Aerosol ACTRIS
Sampling Line
High-Flow Aerosol Sampling Line
Aerosol ACTRIS Sampling Line: standardized systems for advanced aerosol sampling
The TCR Tecora ACTRIS Aerosol Sampling Line is a high‑flow sampling system designed to collect and distribute atmospheric aerosols to multiple measurement instruments. The system is developed and manufactured according to the CAIS‑ECAC guidelines (Centre for Aerosol In‑Situ – European Center for Aerosol Calibration and Characterization), in full compliance with ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) protocols.
The system ensures traceable, reproducible, and comparable sampling conditions across different European ACTRIS stations, maintaining sample integrity and the reliability of downstream measurements. Sampling is carried out through a configurable outdoor inlet—PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, or whole-air—designed to protect aerosols from precipitation and local contamination, while ensuring a representative collection of ambient air.
System Components
Its structure includes optimized transport tubing, an aerosol conditioning module (typically with Nafion drying), and an isokinetic flow splitter, which distributes the sample to multiple instruments while maintaining flow velocity and laminar conditions.
Key Features
★ Tube ends with a clean profile to reduce turbulence;
★ Sampling from the flow core (away from the walls) for accurate representation of both coarse and ultrafine particles;
★ Laminar flow maintained (Re < 2000) in the sub-sampling lines to minimize particle losses.
This configuration helps reduce particle losses, limit the effects of humidity, and ensure consistent measurement conditions, supporting the quality and comparability of ACTRIS data.
TOTAL INLET
★ Designed for high flows
★ Heated or unheated version
★ Optimized transmission efficiency
MAIN SAMPLING FLOW
★ High-capacity pump
★ Stable flow ≥ 100 L/min
★ Controlled flow regime
ISOKINETIC DISTRIBUTOR / NOZZLE – IMPACTOR DISK
★ 4 to 20 outlets
★ Balanced low-turbulence flows
★ Straight sections to minimize losses
SENSORS AND DATA LOGGING
★ Temperature, humidity, pressure
★ Internal memory
★ PC connection for continuous monitoring
OUTPUT OPTIONS AND CONNECTABLE INSTRUMENTS
Each outlet can be configured according to the connected instrument, including sample conditioning systems.
Available options:
★ Cyclones for size-segregated sampling
★ Nafion drying lines (DINS)
★ Direct connection to analyzers
Compatible instruments:
★ MAAP, AE33, PSAP (Black Carbon)
★ CPC / UCPC
★ SMPS / DMA
★ Nephelometers
★ Optical and chemical samplers
Operating Modes and Applications
The system draws ambient air through a high‑flow total inlet (typically ≥ 100 L/min), designed to maintain proper fluid dynamic conditions and minimize particle losses.
Ambient parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure) are continuously monitored and recorded to ensure compliance with ACTRIS operational conditions.
Operating Principles
Nafion™ Option – OSM Kit
To ensure maximum measurement accuracy, the aerosol flow can be conditioned through the integration of a Nafion™ membrane dryer. This system reduces relative humidity below 40%, preventing hygroscopic swelling and losses due to volatilization, which could compromise the data.
This solution is compatible with all monitoring instruments and includes:
★ 2 high-flow lines (up to 5 L/min) and 2 low-flow lines (up to 2 L/min);
★ 2 DDS vacuum systems for managing 4 Nafion tubes.
LEARN MORE
The integration allows for maintaining a stable flow and controlled environmental conditions, enhancing the reliability and quality of the collected data.
