Aethalometer AE36 Measurements: A Comprehensive Guide for Accurate Instrument Installation and Effective Data Analysis Techniques
MARTIN RIGLER, Matic Ivančič, Bálint Alföldy, Irena Ježek Brecelj, Asta Gregorič, Aerosol Magee Scientific
Abstract Number: 603
Working Group: Exhibitor and Instrument Application Showcase
Abstract
The Aethalometer AE36 is a widely used filter photometer capable of measuring the light-absorbing properties of aerosol particles, especially BC. In this Instrument Application Showcase, we present the performance of the new Aethalometer model AE36 (Aerosol Magee Scientific), developed to meet the needs of the monitoring community. The performance of the new Aethalometer has been significantly enhanced by redesigning the filter compartment, which is now robust to changes in relative humidity (RH). The AE36 is designed for long-term unattended operation, facilitated by a new self-cleaning procedure and a 20m filter tape.
In this comprehensive hands-on presentation of our instrument, we will demonstrate the thorough process of preparing the AE36 Aethalometer to measure the accurate and real-time black carbon concentrations and other light-absorbing properties of particulate matter. Our presentation will provide attendees with practical guidelines. These will cover the installation of the instrument itself, which is a critical component of the setup. Additionally, we will guide you through the installation of the sampling tube and the size-selective inlet. Our presentation will also explore the technical and scientific aspects of setting up various measurement parameters. This includes the C factor, also known as the multiple scattering parameter, the flow standard used for flow determination, and the limit settings for the relative humidity warnings in the sample stream and instrument’s filter compartment. Another important topic is the determination of Angstrom Absorption Exponents (AAE). These are essential for the optimal operation of the Aethalometer model, which is used for source apportionment.
We will also focus on instrument maintenance in our presentation. We will provide practical guidelines for cleaning the instrument and conducting Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) tests. Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and accuracy of the instrument. Finally, we will introduce various methods of data analysis. This is the final step in our process, where we interpret the data collected by our instrument. We will guide you through different techniques and approaches to analyzing the data, helping you draw meaningful conclusions from your measurements.