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CARBONACEOUS AEROSOL SPECIATION SYSTEM CASS

CASS
Continuous analysis of Carbonaceous Aerosols

CASS redefines carbonaceous aerosol measurement by uniting the Total Carbon Analyzer and Aethalometer into a seamless, automated solution. It offers near real-time data on organic and elemental carbon, total carbon, brown and black carbon, and biomass burning contributions, with flexible sampling from 20 minutes to 24 hours. With no need for special gases or quartz components, CASS simplifies operation while delivering high-resolution data for air quality, climate, health, and emissions research.
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TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW

COMPLETE CARBONACEOUS AEROSOL FINGERPRINT (CAF)

EASY TO USE AND MAINTAIN

REQUIRES MINIMAL RESOURCES

NO GASS, NO GLASS, NO COMPROMISE

HOW IT WORKS?

The Science Behind CASS

Key features
Measurement principle

Key features

CONTINUOUS ANALYSIS OF CARBONACEOUS AEROSOLS: OC, EC, TC, BC, %BB, BrC, POA, SOA

SAMPLING TIME 20 MIN TO 24 HOURS

NO SPECIAL GAS, NO CATALYST AND NO SPECIAL QUARTZ GLASS

RUGGED AND RELIABLE

SOURCE APPORTIONMENT

DUALSPOT – PATENTED TECHNOLOGY

Measurement principle

The  Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System, CASS, simultaneously controls the operation of 2 instruments, i.e., the Total Carbon Analyzer TCA08 and the Aethalometer. The first one collects a sample of atmospheric aerosols on a quartz fiber filter positioned inside a small stainless-steel chamber at a controlled sampling flow rate of 16.7 LPM. The default sampling time of TCA08 is 60 min, but it can be set from 20 min to 24 h, depending on the ambient aerosol concentrations. TCA08 has 2 identical parallel channels, through which ball valves and solenoids control air flows. A continuous operation is enabled and sustained by the following principle of operation: while one channel collects its sample, the other channel analyzes an already collected one and reports a total carbon (TC) level on a set time base (from 20 min to 24h). After collecting the filter, two flash-heating elements combust the sample instantaneously in a small analytic flow of filtered ambient air. This converts all the carbonaceous compounds into CO2 and creates a short, but large-amplitude pulse of CO2 in the analytic flow passed to the NDIR CO2 detector. The background level of CO2 in ambient air during the heating cycle is determined before and after the heating cycle, providing the baseline against which the combustion pulse is measured. The CO2 concentration over the baseline is integrated to give the sample’s TC content.

In parallel to TCA08, the CASS instrument also performs a BC/EC monitoring with Aethalometer performing an optical attenuation analysis at multiple wavelengths from near UV to near IR range to characterize black carbon (BC/EC) aerosols accumulated on a Teflon-coated glass fiber filter tape. The Aethalometer draws the sample air stream through a filter tape with a flow rate of 2 – 5 LPM. Aerosols are collected on two spots on the tape and are illuminated by a multi-wavelength light source. Detectors measure the attenuation of light by the absorbing components of the aerosols relative to a reference through an unexposed portion of the tape. On a defined time-base (1 s or 60 s), Aethalometer reports this BC/EC data to TCA08.  BC/EC data is together with TC included in a simple mathematical formula: TC = BC (EC) + OC to deduce the OC level on the same time base as the TC level.

CARBONACEOUS AEROSOL SPECIATION SYSTEM CASS

PRODUCT INFO

Information
Specifications
Documents
Publications
Accessories

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

  • DUALSPOT  TECHNOLOGY for yielding black carbon mesurements independent of the so-called filter loading effect.
  • CONTINUOUS ANALYSIS OF TOTAL CARBON content using 2 identical flow channels with 2 independent stainless steel combustion chambers.
  • SOURCE APPORTIONMENT to discriminate black carbon from fossil fuel vs. black carbon from biomass burning with built-in analysis by a 2-component model.
  • CALIBRATION/VALIDATION against NIST STANDARD reference material to validate the data by a Neutral Density Optical Filter Kit data. This procedure can be performed at the instrument site to maximize up-time and minimizes expenses.
  • Using AMBIENT AIR in the combustion chamber as a carrier gas to create CO2 pulse, TCA08 measures the level of TC in ambient air, therefore NO special GAS and NO special quartz GLASS are required.
  • RUGGED and ALL STEEL CONSTRUCTION to fit the requirements of standardized 19” rack type mounting.
  • EASY INSTALLATION and MAINTENANCE and VERY LONG AUTONOMOUS OPERATION

ONLINE TC, BC, OC/EC DETERMINATION

The Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System CASS provides real-time data for BC, closely related to EC. It automatically combines them with TC data from TCA08  to provide a complete characterization of the carbonaceous component of the aerosol in near-real-time: TC, BC, (or EC), and OC. All carbonaceous aerosol components are characterized by a simple mathematical relation: TC = BC (EC) + OC.

