Catching the particle matter measurement accurately
Industrial areas are often associated with high levels of air pollutants as a result of their manufacturing or processing activities. Owners and developers of construction sites, mining and chemical processing plant, smokestacks, combustion engines and power plant are becoming more aware of this type of pollution, or Particle Matter (PM) as it is called, due to the effect it can have on the health of communities living in nearby suburbs. In order to protect community health, it is essential to measure the PM levels on a continuous basis through the installation of specialised instrumentation, such as the PMsense particulate matter transmitter from Delta OHM.
Newly launched, the PMsense datalogger has particular applications in smart city applications, widespread environmental monitoring activities and the monitoring of PM pollutants found at industrial sites. “In line with current environmental safety initiatives and industry’s desire to ensure that communities living close to their place of work do not suffer serious ill health issues as a result of industrial air pollution, it is crucial to know the exact PM content” commented Jan Grobler managing Director of GHM Messtechnik, South Africa.
“Delta OHM’s PMsense ensures a very accurate reading of PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 particle counts, due to its laser scattering measuring principle. The device ensures that the air quality guidelines established by the WHO, which outline the exposure limits to key air pollutants, is followed accurately” said Grobler.
Technicalities
The particle detection range of Delta OHM’s PMsense is ø0.3 – 10μm, with a measuring range of 0 – 1000μg/m3 for each pollutant. Powered by a 7-30 Vdc via a M12 8-pole circular connector it can operate in conditions such as -20 – + 70 0 C and 500-1500 hPa.
In the first 10 seconds after the instrument power on, it is always active the proprietary protocol. After 10 seconds from power on, the operating protocol is activated, which by default is the MODBUS-RTU protocol.
It is possible to keep the proprietary protocol active even after 10 seconds from power on by sending, before the 10 seconds expire, the command @ of the proprietary protocol.
The proprietary protocol can be set as operating protocol by means of the DP0 command.
The configuration of the instrument and the reading of the measurements can be done via the RS485 serial output, both the proprietary protocol and with the MODBUS-RTU protocol and the results are reported in μg/m3. In combination with one of our loggers, collected data is then sent via HTTP to the Delta OHM Cloud and therefore is available on any device.
The transmitter is equipped with a bracket with U-bolt for the fixing to a Ø40…50 mm
mast. It can be fixed to a wall using the bracket only, by removing the U-bolt. The PMsense is rain proof and UV resistant and has a polycarbonate housing.
Grobler said “Delta OHM is known for the quality and accuracy of its Automatic Weather Solutions (AWS), this new PMsense device offers a fully compatible measurement in conjunction with AWS. Its fully integrated: simple and fast, plug and play with no need for additional start-up. By incorporating the PMsense measurement in AWS, early warnings can be provided when air pollution is close to dangerous levels”.
“South Africa, has in the past had a few industrial pollution issues that have impacted upon the health of nearby communities, this PMsense sensor or datalogger would be an early indication of air pollution reaching levels of non-conformity, and thereby eliminates potential health risks to surrounding communities of industrial sites” concluded Grobler.
Further information is available from: Jan Grobler, Managing Director, Messtechnik South Africa. Tel: 011 902 0158 email: info@ghm-sa.co.za
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