CONTINUOUS PM-10 MEASUREMENTS USING THE TAPERED ELEMENT OSCILLATING MICROBALANCE

The goal of continuous ambient particulate monitoring has been realized through the use of tapered element oscillating microbalance technology. This technology measures particle mass inertially as the mass deposits on a filter. As such, it is a direct mass measurement and eliminates the mass uncertainties inherent in indirect methods represented by optical or beta adsorption instrumentation. A description of the tapered element oscillating microbalance PM-10 measurement technique is given. Tests have been conducted on tapered element oscillating microbalance PM-10 monitors both in the United States and Europe. Test results presented include comparisons to samplers designated as EPA reference methods.