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TOTAL CARBON ANALYZER TCA09

TCA09
Setting the Standard for Total Carbon Measurement

The Total Carbon Analyzer TCA09 is an online instrument for total carbon measurements. Its rugged design supports long‑term, unattended operation in demanding monitoring environments. TCA09 applies an equivalent OC/EC measurement method according to CEN/TR 18076. Calibration of the total carbon constant using sucrose follows EN 16909 procedures.
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TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY & SIMPLICITY:

  • Simplified installation
  • Easy to use
  • Automated QA/QC procedures
  • Requires minimal resources
  • No gas, no glass, no compromise

DATA INTEGRITY & SYSTEM INTEGRATION 

  • Flexible calibration and compliance
  • Data validation and connectivity
  • Integrates with Aethalometer for online OC/EC analysis and carbonaceous aerosol fingerprint
  • Compatibility and flexibility

SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE ASSURANCE

  • Improved safety and security
  • Long autonomy

 

HOW IT WORKS?

The Science Behind TCA09

Key features
Measurement principle

Key features

REQUIRES MINIMAL RESOURCES

  • Easy installation, operation and maintenance
  • Rugged, all-steel construction
  • 30-day autonomous operation
  • Uses ambient air as carrier gas

AUTOMATED PROCESSES

  • Automated carbon constant calculation
  • Automated clean air test per CEN/TR 18076 (2024)

DATA INTEGRITY

  • High resolution: 10-minute
  • Carbon constant calibration with sucrose (EN 16909), KHP, or proprietary filters
  • Remote access and data download via RAS
  • Continuous analysis of total carbon

FLEXIBILITY

  • Integrates with Aethalometer for OC/EC analysis (See CASS to find out more.)

Measurement principle

Aerosol sampling

Atmospheric aerosols are collected on a quartz fiber filter inside a stainless‑steel chamber at a controlled flow rate of 16.7 L/min.

The default sampling time is 60 minutes, adjustable from 10 minutes to 24 hours depending on ambient aerosol concentrations.

Continuous dual‑channel operation

The instrument uses two identical parallel channels. While one channel collects a new sample, the other analyzes the previously collected sample. Airflows are regulated by improved ball valves and solenoid system, which switch automatically at the end of each time base.

Thermal conversion

After sampling, the filter is flash‑heated(1) in a small analytical flow of filtered ambient air. All carbonaceous compounds are converted to CO₂, producing a short, high‑amplitude CO₂ pulse.

Total Carbon calculation

CO₂ is measured using an NDIR CO₂ detector. Background CO₂ levels are determined before and after the heating cycle to establish a baseline.

The CO₂ signal above the baseline is integrated to determine the Total Carbon (TC) content of the sample.

Cooling and channel switching

After analysis, the combustion chamber and heating elements are cooled. The channels then switch roles, enabling continuous measurement and uninterrupted data output.

 

(1) The heating chamber is covered by patents EP3832302, US2021164950 and other.

 

TOTAL CARBON ANALYZER TCA09

PRODUCT INFO

Information
Specifications
Documents
Publications
Accessories

CALIBRATION OF CARBON CONSTANTS

The TCA09, as a primary calibration method, ensuring calibration of carbon constants using sucrose, ensuring full compliance with the EN 16909 standard for total carbon analysis.

In addition to sucrose, calibration can be performed with potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) or proprietary calibration filters, providing flexibility and traceability for various research and regulatory needs.

These robust calibration approaches ensure accurate and reliable standardized measurements of carbonaceous aerosols, supporting scientific studies and regulatory monitoring.

 

AUTOMATIC CALCULATION OF THE CARBON CONSTANT

The TCA09 features automatic calculation of the carbon constant, simplyfying the calibration process and ensuring consistent, accurate measurements.

By automating this critical step, the instrument minimizes the risk of human error and reduces manual workload, while maintaining traceability and compliance with relevant standards. This feature enhances operational efficiency and data reliability, making the TCA09 especially well-suited for routine monitoring and advanced research applications.

AUTOMATED CLEAN AIR TEST

The TCA09 features patented automatic measurement of VOC artifacts(1) in accordance with CEN/TR 18076 (2024). 

This procedure identifies and corrects interferences caused by volatile organic compounds during carbon analysis.

This automated process enhances the reliability and traceability of measurement results, reduces manual intervention, and supports compliance with the latest European technical guidelines for monitoring carbonaceous aerosols.

Following these standardized procedures, the TCA09 delivers high-quality, artifact-corrected data essential for regulatory and scientific applications.

(1) Patent pending.

30‑DAY OPERATION ON ONE FILTER SET

The TCA09 is designed for extended measurement periods, allowing up to 30 days of continuous operation with a single set of quartz filters.

This feature significantly reduces the frequency of filter changes and maintenance interventions, making the instrument ideal for long-term, unattended monitoring campaigns.

Maximizing operational uptime and minimizing manual workload, the TCA09 ensures reliable, high-quality data collection for various application areas.

10‑MINUTE DATA - HIGH TIME RESOLUTION

The TCA09 offers high time resolution with a 10-minute time base, enabling detailed observation of short‑term pollution events.