ADVANCED APPORTIONMENT OF CARBONACEOUS AEROSOLS

CASS uses the advanced TC/BC(λ) method to study the influence of anthropogenic processes, such as fossil fuel combustion (traffic) or biomass burning (wildfires), on air quality and thus to study the impact of those processes on our daily life, e.g., climate change and public health.

 

A complete carbonaceous aerosol fingerprint can be obtained from CASS: BCff, BCbb, POAnon-abs, POABrC, SOAnon-abs, and SOABrC. All data obtained from CASS instrument can be afterwards further analyzed by taking into account some specific numerical models (Aethalometer model, Brown Carbon model, EC-BC tracer, BC tracer for BrC, OC-OM model by including MAC values for Black Carbon @ 880 nm and Primary/Secondary Brown Carbon @ 370 nm) to finally obtain the complete CA fingerprint as schematically shown in a chart below.

Refer to this application for more details.

REAL-TIME SOURCE APPORTIONMENT (%BB)

The Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System CASS discriminates a Black Carbon fossil fuel from a Black Carbon biomass burning (%BB) in real-time through a sophisticated built-in SW analysis based on a two-component Aethalometer model.

7 WAVELENGTH OPERATION: UV-IR, 1HZ DATA

The BC (or EC) optical analysis is performed at 7 wavelengths from the near-infrared (950 nm) to the near-ultraviolet (370 nm), yielding optical absorption characteristics of collected aerosols on a Teflon-coated glass fiber filter tape. Tape advances automatically when the user-selectable loading threshold is reached, typically once every few hours, depending on aerosol concentration and airflow rate.

RUGGED INSTRUMENT FOR LONGER AUTHONOMOUS OPERATION

The Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System CASS is constructed in a rugged and compact design to fit Aethalometer and TCA08 into a 19” rack type CASS housing package suitable for field-work laboratory routine Air Quality monitoring applications with limited space. CASS can operate for a longer period of time (from weeks to months) without the operator´s attention; only a roll of filter tape on Aethalometer and quartz fiber filter and denuder on TCA08 must be replaced from time to time.

MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE

CASS is a combination of Aethalometer and Total Carbon Analyzer.

MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE

Optical analysis of black carbon (BC) with continuous collection of aerosol on filter and simultaneous measurement of attenuation of transmitted light at multiple wavelengths.
Thermal analysis of total carbon (TC) with flash-heating of sample collected on a quartz filter to convert all Carbon to CO2.

The mathematical principle: total Carbon (TC) = black (or elemental) carbon (BC, EC) + organic carbon (OC).

Measure TC with the TCA08
Measure BC/EC with the Aethalometer
Derive OC immediately in near-real time by subtraction: OC = TC – EC.

The Aethalometer also identifies brown carbon (BrC) by multi-wavelength optical analysis, to separate biomass smoke from diesel emissions.

 

SPECIFIED PERFORMANCE OF AE33

  • Analytical sensitivity for BC – proportional to time-base and sample flow rate settings: ≈ 0.03 μg/m3 @ 1 min, 5 LPM (or 0.015 μg/m3 in HS mode)
  • Detection limit of BC (1 hour) <0,005 μg/m3
  • Detection range of BC: <0.01 to >100 μg/m3
  • Time base BC/EC: 1-second (1 Hz) or 1 minute

SPECIFIED PERFORMANCE OF TCA08

  • Analytical sensitivity for TC: <0.5 µg C
  • Detection limit of TC: <0.1 µg C/m³ for 1-h timebase, flow 16.7 LPM
  • Detection range of TC: <0.03 µg/m3 to > 300 µg/m3 total carbon
  • Time base TC/OC: 20 minutes to 24 hours

SAMPLING

SAMPLING BLACK CARBON

  • Aerosol sample collected on filter tape consisting of coated glass fibers, supported by a reinforcement backing. Tape advances automatically when the user-selectable loading threshold is reached, typically once every few hours, depending on concentration and flow rate. Size-selective inlets (impactor, cyclone) may be attached.
  • AE33 sampling flow rate of BC/EC adjustable from 2 to 5 LPM, provided by closed-loop stabilized internal pump and two mass flow sensors.

