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.