PCX Module

The PCX PM module comprises an optical particle counter that uses scattered light to size and count particles. The amount of scattered light is converted to a voltage pulse and the amplitude of that voltage pulse is calibrated to a particle diameter. The particles are assigned based on diameter to one of six particle count channels. Using a proprietary algorithm, particle counts for each size fraction are converted into mass measurements, providing continuous and simultaneous measurement of PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₄, PM₁₀ and TSP.

The PCX module also includes a controlled heated inlet, and active flow control.

Learn more about particulate matter (PM) measurement principles, specifications and performance on the PM measurements page.

PCX module specifications

The PCX module performance specifications are given in the table below.

Module

PM₁

PM_2.5

PM₄

PM₁₀

TSP

Range (mg m^-3)

0-30

Resolution (μg m^-3)

0.1

Lower detectable limit (μg m^-3)

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.5

Precision

4.3%

3.1%

2.8%

2.3%

2.7%

Accuracy

<5%

Noise zero (μg m^-3) span (% of reading)

<0.1

0.8%

<0.1

1.2%

0.1

1.1%

0.1

1.2%

0.2

1.7%

24hr Drift zero (μg m^-3) Span (% of FS)

-0.2

5.7%

-0.1

3.4%

<0.1

5.0%

0.3

0.7%

0.6

1.5%