TOF-ACSM

The Aerodyne Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) measures mass loading and chemical composition of non-refractory aerosol particles in real-time. Smaller, lower cost, more robust, and simpler to operate than our AMS instruments, the ACSM is designed for long-term unattended deployment and routine monitoring applications.

The ACSM is available with either a quadrupole or time-of-flight mass spectrometer and can be configured for either PM1 or PM2.5.

ACSM Applications

• Continuous on-line measurement of ambient aerosol mass concentrations. 

• Composition analysis for particulate ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, chloride, and organic species. 

• Field measurements of aerosol chemical com position from high-pollution at urban sites to pristine background at remote locations. 

• Routine air quality monitoring. 

• Aerosol chamber studies. 

• Source characterization. 

• Optical/CCN closure. 

• Industrial process monitoring.

ACSM Advantages

• Aerodynamic particle lens for efficient gas-particle separation. 

• Linear universal detection through two-step thermal vaporization (~600 C) and electron impact ionization process. 

• Mass spectrometric analysis (0-400 amu). 

• Automated zeroing (filter). 

• Minimal maintenance. 

• Remote control ready. 

• Separation and quantification of organic aerosol species including HOA (hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol, linked to primary combustion sources) and OOA (oxygenated organic aerosol, linked to secondary aerosol sources).

ACSM Specifications

Sensitivity (µg m-3 , 10 minute, 3σ ): 

Organic: 0.06 

Sulfate: 0.006 

Nitrate: 0.007 

Ammonium: 0.06 

Chloride: 0.003 

Data Rate: Adjustable, 10 minutes is typical 

Sample Flow: 85 cc min-1 (volumetric flow) 

Operating Pressure: Ambient Aerosol 

Size range: 40 nm to 1 µm (vacuum aerodynamic diameter). 

DAQ Control: Hi-speed USB 14 bit acquisition card, PC embedded in instrument rack. 

Size/Weight: Bench top, 25.6”x20.1”x23.6”, 165 lbs [65 cmx 51 cmx 60 cm , 75 kg] 

Electric Power: 600 W Max; 350 W typical, 90-260 VAC, 50-60 Hz 

Software: Custom acquisition and analysis routines. Specialized routines for PMF analysis of the organic fraction.