SMOKE PARTICULATE MONITORS:
DataRAM Particle Monitoring System:
The
Thermo Fisher Scientific DataRam
uses optical light scattering principles
to estimate fine particle concentration. Most monitors are configured to
measure PM2.5.
The DataRam is not approved by the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency (US-EPA) as a reference (or equivalent) fine-particle
monitoring sampler.
The DataRam provides general trends of smoke
particulate concentration. These data can enable the user to verify whether the
impacts of smoke particulate are increasing or decreasing.
The USFS Missoula Technology and Development Center has developed a calibration factor when using the DataRam to estimate smoke particulate concentrations. This calibration factor was calculated by comparing the estimated concentrations from the DataRam to results from a US-EPA Federal Reference Method PM2.5 gravimetric sampler. The DataRam can be programmed to automatically adjust the concentrations by the calculated factor of 0.37.
BAM-1020 Particle Monitoring System:
The
Met
One Instruments
BAM-1020 uses beta attenuation to estimate particulate
concentrations. The BAM-1020 PM10 monitor has received EPA’s designation as an
Automated Equivalent Method (EQPM-0798-100) when operated for 24-hour average
measurements, with a filter change frequency of one hour, and glass fiber
filter tape. Most monitors reported on this site are configured to measure
non-EPA-equivalent PM10 concentrations with filter change frequencies of 24
hours. The instrument can also be configured with a PM2.5 cutoff device. The
BAM-1020 provides reliable 24-hour particulate concentration measurements, is
easy to use, and has proven to be the “standard” in California PM10 and PM2.5
smoke monitoring applications.
E-BAM Particle Monitoring System:
The
Met One
Instruments
portable E-BAM is a smaller version of the BAM-1020 which
uses a similar beta attenuation method to estimate continuous particulate
concentrations. Most monitors are configured to measure PM10 concentrations
with filter change frequencies of 24 hours. The instrument can also be
configured with a PM2.5 cutoff device. The E-BAM provides continuous
particulate concentration measurements; it can operate with AC or solar power,
is lightweight, portable, and easy to use.
This is not an EPA approved
Federal Reference or Equivalent Method monitor.
E-Sampler System:
The
Met
One Instruments
E-Sampler uses light-scattering principles to estimate
mass concentrations. The environmentally enclosed sampler is lightweight and
portable, mounts a tripod, and additional meteorological instruments (ambient
temp, RH, wind speed and direction) can be added. The sampler can be configured
to estimate Total Suspended Particulate, PM10 or PM2.5. A 47-mm filter can also
be used to collect particulate to compare gravimetric to the real-time results.
This is not an EPA approved Federal Reference or Equivalent Method monitor.
SATELLITE TELEMETRY SYSTEM:
The satellite telemetry system was developed by AIRSIS. The telemetry system utilizes the ORBCOMM low orbiting satellite system to transmit data from the DataRam hourly where the information is posted on a web site for easy access. The system has indicator lights that enable the user to verify that the system has power, is communicating the DataRam, and that satellites are in view for transmission.