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info@palas.com.cn
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02157850190
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Pallas Instruments (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
Calibration and maintenance techniques for portable particulate matter analyzers
Date: 2025-12-08Read: 0
Portable particle analyzerUsed for measuring the concentration and particle size distribution of particulate matter in the air in on-site or mobile environments, its calibration and maintenance techniques directly determine the accuracy of measurement data and the service life of equipment. Establishing a standardized calibration process and daily maintenance mechanism can maintain stable instrument performance in changing environments.
1. Calibration is the foundation for ensuring accurate measurement. The instrument needs to undergo zero and span calibration before and during regular use. Zero point calibration is performed in a particle free environment to ensure that the instrument output corresponds to zero concentration, eliminating the influence of environmental background and circuit noise. Span calibration uses standard particulate matter aerosols of known concentration, which generate uniformly dispersed particles through a dedicated generating device, allowing the instrument to perform response calibration at high, medium, and low concentration points covering the measurement range. During the calibration process, it is important to ensure stable environmental conditions and avoid strong airflow, drastic changes in temperature and humidity, or electromagnetic interference that can affect sensor readings. The concentration and particle size distribution of standard aerosols must be traceable and meet the requirements of instrument design, otherwise the calibration results cannot be guaranteed to be effective. After each calibration, the calibration time, conditions, standard substance information, and results should be recorded to form a traceable file.
2. The maintenance of sensors and sampling systems is key to maintaining performance. The sampling inlet should be regularly inspected and cleaned to remove foreign objects such as dust, water droplets, or insects, in order to prevent blockage or alteration of the intake characteristics. If the filter membrane or sampling tube is used for particulate matter capture, it should be replaced according to the frequency of use to avoid a decrease in sampling efficiency due to saturation or contamination. The surface of the optical or electrical components of the sensor should be kept clean. Dust or oil stains can reduce detection sensitivity and cause drift. Soft non-woven fabric and suitable solvents should be used for cleaning to avoid scratching or corroding the components. The sealing of the air path connection needs to be checked to prevent unfiltered air from infiltrating and affecting concentration measurement.
3. Managing the operating environment of instruments can help reduce errors. When used on site, it is necessary to avoid visible dust sources and high humidity areas, and reduce the interference of instantaneous high concentration or water vapor condensation on the measurement. High or low temperature environments can affect the response characteristics of sensors. If necessary, insulation or constant temperature measures can be taken, or environmental compensation can be applied in data processing. During transportation, it is necessary to prevent severe vibration and impact, avoid internal structural displacement or optical component misalignment. Before long-term storage, the instrument should be cleaned and dried, the battery should be removed or the power should be disconnected to prevent electrolyte leakage or circuit moisture.
4. Software and data management are also part of maintenance. The firmware and calibration parameters should be updated regularly to ensure that the algorithm matches the hardware. Measurement data should be backed up in a timely manner, and abnormal values should be reviewed in conjunction with the on-site situation to determine whether it is environmental interference or instrument failure. Users should receive training, be familiar with calibration steps and common fault diagnosis methods, and be able to quickly handle simple problems on site to reduce downtime.
5. Periodic comprehensive maintenance should be carried out by professionals. This includes checking the performance and flow stability of the pump, calibrating the circuit gain, evaluating the degree of sensor aging, and lubricating and fastening the mechanical structure. Components that have reached their service life or whose performance cannot be restored should be replaced in a timely manner to ensure that the instrument maintains its original accuracy in subsequent use.
Portable particle analyzerThe calibration and maintenance techniques cover zero and span calibration, cleaning of sensors and sampling systems, environmental protection during operation, software updates and data management, as well as regular professional maintenance. Strictly implementing these measures can obtain reliable measurement data under complex on-site conditions and extend the equipment's service life.