In line with European standards and the directives of leading institutes
ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) is the leading European infrastructure for high-quality atmospheric observation.
Recognized for its harmonized and scientifically rigorous approach, ACTRIS enables monitoring of aerosols, trace gases, and microphysical properties of clouds through a widespread network of over 100 research centers across 17 European countries.
In this context, we have developed a solution according to ACTRIS requirements, designed in compliance with European standards and the technical guidelines established by leading research centers, including TROPOS. This solution is engineered to ensure reliability, compatibility with third-party devices, and full alignment with the scientific requirements of the ACTRIS network.
ACTRIS is built on three fundamental pillars that ensure excellence in the collection, management, and sharing of atmospheric data.
📡 1. CONTINUOUS ATMOSPHERIC MONITORING
ACTRIS infrastructures carry out continuous, high-resolution monitoring of the main atmospheric components:
To obtain precise and reliable data, ACTRIS employs a combination of complementary techniques: on one hand, in-situ measurements, performed directly at ground level; on the other hand, remote sensing observations, using advanced instruments such as LIDAR and radiometers.
This dual operational approach allows continuous, consistent, and harmonized monitoring of the atmosphere on a European scale.
🧪 2. DATA STANDARDIZATION AND HARMONIZATION
To ensure comparability and scientific quality, ACTRIS adopts uniform methodologies for data collection and analysis:
Application of European standards, such as EN 16976 – instruments for measuring particles in ambient air; CEN/TS 17434 – measurement of ultrafine particles;
Centralized instrument calibration;
Systematic quality controls across the entire network.
The result is a coherent and comparable database both geographically and temporally, useful for research and practical applications.
🌐 3. DATA SHARING
ACTRIS promotes scientific transparency by making its data available in an open-access format.
ACTRIS data are:
Free and freely accessible through the official portal;
Used by researchers and universities; environmental agencies and public authorities; industrial and technological sectors; international organizations (e.g., IPCC, WHO, EEA).
This supports the development of evidence-based environmental policies, air quality assessment, and climate change studies.
ACTRIS is not just an observation network: it is a strategic infrastructure to understand atmospheric changes, guide environmental decisions, and support scientific innovation in Europe.
Designed to ensure reliability, precision, and compliance with ACTRIS and European standards in atmospheric aerosol monitoring
To meet the needs of the ACTRIS network and European research centers, TCR Tecora has developed a complete solution for high-volume isokinetic sampling.
Each component is designed to ensure compliance with international standards and maximum compatibility with existing systems.
The system includes sample dehumidification lines, making it compatible with samplers and analyzers for atmospheric aerosols.
Air transfer is ensured by a TCR suction system (Echo ACTRIS), which maintains a constant and laminar flow along a precision-ground and polished sampling tube. Flow stability is electronically controlled and continuously monitored, with automatic recording of parameters.
🔧 MAIN FEATURES
PM10 or PM2.5 Preimpactor
Located at the top, this component selects the particle size fraction to be sampled (PM₁₀ or PM₂.₅).
Vertical Suction Tube
Connects the preimpactor to the sampling unit.
Inside, internal temperature and relative humidity (%RH) are also measured via integrated sensors.
Laminar Flow
In the sampler’s main chamber, the airflow is controlled to maintain stable and regular suction conditions.
Isokinetic Nozzle
Ensures that the inlet air velocity matches the ambient air velocity, preventing sampling errors caused by turbulence or non-conforming speeds.
Internal Chemical Treatment for Smooth Surface
Internal surfaces are chemically treated to reduce particle adhesion and ensure a clean, uniform airflow.
Drain
Present for draining any condensate or collected liquids.
Roof Flange for Installation
Mechanical element allowing stable mounting on a roof or flat surface.
HV Constant System (Main Control and Suction Unit)
The heart of the system, maintaining constant flow and recording data. External temperature and relative humidity (%RH) are also measured here.
The mobile laboratory of CNR-ISAC in Lecce is an advanced platform for atmospheric monitoring, designed in compliance with the requirements of the European ACTRIS network.
Among the technologies included in the project, the installed system comprises:
🌀 TCR SOLUTION FOR HV ISOKINETIC SAMPLING
The system enables particle size selection (PM₁₀ or PM₂.₅) via a preimpactor and performs isokinetic sampling with laminar flow and constant air velocity, monitoring temperature and humidity in real time.
Automated management is handled by the HV Constant System unit, which regulates and records sampling parameters.
💨 HV CONSTANT SYSTEM
The core of the sampling system is the HV Constant System unit, designed for high-volume isokinetic sampling. This device ensures precise control of flow rate and suction conditions, guaranteeing sample representativeness even under variable environmental conditions.
The system automatically adjusts the suction speed to maintain isokinetic conditions throughout the sampling tube, which is made of precision-ground and polished steel. Electronic control allows for maintaining a constant laminar flow, reducing turbulence and preserving sample integrity.
All parameters (flow, temperature, humidity) are recorded and managed by a programmable central unit.
💧 RECIRCULATING DRYER
To ensure measurement stability, the sample flow is conditioned by a recirculating dehumidification system.
This module removes excess moisture without altering the chemical composition of the collected particles.
The system uses a selective Nafion® membrane combined with a recirculation circuit featuring thermo-hygrometric regulation. This ensures stable temperature and humidity conditions along the sampling line, a crucial requirement for optical instruments like the nephelometer and for the overall quality of the acquired data.
This configuration enables integrated and continuous in-situ monitoring of aerosols, even in complex or mobile environments, enhancing the reliability and comparability of data collected within the context of European atmospheric monitoring.
