E-BAM Environmental Beta Attenuation Mass Monitor
Advanced Features
- Accuracy and precision consistent with U.S. EPA requirements for Class III PM2.5 and PM10 measurement.
- Real-time, accurate results without correction factors — regardless of season or geographic location.
- Ambient sampling provides accurate measurement of semi-volatile nitrates and organic compounds.
- Lightweight, rugged construction is easily mounted on a tripod in minutes.
- All-weather construction allows for true ambient sampling.
- Operates on AC or DC power. Solar power options available.
Continuous Monitoring
The E-BAM automates particulate measurement by continously sampling and reporting concentration data. Data records are updated every minute. The E-BAM eliminates the involved process of filter collection and filter weighing, and the more expensive, high maintenance instruments. With the adoption of beta attenuation for ambient monitoring the process has become simple, streamlined, and inexpensive.
About Accuracy
Real-time accurate, reliable, and repeatable measurement of ambient fine particulate matter has been the elusive goal of environmental regulators and health professionals for many years. Met One Instruments Powered by Acoem has developed advanced particulate monitoring instrumentation which is both reliable and easy to operate. Results are automatically reported in near real time, eliminating the need for high levels of human intervention. Because sampling occurs under true ambient conditions, semi-volatile organic compounds and nitrates are easily detected thereby avoiding under-measurement of particulates. The E-BAM will therefore produce comparable results to the manual reference method.
Continuous Sampling
The E-BAM is a lightweight, portable instrument that operates directly in hostile environments without an exterior enclosure. The robust E-BAM portable sampler system is easily installed in less than 15 minutes. No other sampler matches the portability and flexibility of the E-BAM.
Set Up
Quick startup of the E-BAM is assured by a series of prompts guiding the installer on the initialization sequence to follow. Next the E-BAM performs a series of self-test diagnostics and alerts the installer of any corrective action. Upon completion of the self-tests, the E-BAM automatically places itself in normal operating mode.
*Note, even if the installer does nothing other than turn the E-BAM on, it will put itself in normal operation using default setup values.
Particulate Size Selection
Size selective concentration measurements are made using one of four sampling inlets. The E-BAM may be supplied and used with either TSP (Total Suspended Particulate), PM10, PM2.5 or PM1 inlets. Flow dependent cut points in the size selective inlets are maintained using integral flow meter, pressure sensor, and ambient temperature sensor. The PM10 inlet removes particles larger than 10 microns, the inlet is not affected by wind speed and wind direction. For PM2.5 or PM1 secondary size selection is made using a second downstream inlet.
Construction
The standard configuration of the E-BAM is a self-contained environmentally sealed aluminum enclosure placed on a rugged tripod. This system can be permanently placed on rooftops, near roads, at industrial sites, or rapidly deployed to monitor emergency situations. ‘E’ designation stands for an “Environment-Proof” instrument. The E-BAM has been specifically designed to work in hostile environments with no additional protection.
Direct Field Reporting
Remote collection of real time or historical particulate data from a field site has never been easier. Communication options include landline or cellular data modem, line of sight spread spectrum radio, and for very remote sites, satellite communications. E-BAM data is easily accessed by direct communication with a data logger, PC, or laptop computer.
Stored E-BAM data may be retrieved using one of the communication options; or the data may be forwarded to a third-party data acquisition system. AIR Plus Software supports the E-BAM and provides complete communication, database, and reporting modules with charting. Comet data retrieval software is included with every E-BAM.
Digital, Analog, and Alarm Outputs
The E-BAM provides continuous digital and analog outputs. The analog output is selectable to several full-scale voltages. Digital output is supplied as RS-232. A single channel contact closure alarm relay output is available. This is used for alert of an unspecified error such as: broken tape, sensor failure, flow failure, etc.
Reporting Modes
The internal E-BAM data logger can store over 182 days of hourly concentration data as well as hourly averaged data from up to eight other measurements. Both digital and analog outputs are easily connected to other data recording systems.
Easy to Operate
Once initialized, the E-BAM will operate continuously, except during calibration verification. Current data, historical data, and status information are available at any time without interrupting normal E-BAM operation.
Data Validation
The E-BAM has selectable criteria for data validation, including but not limited to; deviation from a rolling average, high value excursions, and power failure. Should an error occur, it is entered into the error log with date, time, and type of error.