Productinformatie

TSI OmniCount Portable Water-Based CPC type 3001 (single channel)

The TSI OmniCount Model 3001 is a portable, water-based condensation particle counter (PWCPC) for accurate measurements of ultrafine particles (UFP). The device measures the concentration of ultrafine particles in the air (UFPs), in other words the number of individual ultrafine dust particles per volume of air (particles/cm³).

The instrument combines laboratory precision with mobility and ease of use, and is designed for researchers and professionals working in air quality, health and the environment. Thanks to its compact design, battery power and wireless data communication, the 3001 is ideal for both fieldwork and laboratory applications.

A key advantage is the use of distilled water instead of traditional organic working fluids. This not only makes the system safer to use, but also lowers operating costs and reduces the environmental impact.

How does the TSI OmniCount work?

The OmniCount 3001 is a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). That means it does not count “visible dust particles”, but first enlarges ultrafine particles so that they become measurable.

First, the air containing ultrafine particles is drawn in at a fixed flow rate (0,1 L/min). The air passes through a saturation chamber where it is exposed to water vapour. For this the OmniCount uses distilled water (no butanol/alcohol as in older CPCs). 

Condensation of distilled water onto nanoparticles makes the minuscule particles visible to the device so that they can be measured. Ultrafine particles (<10–1000 nm) are normally too small to see. But they act as condensation nuclei and therefore attract water vapour. Water vapour condenses on the ultrafine dust particle → the particles grow into microdroplets (µm size). 

Finally, the enlarged droplets pass through an optical cell. Laser light illuminates the flow, comparable to the detection principle of other dust meters. Each droplet scatters light, which is registered by the OmniCount sensor and converted into a number of particles per cm³ of air. And that is ultimately shown on the display.

Why water-based?

The OmniCount uses water instead of traditional working fluids such as butanol or alcohol. This is not only a practical choice, but also a technical and safety-related improvement.

Using distilled water makes the measuring process safer and more sustainable. Water is non-toxic, widely available and cheaper to use, which considerably lowers your operating costs. It also removes the need to work with chemical vapours, which is a major advantage especially in educational settings, fieldwork and indoor spaces. In fact, it simply makes working more pleasant in any environment.

Technically the measuring principle remains the same: water vapour condenses on ultrafine particles, making them visible and countable. 

What is the difference between the OmniCount 3001 and 3002 models?

The OmniCount 3001 and 3002 work on the same measuring principle and both deliver accurate measurements of ultrafine particles (UFP). The main difference lies in the number of measuring channels and the applications they are designed for.

• The OmniCount™ 3001 is a single-channel instrument that measures one air flow at a time. This makes the device ideal for personal exposure measurements, general air quality analyses and mobile fieldwork. It gives a clear and immediate picture of the particle concentration at a single location or moment.
• The OmniCount 3002 has two measuring channels (dual-channel) that collect data simultaneously. This makes it possible to compare two environments directly, for example indoors versus outdoors, before and after a filter, or upstream and downstream of an emission source. This makes the 3002 suitable for comparative studies, filtration tests and applications where cause and effect need to be made visible.

In short: the 3001 measures “how many UFP particles are there?”, while the 3002 also shows “what is the difference between two situations?”

Applications

• Personal exposure measurements 
  UFP exposure while walking, cycling or commuting
  
  
• Outdoor and ambient measurements
  Such as traffic-related air quality or drone and backpack measurements.
  
  
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
  For example the evaluation of ventilation in offices, or source tracing in schools and homes.
  
  
• Occupational safety
  Monitoring of industrial emissions (welding, production processes).
  
  
• Research & education
  Field studies into ultrafine dust, or practice-based teaching in aerosol science.

Key features

• Number of channels: 1
  
  
• Particle detection: <10 – 1.000 nm
  
  
• Concentration range: 0 – 200.000 particles/cm³
  
  
• Accuracy: ±20%
  
  
• Sample flow: 0,1 L/min
  
  
• Battery life: >4 hours (20°C)
  
  
• Data storage: up to 29 hours (standard mode)
  
  
• Weight: 0,85 kg
  
  
• Dimensions: 16 × 12 × 8 cm
  
  
• Ambient conditions: 8–38°C, 0–90% RH (non-condensing)
  
  
• Safe and sustainable measuring principle: Using distilled water instead of organic working fluids not only lowers costs, but also increases safety and sustainability.
  
  
• Designed for mobile use: The instrument maintains accurate measurements even when moving and tilted, which makes it suitable for mobile applications.