Aethlabs microAeth AL30 Quick Start Manual page 4

components, and optical chambers clean is critical for maintaining the instrument
and producing quality measurements. We recommend, at a minimum, Standard
Maintenance Service at AethLabs or an authorized service center on at least an
annual basis.
Typically, Black Carbon particles are smaller than one micron in diameter. In some
sampling conditions where the aerosol is primarily composed of light scattering particulate
matter, such as dust or smoke from biomass fuels, there can be a prevalent fraction
of larger-diameter particles. Contamination of the instrument can cause increased
measurement noise, poor sealing of the analytical area and degraded operational lifetime
of some components.
For these applications, and to add contamination protection for your microAeth in high
concentrations, AethLabs offers a microCyclone™ size selective inlet that will limit the size
of the particles entering the microAeth to less than 2.5 microns in diameter when used at
at the specified flow rate. Contact AethLabs for more information.
AL30 Quick Start Guide
microAeth
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Recommendations and Best Use Practices
Instrument Settings: We recommend getting started using the 60 seconds timebase and
100mlpm flow rate settings, After using the instrument in your application and collecting
some data, these settings can be easily changed depending on your requirements.
The timebase, flow rate, and WiFi settings will have the greatest impact on battery run
time. NOTE: Battery life will start to gradually diminish after many cycles (~ 1 year of use).
Runtimes can vary based on individual AL30 instruments.
Individual Data Point Noise:
Instrumental noise contributes a random perturbation to the 'ideal' BC data. Its magnitude
is inversely proportional to the operational parameters of timebase and flow rate. Data
collected on a 1 second timebase should always be smoothed or averaged over longer
periods, unless measuring high concentrations where the instrumental noise is negligible.
Effects of Contamination, Vibration, and Impact: Primarily affected by timebase setting.
Increased flow rate will also reduce the effect.
1 second
very large
Choosing the ATN Threshold for changing the filter strip for your application:
Choosing the right ATN threshold for changing the filter strip, helps ensure the integrity
of your measurement by reducing possible loading effects. Loading effects are variable,
aerosol dependent, and are not always present. The lower the ATN value, the lower the
impact of loading effects.
AL30 Quick Start Guide
AethLabs microAeth
®
5 seconds 10 seconds 30 seconds
large large moderate
60 seconds 300 seconds
low least
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