Advanced Aethalometers & Black Carbon Monitoring Solutions
Real-time instruments to measure black carbon with high sensitivity and accuracy for environmental, research, and industrial needs.
Combustion Particle Detection with Precision Aethalometers
Monitoring black carbon is essential for understanding combustion-related air pollution, especially in urban environments and near emission sources. Aethalometers and black carbon monitors provide real-time insights into the concentration and distribution of particulate matter from diesel engines, biomass burning, and other combustion activities. These instruments are vital for health risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and air quality research.
Air Quality Instruments offers high-performance aethalometers and black carbon monitors tailored for continuous air quality applications. Trusted by B2B organizations across North America, we deliver scalable solutions that combine accuracy, reliability, and intelligent data management. Whether deployed in roadside environments, cleanrooms, or field research, our systems offer industry-grade performance and seamless integration with broader monitoring infrastructures. With a reputation for innovation, quality, and responsive support, Air Quality Instruments helps clients unlock the full potential of particulate pollution monitoring.
Core Components of Aethalometers / Black Carbon Monitors
In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for Aethalometers / Black Carbon Monitors, we are proud to carry top-tier technologies from Global Advanced Operations Tek Inc. (GAO Tek Inc.) and Global Advanced Operations RFID Inc. (GAO RFID Inc.). These reliable, high-quality products and systems enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive technologies, integrations, and services you can trust. Where relevant, we have provided direct links to select products and systems from GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc.
Core Components
- Optical Aethalometers – Supported by Optical & Imaging Sensors for precise light-based detection crucial to real-time gas calibration feedback loops.
- Sample Inlet & PM Preselectors – Best integrated with Gas Analyzers under Environmental Test Instruments, enabling accurate particulate control during calibration sampling.
- Flow Controllers – Calibrated and verified using Manometers from Structural Testers to ensure stable and traceable flow conditions.
- Field-Deployable Housings – Reinforced using Industrial & Asset Monitoring Sensors from IoT Sensors to monitor environmental stability during field calibration.
- Touchscreen Interfaces – Seamlessly deployed using Industrial Tablet PCs under Electronics, enhancing usability and direct control during instrument setup and calibration routines.
- Data Acquisition & Control Suite: Offers real-time visualization, auto-logging, and system management.
- Multi-Wavelength Analysis Module: Supports source apportionment and optical correction for improved data accuracy.
- Local Storage & Export Tools: Enable data review, CSV exports, and integration with analysis software like MATLAB or R.
- Diagnostics & Calibration Interface: Alerts for maintenance, sensor drift, or flow interruptions.
- Remote Data Access: View, store, and analyze black carbon trends remotely via secured cloud platforms.
- Alert Notifications: Automatic email/SMS alerts for abnormal readings or sensor anomalies.
- Historical Data Archiving: Long-term storage for regulatory, academic, or operational records.
- Device Management Console: Monitor multiple units from one centralized dashboard across various locations.
Key Features and Functionalities
- Real-time black carbon measurement at multiple wavelengths
- Automated flow control and sample validation
- High sensitivity with low detection limits (down to ng/m³)
- Internal data logging with USB, Ethernet, and RS232 connectivity
- Programmable sampling intervals and custom calibration settings
- Compatible with AC, battery, or solar power for flexible deployments
Integrations & Compatibility
Air Quality Instruments ensures full compatibility of our aethalometers and black carbon monitors with:
- Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (AAQMS)
- Traffic Emission Monitoring Systems
- Indoor and Occupational Air Monitoring Platforms
- Academic and industrial research instrumentation
- EPA-approved environmental sensor networks
Benefits of Our Black Carbon Monitoring Solutions
- Actionable Data: Detect combustion sources and pollution events in real time.
- Research-Grade Precision: Ideal for source apportionment and pollution modeling.
- Deployment Flexibility: Stationary, mobile, and personal-use models available.
- Regulatory Readiness: Complies with QA/QC standards for continuous air monitoring.
- Scalable Networks: Cloud and telemetry-ready units for regional air quality networks.
Applications
- Urban and roadside air pollution monitoring
- Source apportionment and combustion analysis
- Wildfire and biomass smoke tracking
- Climate change studies involving carbonaceous aerosols
- Diesel emissions monitoring at ports and transport hubs
- Occupational exposure studies in industrial zones
Industries We Serve
Environmental Regulatory Agencies
Transportation and Infrastructure
Energy & Utilities
Academic and Public Research Institutions
Public Health & Epidemiology
Aerospace and Automotive R&D
Relevant U.S. & Canadian Industry Standards
U.S. EPA Air Sensor Performance Targets for PM Monitoring
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (Method 5040)
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS)
Case Studies
Diesel Emission Monitoring – Long Beach, California
To evaluate pollution from heavy freight traffic, a port authority in Long Beach installed multiple black carbon monitors along its transportation corridor. Real-time data revealed consistent BC spikes during truck loading hours, prompting optimized scheduling and reduced diesel exposure for workers and nearby residents.
Clean Air Campus Initiative – Ann Arbor, Michigan
A university environmental program deployed aethalometers across campus buildings and bus routes to study the impact of diesel shuttles. Data collected over six months contributed to switching half the fleet to hybrid engines, lowering BC levels by 35% during peak hours.
Wildfire Smoke Analysis – British Columbia, Canada
During a severe wildfire season, a provincial health agency partnered with researchers to deploy mobile black carbon monitors near affected communities. The real-time data allowed targeted health alerts and resource deployment to areas experiencing hazardous BC exposure.
Contact us
Looking to enhance your air quality data with high-sensitivity black carbon monitoring?
Contact Us Today to discuss your project needs, request a quote, or get expert guidance. Air Quality Instruments is here to deliver custom solutions built for your performance, regulatory, and operational goals.