Beyond ambient air quality monitoring, the TCA09 is suitable for applications requiring fast response and continuous measurement, such as exhaust emission measurements, stack emission monitoring, and chamber experiments.
This enables researchers and monitoring stations to capture the dynamic behavior of aerosols and investigate emission sources and atmospheric processes across a wide range of use cases.

COMPACT DESIGN WITH SWAGELOK TUBING

A lighter, more compact design makes the TCA09 exceptionally easy to install and integrate into various monitoring setups.

Equipped with Swagelok tubes, the instrument allows quick and secure connections, simplifying installation and reducing setup time. This user-friendly approach simplifies deployment in both stationary and mobile applications, enhancing flexibility for researchers and technicians working in diverse environments.

COMPATIBLE WITH TCA08 INLET TUBES

The TCA09 is fully compatible with inlet tubes from its predecessor, the TCA08, ensuring a smooth transition for existing users and simplifying system upgrades.

This compatibility enables users to leverage their existing infrastructure without requiring additional adapters or modifications, making integration straightforward and cost-effective. As a result, laboratories and monitoring stations can easily adopt the advanced features of the TCA09 while maintaining continuity and flexibility in their sampling setups.

MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE

MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE

Two identical flow channels for sampling and analysis. Sample is collected on 47-mm quartz fiber filter in stainless-steel combustion chamber. At end of sampling timebase, collection flow is switched to second channel while first channel is analyzed. Collected sample is flash-heated to convert all Carbon to CO2. Ambient air is used as “analytical” carrier gas at low flow rate. The baseline level of CO2 in ambient air is determined before and after the heating cycle. Large pulse of CO2 in analytical flow is integrated over ambient baseline to determine Total Carbon content of sample.

ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE

  • Limit of Detection: 100 ng C/m3 (1 h timebase, 16.7 LPM flow)
  • Range: 100 ng C/m3 to 1,000,000 ng C/m3 of Total Carbon (1 h timebase, 16.7 LPM flow)

No glass. Chambers constructed entirely from stainless steel. Rugged FeCrAl alloy heating elements.

No gas. Uses ambient air as carrier: does not need any specialty gas supplies.

No catalyst. No requirements for using Mn02 during OC/EC analysis.

Standard compliant. TCA09 supports the calibration procedure according to EN 16909 standard for the OC/EC measurements.

SAMPLING

  • Standard flow rate of 16.7 LPM (1 m3/h), provided by closed-loop stabilized internal pump.
  • Sampled air stream must be non-condensing.
  • Operating altitude 0 ~ 3000 m.

USER INTERFACE

DISPLAY

10.1″ color touch-screen (1280 x 800 px) with status indicator LED’s.

INTERFACE

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

Charting of most relevant data in real-time. Option of advanced source apportionment in real-time (available for CASS only)

REMOTE MANAGEMENT

Network ready for remote management and data transfer.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Indoor or laboratory use, rack or benchtop.
  • Temperature: 5°C ~ 45°C.
  • Humidity: 5 % – 95 %, non-condensing
  • Operating altitude: 0 ~ 3000 m.
  • Input / output connections:
    • Sampling air inlet: Stainless Steel Swagelok Tube Fitting, Union, 1/2 inch Tube OD
    • Sampling air outlet: standard ¼” NTPF threaded connector
    • Analytical carrier air inlet: standard ¼” NTPF threaded connector

DATA OUTPUT & STORAGE

DATA OUTPUT

  • Digital data via RS-232 COM port and Ethernet.
  • 3x COM, 3x USB 2.0, 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

  • Constructed in standard 19″ rack-mount chassis.
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 32 x 48 x 52 cm (12” x 19” x 20”)
  • Weight: 38 kg (84 lbs)
  • Electrical supply: 100~240 VAC, Voltage range: 85-264 VAC, 50/60 Hz
  • Power consumption (maximum): max 1200 W; typical 100 W
  • Internal sampling pump: dual diaphragm, brushless speed-controlled DC motor, stabilized flow.
  • Modular internal hardware for rapid servicing.
  • Constructed in fully-enclosed, self-contained rack mount chassis.

