercial airport due to the influx of private and charter jets. This brings with it an incessant noise pollution problem, as there’s no curfew and flights come in all day and night. And, they are under the most congested airspace in the world, with five airports in the LA area, all converging over them.

Although the airport has been around since the 1920s the changes, in recent years are drastic. Sue lives in that area since mid 80’s. They are now literally feet away from dozens of jets that emit toxic fumes into their homes, schools, and lungs. It was not like this up until a few years ago.

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