SAMPLING TOTAL CARBON

  • Standard flow rate of 16.7 LPM (1 m3/h), provided by a closed-loop stabilized internal pump.
  • Sample is collected on a 47-mm quartz fiber filter.

QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE

Automatic or manual sample flow rate calibration using an externally attached calibrator. Validation of optical performance using kit of neutral density filters.
Pre-programmed built-in zero air test – clean air test for TC and BC.

USER INTERFACE

DISPLAY

8.4” SVGA display (21 cm) with LED backlight, color touch-screen

LED status indicators: Red, Yellow, Green.

INTERFACE

Graphical User Interface with basic data display and control, advanced screens for detailed reporting and parameter setup.

Optional control: standard PC keyboard and mouse

REMOTE MANAGEMENT

Network ready for remote management and data transfer.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Indoor or laboratory use, rack or benchtop.
  • Ambient temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C, non-condensing.
  • Sampled air stream: non-condensing (RH < 90% at instrument temperature).
  • Operating altitude: 0 ~ 3000 m.
  • Inlet plumbing requirement: the minimum overall height of the Total Carbon Analyzer TCA08 chassis and inlet tubing is 1.20 m.  See details under TCA08 Specifications 

STORAGE AND DATA OUTPUT

DATA OUTPUT

  • Digital data via RS-232 COM port and Ethernet.
  • 6x COM, 4x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 3x power USB, Ethernet
  • Network ready for remote management and data transfer.

STORAGE
Data are written to internal memory once every time base period. Stored data may be transferred over a network or to a manually inserted USB drive.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Dimensions: 78 x 48 x 57 cm
  • Weight: 89 kg
  • Electrical Power supply: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz (auto-switching)
  • Power consumption: 625 W
  • Max power consumption: for TCA08 600 W (Heaters 400 W, Sample pump 100 W, Analytic flow pump 25 W) and for AE33 90 W (25 W on average)
  • Airflow: for TCA08 Sample Airflow 16.7 LPM, Analytic Airflow 0.5 LPM; for AE33 Sample Airflow from 2-5 LPM
  • Internal Vacuum Pump
  • TCA08 Sampling airstream connector: inlet: inner diameter 14 mm, outer diameter 18 mm, custom connectors; outlet: 1/4” NTPF
  • TCA08 Analytic airstream connector: inlet: 1/8’’ NTPF; outlet: internal, not brought to panel connector
  • AE33 Sampling air connectors: inlet/outlet type – ¼” NTPF
  • Modular hardware, constructed in a fully-enclosed 19” rack Mount chassis, hermetically sealed

