Determination of the UFP_3031 Uncertainty on Number Concentration regarding Ambient Air Particle Monitoring
Résumé
From 2011 onwards, some French regional air quality monitoring networks started to develop strategies for the monitoring of airborne ultraFine particles. To ensure the consistency of the results obtained from these various programs, a single measurement technique has been commonly selected, the Model 3031 Ultrafine Particle (UFP) Monitor. Objective of the study : Two interlaboratory exercises have been organized in 2014 and 2015, to assess the accuracy of the instrument through a comparison with other techniques (such as Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer, SMPS), and through uncertainty calculations. Instrumentation : The UFP 3031 is manufactured by TOPAS and commercialized by TSI. It measures the size distribution and number concentration within six particle size classes between 20 and 800 nm. The principle is based on diffusion charging of particles, followed by size segregation within a Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) and detection of the aerosol via an electrometer. It has been specifically designed for long-term, air quality monitoring networks. It operates with minimal maintenance, requires no working fluids and has no radioactive source. It is easily installed into existing air quality monitoring stations...