Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter 3786
Recommended Replacement
Accessories
[Product Discontinued]
Product Details
The Model 3786 Ultrafine Water-based Condensation Particle Counter (UWCPC) is designed primarily for researchers who are interested in airborne particles smaller than 20 nanometers. It detects particles down to 2.5 nm, and it has a high sample flow rate (0.3 L/min) for very good counting statistics.
Patented technology* enables this particle counter to use water as a condensing fluid to enlarge submicrometer particles so they can be detected easily. The Model 3786 also offers fast response, a sheath-air flow design that minimizes diffusion losses and produces a sharp lower cutpoint, and single particle counting with continuous, live-time coincidence correction. Particle concentration, total counts, or plots of concentration versus time can be displayed on the front panel. The Model 3786 is compatible with SMPS systems and TSI's Aerosol Instrument Manager® software.
Features and Benefits
- Fast response
- Wide, dynamic, particle-concentration range
- Uses water as condensing fluid
- Compatible with SMPS systems
- Detects particles down to 2.5 nm
Applications
- Particle formation and growth studies
- Health effects studies
- Environmental monitoring
- Nanotechnology research
- Atmospheric and climate research
- Mobile aerosol studies
Included Items
- Aerosol Instrument Manager® software
FAQs
How do you test the UCPC counting efficiency down to 3-nm diameter particles?
Sodium chloride or silver particles in the range from 2 to 300 nm are generated using an ultrafine condensation-type aerosol generator described by Scheibel and Porstendorfer (1983) and more recently by Kesten, Reineking, and Porstendörfer (1991). The particles are size-classified with a modified Electrostatic Classifier and their concentration measured with an Electrometer. The UCPC concentration measurement is compared to the Electrometer.
Is the CPC compatible with my component SMPS or DMPS sizing system?
Yes.
What is the final droplet size after growth by condensation?
This question has been investigated, theoretically, by Ahn and Liu (1990). For the initial particle diameters of 5 and 20 nm, the computation results show a final droplet size of 11.3 and 12.3 micrometers, respectively (Ahn and Liu, 1990). Similar experimental results have also been determined.
Will I get biological growth in the water?
We have not experienced significant biological growth in the instrument, but the wick does provide a warm, moist environment for biological growth to occur. To minimize biological growth, you should establish a maintenance routine that includes draining the reservoir at regular intervals, rinsing the fill bottle prior to adding water, periodically cleaning the reservoir, and replacing the wick at least every six months or when it shows signs of discoloration or contamination. The wick is easily removed for inspection and replacement. We recommend that the instrument be dried and the wick be removed and dried when the instrument will be out of service for more than a few weeks.