ACCESSORIES

  • Neutral Density Optical Filter validation kit
  • Ambient meteorological sensor
  • PM2.5 inlet (2.5 μm @ 5 LPM)
  • ALICAT FP-25 flow calibrator with communication cable
TitleAuthorPublicationYearLink
The “dual-spot” Aethalometer: an improved measurement of aerosol black carbon with real-time loading compensationL. Drinovec et.al.Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 1965–1979, 20152015LINK
Determination of car on-road black carbon and particle number emission factors and comparison between mobile and stationary measurementsI. Ježek et.al.Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 43–55, 20152015LINK
The filter loading effect by ambient aerosols in filter absorption photometers depends on the mixing state of the sampled particlesL. Drinovec et.al.Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 1043–1059, 20172017LINK
Evaluation of the absorption Ångström exponents for traffic and wood burning in the Aethalometer based source apportionment using radiocarbon measurements of ambient aerosolZotter et.al.Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4229–4249, 20172017LINK
Two-year-long high-time-resolution apportionment of primary and
secondary carbonaceous aerosols in the Los Angeles Basin using an advanced
total carbon–black carbon (TC-BC(λ)) method		M. Ivančič et.al.Science of the Total Environment 848 (2022) 1576062022Link
Real-time source apportionment of fine particle inorganic and organic constituents at an urban site in Delhi city: An IoT-based approachJ. Prakash et.al.Atmospheric Pollution Research, Volume 12, Issue 11, November 2021, 1012062021LINK
An overview of optical and thermal methods for the
characterization of carbonaceous aerosol		D. Massabo et.al.La Rivista del Nuovo Cimento (2021) https://doi.org/10.1007/s40766-021-00017-82021LINK
The new TC-BC method and online instrument for the measurement
of carbonaceous aerosols		M. Rigler et.al.Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4333-20202020LINK
Rigler (2017) Offline validation of the New Total Carbon AnalyzerM. Rigler et.al.POSTER2017LINK
Comparative analysis of new observation methods for carbonaceous aerosol (OC/EC)Deng-feng,NI, et. al.China Environmental Science, 2020, 40 (12): 5191-51972020LINK
Source identification of the elemental fraction of particulate matter using size segregated, highly time-resolved data and an optimized source apportionment approachM. Manousakas et al.Atmospheric Environment: X
Volume 14, April 2022, 100165		2022LINK
Quantifying the relative contributions of aqueous phase and photochemical processes to water-soluble organic carbon formation in winter in a megacity of South ChinaJ. Tao et al.Chemosphere
Volume 300, August 2022, 134598		2022LINK
Applying the total carbon–black carbon approach method to investigate the characteristics of primary and secondary carbonaceous aerosols in ambient PM2.5 in northern TaiwanKatoch et al.Science of The Total Environment
Volume 936, 1 August 2024, 173476		2024LINK
Optical properties and simple forcing efficiency of the organic aerosols and black carbon emitted by residential wood burning in rural central EuropeCuesta-Mosquera et al.Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
24, 2583–2605, 2024		2024LINK
Highly Time-Resolved Apportionment of Carbonaceous Aerosols from Wildfire Using the TC–BC Method: Camp Fire 2018 Case
Study		M. Ivančič et al.Toxics, 11, 497; doi: 10.3390/toxics11060497, 20232023LINK

ALICAT FP-25 FLOW METER CALIBRATOR KIT

FP-25 Calibrator kit for Air Quality Monitoring needs. Portable mass flow standard that calibrates temperature, pressure, and flow for a variety of air samplers.  NIST traceable readings with high accuracy for EPA reporting. Bluetooth and customized app makes remote calibration from your phone possible. Built in relative humidity sensor for even more accurate readings.

  • Flow Accuracy of +/- 1% of Reading – Even at Low Flow Rates
  • Accurate in Any Weather – From -30°C to +60°C and IP67 certified
  • Includes relative-humidity sensor accurate up to 95% RH

PM2.5 SHARP CUT CYCLONE (SCC)

The Sharp Cut Cyclone (SCC) is designed to replace the US EPA WINS Impactor for PM2.5 sampling.  It has proven advantages over the WINS because it is a dry system and does not require cleaning at frequent intervals.  Since speciation sampling for particulates is not governed by an EPA FRM, the SCC may be freely utilized.

  • Particle Size Cut PM2.5 at 16.67 LPM
  • Ambient PM2.5 sampling
  • Indoor Air Quality sampling
  • Speciation sampling

Whitepaper

WEATHER STATION SENSORS

Our new family of Weather station sensors for measurements of Air temperature, Pressure, Relative/Absolute humidity, Wind speed, and Wind direction consists of:

1. The GMX300 Ambient Meteorological Sensor is a combined instrument mounted inside three doubled louvered, naturally aspirated radiation shields with no moving parts. It measures air temperature, humidity, and pressure.

2.The GMX200 is a Wind speed and direction ultrasonic sensor, and with an addition of an electronic compass, it provides apparent wind measurements.

3.The GMX500 is a compact weather station (with temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction sensors).

For more information, please refer to the below brochure:

IMPORTANT: Full operation of these sensors will be enabled with the new CASS SW update scheduled in March 2021.

SAMPLE STREAM DRYER

Drying the aerosol sample stream is highly recommended to provide accurate measurement data and protect the water condensation equipment.

In hot, humid locations, the water vapor content of the ambient sample air may be very large.  This can lead to inaccuracies in the BC measurement – but, more seriously, there is the possibility of water condensation inside the instrument, which can lead to permanent damage.  This issue is solved by the use of our Sample Stream Dryer.

The interaction of water with aerosol species changes their physical properties.  Consequently, the World Meteorological Organization has recommended that all aerosol measurements should be performed under conditions where the Relative Humidity is 40% or lower (WMO/GAW 2003; Wiedensohler, 2014).

