DustScan Scout Model 3020

The DustScan Scout Aerosol Monitor provides an effective means of assessing the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in indoor, industrial and outdoor environments. Its modularity and advanced features ensure reliability and high data quality. It has a very large dynamic range, with the ability to assess PM concentrations in clean ambient settings as well as heavily-loaded environments.

Measurement Technology

The system makes use of near-forward light scattering to assess the concentration of particulate matter in ambient air. It is an advanced nephelometer with auto zeroing and continuous optics purging. The light source is a safety-interlocked laser that operates at a wave length of 670 nm. The scattered light caused by the presence of particles is received by a sensor, forming the basis of the monitor's computations. The sensor is located at a 180-degree angle from the light source.

Size-Selective Sampling

A unique system of foam inserts for its sample inlet provides a convenient means of sampling different particle size ranges, including TSP (without insert), thoracic (PM-10), ISO respirable (4.5 micron diameter), and fine (PM-2.5). The inserts generally last for one day of instrument operation, and are easily to exchange. A long-life pump provides an active sample flow, with a default flow rate of 2 l/min.

The monitor's small size, low noise and battery operation make it possible to use it in a large number of applications. Data handling features such as on-screen review of stored information (even during sampling) and simple downloading of data to a PC facilitate the evaluation of particle loading data. A large backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) provides a convenient menu-driven user interface.

The DustScan Scout unit computes a new mass concentration data point every second(down to 0.001 milligrams per cubic meter). The user can select the data storage interval, which can range from 2 seconds to 30 minutes. The monitor indicates the minimum and maximum PM concentrations with time stamps for each measurement interval, along with the average concentration. The unit has a capacity of 25,000 data records.

Eight-digit alphanumeric location codes allow for the easy identification of stored information. The monitor includes software for downloading data to a PC in a spreadsheet-compatible format. One contact closure opens at a concentration level specified by the user, and real-time data can be transmitted to other devices using the included 0-5 VDC analog output.

A span insert can be used to check the monitor against its initial span setting. The device is originally calibrated against a known concentration of Arizona Road Dust (ARD).

An outdoor enclosure is available to house the DustScan Scout unit for long-term field installation. The device is called the DustScan Sentinel Model 3030 Aerosol Monitor in this configuration.