Pegasor has developed a new sensor measuring nanoparticle concentration in the air, suitable for continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality

The new sensor measuring the nanoparticle concentration in indoor and outdoor air is easy to integrate

Pegasor has developed a new sensor measuring nanoparticle concentration in the air, suitable for continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality. The new product relies on Pegasor’s strong expertise in electric, non-collective nanoparticle measurement technology. Integrating the sensor into larger measurement systems is easy.

The new sensor measures the nanoparticle emissions from various emission sources quickly and accurately even in challenging field conditions outdoors. The sensor does not require much maintenance, which means that its lifecycle costs are low. Pegasor’s measurement technology has been used in monitoring the air quality in the Helsinki region, and the experiences have been positive.

Complements air quality measurement equipment

The new sensor is easy to integrate into larger measurement equipment or systems. If necessary, Pegasor’s experts will participate in the research and development of the customer’s final product, ensuring successful product integration. The sensor offers technology that complements equipment measuring mass emissions and fine particles (PM_10,PM_2.5). Pegasor’s sensor measures the number of nanoparticles and their lung-deposited surface area concentration (LDSA) in the range of approximately 10–400 nanometers. The sensor does not require much maintenance, and it can operate outdoors independently for long periods of time, producing continuous and accurate real-time measurement data on nanoparticle concentrations.

Measuring the nanoparticle concentration in the air is becoming more common

Currently, outdoor air measurements measure fine particles (PM_10,PM_2.5), such as road dust and air pollution, for which the EU has specified safe limit values. The WHO has estimated, however, that nanoparticles smaller than fine PM_2.5 particles are a more serious health risk than fine particles; the nanoparticles penetrate deep into the lungs and the circulatory system, causing breathing problems and symptoms that endanger people’s health, among other things. As a result, measuring the nanoparticle concentration in the air is becoming more common.

Measurement and continuous monitoring of nanoparticles complements the existing measurements in compliance with the measurement obligations. Monitoring provides a more detailed picture of air quality and its changes. It also helps to track down emission sources more accurately than before. Nanoparticle concentrations reveal emission sources in urban areas caused by traffic and small-scale wood burning, for example. This helps with taking measures to improve air quality.

Indoor air quality should also be monitored

Pegasor’s new sensor can also be integrated into indoor air quality measurement equipment. By monitoring the nanoparticle concentration in indoor air, you can ensure that the indoor air is clean and healthy to breathe. Indoor air quality problems can be pinpointed to malfunctioning ventilation or ventilation filters that do not work, for instance. The monitoring of indoor air quality will become more common both in hospital and care institution environments as well as office premises.

Our new sensor is suitable:

For outdoor air quality measurement devices and as a part of large measurement systems
As nanoparticle measurement technology in a range of integrators for measurement equipment
As complementary technology for measurement equipment manufacturers (for monitoring the nanoparticle concentration in indoor and outdoor air)
For air quality monitoring networks
For property maintenance (ventilation system maintenance)
For the needs of air filter manufacturers

Would you like to find out more about our new sensor? Contact Juha Kaartinen (tel. + 358 50 35 82769, juha.kaartinen@pegasor.fi)