Many stations in hot, humid locations have air-conditioned interiors.  If the indoor air-conditioning temperature Ta is comparable to or lower than the dewpoint (condensation temperature) Td of the outside ambient air, water will condense in the tubing and inside the instrument.  This will not only completely invalidate the data but can also cause permanent damage to the instrument.

The Aerosol Magee Scientific Sample Stream Dryer removes water vapor from the inlet flow using a semi-permeable Nafion membrane.  This membrane selectively absorbs water vapor molecules from the air stream and passes them to a space on the other side of the membrane, maintained at low absolute pressure using a vacuum pump.

The Sample Stream Dryer can reduce the dew point temperature by up to 14 degrees Celsius at a flow rate of 5 LPM.  The equipment is self-contained, automatic, and includes a display screen that shows the input and output hygrometric properties.  A data cable can connect to the Model AE33 Aethalometer to incorporate the temperature and humidity data into the Aethalometer’s data files.

The Aerosol Magee Scientific Sample Stream Dryer can remove water vapor from the inlet stream to an aerosol instrument, not just an Aethalometer.

NEUTRAL DENSITY OPTICAL VALIDATION KIT

he Neutral Density Optical Filter Kit provides validation of the reproducibility of the photometric detectors.

The optical performance of the Aethalometer® may be validated in the field by the ‘Neutral Density Optical Filter Kit’, consisting of glass inserts made of stable and broad-spectrum absorbing materials with well-defined optical transmittance. Software routines measure the optical intensities at all wavelengths and compare the analysis during the test with the original reference values.  This validates the reproducibility of the Aethalometer’s fundamental measurement of optical Attenuation.

FILTER TAPE

The Magee Scientific Aethalometer® Model AE33 collects its samples on a proprietary filter tape made of glass fibers coated with PTFE/PET and supported on a mechanical backing for transport in the instrument.  When the spot reaches a pre-set loading density, the tape is advanced to create a new spot.  Each roll of tape is 10 m. in length and will last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the average concentration of BC in the sampled atmosphere and the chosen operational flowrate.

SIZE-SELECTIVE INLETS

Ambient atmospheres include suspended particles of a large aerodynamic size such as pollen, dust, etc.  These particles are not strongly optically absorbing and therefore do not interfere with the Aethalometer® analysis; however, a deposit of dust in the internal optics will degrade performance after lengthy use.  To exclude large particles and provide analysis of a known respirable size fraction, we recommend using size-selective inlets designed to exclude particles of aerodynamic size greater than a specified cut point at a specified sample air flow rate.  We offer the ‘Sharp-Cut Cyclones’ designed by BGI (USA) and now manufactured by Mesa Labs (USA).  These inlets are usually attached directly to the sample inlet tube at the entry point and installed in-line closer to the Aethalometer.

PM2.5 Inlet
BGI model SCC-1.828.  Provides a cut point of 2.5µm at a sample flow rate of 5 LPM.

PM1/2.5 Inlet
BGI model SCC-1.197.  Provides a cut point of 2.5µm at a sample flow rate of 2 LPM or 1µm at a sample flow rate of 5 LPM.

PM1 Inlet
BGI model SCC-0.732.  Provides a cut point of 1µm at a sample flow rate of 2 LPM.

BGI ‘Mini-PM’ Inlet Kit
The BGI ‘Mini-PM’ Inlet Kit offers impaction jet inserts to provide size-selective capabilities of TSP, PM-10, PM-4, PM-2.5, and PM-1 when operated at a flow rate of 5 LPM.

QUARTZ FILTERS

Quartz filters with a diameter of 47 mm are used to collect airborne particulate matter, chosen for their excellent thermal stability and minimal background carbon content. These filters provide a dependable substrate for analysing total carbon (TC) in air samples. Once the sample is collected, it is analyzed using the Total Carbon Analyzer, which determines the carbon content by converting the material into CO₂ through flash-heating. The resulting CO₂ is then measured to quantify the total carbon present in the sample.

