Productinformatie
OpenCPC - Ultrafine Particle Counter
The OpenCPC is an open-source condensation particle counter (CPC) for measuring ultrafine particles (UFPs) in air. The instrument uses condensation technology in which particles are grown into optically detectable droplets, allowing the concentration of particles from 10 nanometres upwards to be measured.
The OpenCPC has been developed for applications in which conventional optical particulate sensors are not sensitive enough, such as research into ultrafine particles, filtration efficiency, ventilation performance and respirator fit testing.
Measuring principle
The system uses isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol) as the working fluid. Ultrafine particles act as condensation nuclei on which vapour condenses. The resulting droplets are then counted optically. The OpenCPC offers an accessible solution for measuring ultrafine particles, with performance comparable to commercial CPC systems, but in a compact and open design focused on reproducibility, maintenance and further development.
Open Source
The OpenCPC® has been developed as a fully open source platform. The hardware, firmware and documentation are all available to users who want to understand, maintain or modify the system. Hardware and software are transparent, which makes measurement methods and results easier to verify and validate. The open source model also makes the OpenCPC highly suitable for customisation, automation and integration with existing research or monitoring systems. Its open nature likewise allows further development and modification, including for applications outside the standard configuration.
Applications
- Monitoring of ultrafine particles indoors and outdoors
- Research into aerosols and air quality
- Evaluation of ventilation and filtration systems
- Testing of air purifiers
- Filter efficiency measurements
- Respirator and mask testing
- Exposure studies into combustion-related emissions and other sources of ultrafine particles
Key specifications
- Measuring range: 0,1 – 100.000 particles/cm³
- Detection limit (D50): 10 nm (0,010 µm)
- Maximum particle size: >1 µm
- Response time: <3 seconds to 95% of a concentration step
- Integrated touchscreen with real-time graphs
- Internal data logging with storage capacity of more than two years
- Temperature and humidity control
- Design resistant to tilting and liquid overflow
- Open-source hardware and software for modification and integration into research projects
