Productinformatie

TSI OmniCount Portable Water-Based CPC type 3002 (dual channel)

The OmniCount Model 3002 is an advanced, portable water-based condensation particle counter (PWCPC) with two measurement channels for simultaneous measurements of ultrafine particles (UFP). The instrument has been developed for professionals and researchers who not only want to measure particle concentrations, but also want immediate insight into the differences between two environments or measurement points.

By analysing two air streams at the same time, the 3002 offers unique possibilities for comparative measurements in both field and laboratory applications. For example, you can carry out comparative studies between indoor and outdoor air, before and after filtration, or around an emission source. This removes the need to use two separate measuring instruments, making the OmniCount™ 3002 an efficient and cost-effective solution for comparative measurements.

Thanks to Bluetooth LE connectivity, measurement data can easily be monitored and analysed wirelessly, both in the field and in the lab.

How does the TSI OmniCount work?

The OmniCount™ 3002 is what is known as a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). Instead of measuring dust particles directly, the instrument first enlarges ultrafine particles so that they can be reliably detected.

The measurement process starts by drawing in air at a constant flow of 0.1 L/min. This air stream is then led through a saturation chamber, where the air is saturated with water vapour. Unlike traditional systems, the OmniCount uses distilled water for this instead of organic liquids such as butanol or alcohol.

Ultrafine particles (<10–1000 nm) are normally too small to measure directly, but act as condensation nuclei. The water vapour attaches itself to these particles, causing the nanoparticles to grow into small droplets that can indeed be detected.

These enlarged particles then pass through an optical measuring cell, where they are detected using a laser. Each droplet scatters light, which is registered by the sensor and converted into the number of particles per cubic centimetre of air. This is displayed in real time and stored for further analysis.

Why water-based?

The OmniCount™ uses distilled water as its working fluid, instead of traditional chemicals such as butanol or alcohol. This offers clear advantages in terms of safety, ease of use and sustainability.

Water is non-toxic, readily available and reduces operating costs. It also avoids working with harmful vapours, which makes the instrument particularly suitable for use indoors, in educational settings and for field measurements.

The underlying measuring principle remains identical: water vapour condenses on ultrafine particles, making them visible so that they can be counted accurately.

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

The OmniCount™ 3001 and 3002 are based on the same measuring principle and both deliver accurate measurements of ultrafine particles (UFP). The difference lies in the way the measurements are carried out and applied.

• The OmniCount™ 3001 is a single-channel instrument that measures one air stream at a time. This makes it ideal for applications centred on a single measurement point, such as personal exposure measurements or general air quality analyses.
• The OmniCount™ 3002 has two measurement channels (dual-channel) and can therefore analyse two air streams simultaneously. This makes differences immediately visible, for example between indoor and outdoor air, before and after filtration, or around a specific source. This real-time comparison capability makes the 3002 suitable for applications such as filtration efficiency, PPE testing and source analysis.

In short: the 3001 provides insight into the concentration at a single point, while the 3002 reveals the differences between two situations.

Applications

• Comparative air quality measurements
  • Indoors versus outdoors
  • Before and after air filtration
  • Different rooms or zones

• Personal protection and filtration
  • Real-time evaluation of PPE (such as masks)
  • Measuring filtration efficiency

• Source analysis and emission measurements
  • Identifying particle sources
  • Comparison between background and source locations

• Outdoor and mobile measurements
  • Measurements using backpacks or mobile set-ups
  • Traffic and environmental studies

• Research and education
  • Advanced field studies
  • Demonstrations and comparative experiments

• Filtration evaluation in buildings
  • Measuring infiltration of ultrafine dust from outside to inside

• Measurements at hard-to-reach locations
  • For example via drones or temporary measurement set-ups

• Emission measurements of equipment
  • Such as 3D printers or industrial processes

Key features

• Number of channels: 2
  
  
• 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: approx. 1.0 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 reduces operating costs and increases both safety and sustainability.
  
  
• Reliable in mobile use: The instrument maintains accurate measurements even when moving and tilted, which makes it highly suitable for dynamic and mobile applications.