ECOPS: the first automatic monitor for suspended particles and settleable particulate matter

Particulate matter (PM) is an atmospheric pollutant present in different terrestrial environments. Particles are generally classified according to their aerodynamic diameter, usually measured in micrometers. Indicators commonly used to describe PM refer to concentrations of airborne particles, for example: TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5. The finer the particles, the higher the health risk they potentially cause. In addition, settleable particulate matter (SPM), or dustfall, which settle on surfaces, can cause discomfort, dirt and environmental damage resulting from this deposition.

Over the years, EcoSoft has been working on the innovation and improvement of technologies to increase the sample density and monitoring capacity. As a result, we developed ECOPS, the first continuous monitor that simultaneously measures airborne particle concentrations (TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM_1.0) and the rate of settleable particulate matter. Concentrations of suspended particles are measured by a laser particle counter and SPM rate is measured by a quartz crystal microbalance. All in one light, compact, efficient and easy to operate monitor.

The solutions developed by EcoSoft for the continuous and automatic monitoring of SPM rate are unprecedented worldwide. The ability to monitor SPM in real time is a milestone in the management of atmospheric emissions and air quality.

The manual methods for determining the SPM rate (ABNT NBR 12.065/MB-3402 and ASTM D 1739–98) consist of the use of a sedimentation jar to quantify the deposition rate of particles in a given area during the 30-day period. Therefore, in addition to being subject to various interferences, which can compromise the determination of the SPM rate, manual methods generate average results of 30 days of exposure, presented only after laboratory analysis. In other words, with manual methods, the 30-day average data only describes a past environmental condition.

With ECOPS the deposition rate of SPM is determined continuously, automatically, in real time. Thus, it is possible to improve knowledge about the atmospheric emissions x air quality relationship and insert decision variables that enhance atmospheric environmental management.

ECOPS can be calibrated by reference with approved automatic monitoring stations and/or approved manual methods. EcoSoft has a specialized laboratory equipped with two particle calibration chambers, unique in Latin America, to perform this calibration. Once calibrated, ECOPS produces measurements comparable to USEPA-approved reference equipment.