CARBONACEOUS AEROSOL SPECIATION SYSTEM CASS

APPLICATIONS

Mine ventilation optimization

Mine ventilation optimization

Learn how black carbon monitoring supports ventilation efficiency and cost savings in deep underground mining operations.
FIND OUT MORE

Urban maps of black carbon pollution

Urban maps of black carbon pollution

Compare personal black carbon exposure across transport modes and routes using mobile mapping in urban environments.
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Global black carbon pollution

Global black carbon pollution

See how ultra-light aircraft measured black carbon globally to assess hotspots and long-range transport patterns.
FIND OUT MORE

Forest fire black carbon pollution

Forest fire black carbon pollution

Understand emission factors and atmospheric impacts of biomass burning through airborne and background measurements.
FIND OUT MORE

Marine vessel black carbon pollution

Marine vessel black carbon pollution

Uncover how ship emissions affect port air quality and how emission factors guide pollution control strategies.
FIND OUT MORE

Vertical profile of black carbon pollution

Vertical profile of black carbon pollution

Capture vertical profiles of black carbon to assess its role in radiative forcing and long-range transport above the PBL.
FIND OUT MORE

Black carbon car emission factors

Black carbon car emission factors

Compare stationary and mobile measurements of black carbon emission factors for real-world traffic pollution analysis.
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Fossil fuel vs. Biomass burning black carbon

Fossil fuel vs. Biomass burning black carbon

Distinguish between fossil fuel and biomass burning sources of black carbon in urban and regional air quality studies.
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Studies of carbonaceous aerosols with cass and acsm

Studies of carbonaceous aerosols with cass and acsm

Reveal detailed OM/OC and TC/EC/BC insights in real time by combining CASS and ACSM instruments.
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Real time wildfire smoke monitoring

Real time wildfire smoke monitoring

Track real-time black and brown carbon from wildfires with the portable AE43 for emergency response and public health protection.
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Off grid black carbon monitoring

Off grid black carbon monitoring

Monitor black carbon in remote locations with solar-powered AE43, offering continuous data even without grid power.
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Mobile measurement of black carbon

Mobile measurement of black carbon

Map black and brown carbon pollution on the move with the AE43 - ideal for urban, rural, or emergency air quality assessments.
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EC/OC- photo-ms ambient aerosol filter pad analyzer

EC/OC- photo-ms ambient aerosol filter pad analyzer

Analyze quartz fiber filters with combined EC/OC carbon analysis and molecular-level speciation using photo-ionization TOF-MS.
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Advanced apportionment of carbonaceous aerosols

Advanced apportionment of carbonaceous aerosols

The advanced TC/BC(l) method can be used to study the influence of anthropogenic processes.
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Airport black carbon emissions and their impact on the nearby local communities

Airport black carbon emissions and their impact on the nearby local communities

Airports, with their high traffic of jet engines and ground support equipment, are significant sources of black carbon emissions.
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Black carbon health effects studies

Black carbon health effects studies

BC is a harmful pollutant with significant adverse effects on human health. The Aethalometer is a valuable tool in monitoring black carbon levels and aiding in healthrelated research.
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FAQ

DO WE NEED TO PURCHASE CASS, IF WE ALREADY HAVE AETHALOMETER AE33?

CASS is a modular system. If you already have the Aethalometer, you need to purchase only Total Carbon Analyzer TCA08 and connect it to the Aethalometer.

IS CASS COMPARABLE TO STANDARD THERMAL-OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR OC/EC ANALYSIS?

Yes, CASS offers a robust, complementary alternative to traditional thermal-optical analysis instruments, with distinctions in methodology (TC – BC method), capabilities, and application focus. While it may not provide the same thermal subfraction detail, it excels in automation, real-time analysis, and source attribution, making it highly suitable for regulatory, climate, and air quality monitoring applications.

HOW CASS PROVIDES A COMPLETE CARBONACEOUS AEROSOL FINGERPRINT?

The CASS system combines high-resolution measurements of total carbon (TC) and black carbon (BC) to derive organic carbon (OC) and distinguish between fossil fuel and biomass burning sources using the Aethalometer model. Spectrally resolved optical absorption allows separation of brown carbon (BrC) from BC, and further modeling differentiates BrC into primary and secondary components. The BC tracer method is applied to split OC into primary and secondary fractions, supported by site-specific OC/BC ratios. These carbon fractions are converted into organic aerosol (OA) mass using OA/OC ratios, and BrC mass is estimated using wavelength-dependent absorption and published MAC values. Finally, the difference between total OA and light-absorbing OA reveals the non-light-absorbing fraction, completing the aerosol fingerprint.

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Portland, OR 97219 USA
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