ACCESSORIES

  • Very sharp cut cyclone inlet PM2.5 @ 16.7 LPM
  • Sharp cut cyclone inlet PM2.5 @ 16.7 LPM
  • Sharp cut cyclone inlet PM1 @ 16.7 LPM
  • Shockproof and waterproof transit case
  • Flow Calibrator ALICAT FP-25 (0.1-25 LPM) includes comunication cable includes comunication cable
  • Ambient meteorological sensor GMX 300 (P, T, RH)
  • Ambient meteorological sensor GMX 200 (wind speed and direction)
  • Ambient meteorological sensor GMX 500 (P, T, RH,
    wind speed and direction)
  • Sample inlet direct vertical installation for TCA09
  • Inlet installation kit
  • Sampling tube insulation
  • Insect and water trap assembly
  • Swagelock sampling tubing (various length) with different adapters
  • Air splitter
  • Static dissipative flexible inlet tube for analytic air
TitleAuthorPublicationYearLink
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 aerosolsRigler, MAtmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4333-20202020LINK
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 StudyM. Ivančič et al.Toxics, 11, 497; doi: 10.3390/toxics11060497, 20232024LINK
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
Field validation of a semi-continuous method for aerosol black carbon (Aethalometer) and temporal patterns of summertime hourly black carbon measurements in southwestern PAAllen, G. A.Atmos. Environ, 33 , 817-8231999
Method Comparisons for Particulate Nitrate, Elemental Carbon, and PM2.5 Mass in Seven U.S. CitiesBabich, PJ. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 50 , 1095-1105.2000
Results of the `carbon conference’ international aerosol carbon round robin test stage ISchmid, HAtmos. Environ., 35 , 2111-2121.2001
Species Contributions to PM2.5 Mass Concentrations: Revisiting Common Assumptions for Estimating Organic MassTurpin, B. J.Atmos. Sci. &Technol., 35 , 602-610.2001
INTERCOMP2000: the comparability of methods in use in Europe for measuring the carbon content of aerosoltenBrink, HAtmos. Environ., 38 , 6507-6519.2004
Comparison of Continuous and Filter-Based Carbon Measurements at the Fresno SupersitePark., K.J. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 56 , 474-491.2006
Key Scientific Findings and Policy- and Health-Relevant Insights from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Particulate Matter Supersites Program and Related Studies: An Integration and Synthesis of ResultsSolomon, P. AJ. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 58 , S3-S92.2008
Seasonal variations of elemental carbon in urban aerosols as measured by two common thermal-optical carbon methodsBae, M.-SSci. Tot. Environ., 407 , 5176-5183.2009
Science of The Total EnvironmentMin-SukBaeVolume 407, Issue 18, 1 September 2009, Pages 5176-51832009
Aerosol light absorption, black carbon, and elemental carbon at the Fresno Supersite, CaliforniaChow, J. CAtmos. Res. 93 , 874–887.2009
Hourly Measurements of Fine Particulate Sulfate and Carbon Aerosols at the Harvard–U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Supersite in BostonKang, C.-M.J. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 60 , 1327-1334.2010
Recommendations for the interpretation of “black carbon” measurementsPetzold, AAtmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 13 , 9485-9517.2013
Thermal-optical analysis for the measurement of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) in ambient air a literature reviewKaranasiou, AAtmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 8 , 9649-97122015

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 below brochure:

Weather_station_sensor_brochure_sheet_A4_v1

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

Specification sheet

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

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.

TOTAL CARBON ANALYZER TCA09

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.
FIND OUT MORE

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 the emission factors and atmospheric impacts of biomass burning through both 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 in the atmosphere.
FIND OUT MORE

Vehicle emission factors

Vehicle emission factors

Compare stationary and mobile measurements of black carbon emission factors for real-world traffic pollution analysis.
FIND OUT MORE

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.
FIND OUT MORE

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.
FIND OUT MORE

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.
FIND OUT MORE

Off-grid black carbon monitoring

Off-grid black carbon monitoring

Monitor black carbon in remote locations with the solar-powered AE43, offering continuous data even without grid power.
FIND OUT MORE

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.
FIND OUT MORE

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.
FIND OUT MORE

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.
FIND OUT MORE

Airport black carbon emissions and their impact on nearby communities

Airport black carbon emissions and their impact on nearby communities

Airports, with their high traffic of jet engines and ground support equipment, are significant sources of black carbon emissions.
FIND OUT MORE

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 health-related research.
FIND OUT MORE

FAQ

HOW DO YOU HEAT UP THE SAMPLE?

We are using two heating modules with heating wires below and above the filter. In this way, we can rapidly heat the filter to 900 °C.

WHY TWO HEATING MODULES?

To get the combustion process as efficient as possible, we developed a two-stage heating thermal protocol. Firstly, the lower heater is turned on (analytic flow stream goes in an up-down direction), which is rapidly heated up to 900 °C. In that way, we are sure that all the OC vapors passing the lower heater are converted to CO2. After the lower heater reaches the temperature of 900 °C the upper heater is turned on, so everything on the filter is really combusted.

WHY TWO IDENTICAL CHAMBERS?

These are used when the instrument is measuring online. When for example, when left chamber (CH1) is sampling particulate matter (PM) on the filter, the right chamber (CH2) performs analysis of previously collected PM. After the end of the sampling timebase, the flows are switched. Now, CH1 is analyzing previously collected PM, CH2 is sampling new material. With that, TCA09 measures almost with zero dead time.

HAVE YOU DONE INTERCOMPARISONS WITH ‘CONVENTIONAL’ EC/OC ANALYZERS?

Yes, we have done numerous side-by-side inter-comparisons with conventional EC/OC analyzers: both for semi-continuous sampling of ambient air, as well as for the off-line analysis of filter samples. In all cases, the TCA09 gave excellent agreement with the TC analysis by other methods; and its combination with the AE33 Aethalometer gave excellent agreement of the TC – BC method with conventional EC/OC analysis.

WHICH MATERIALS CAN BE USED FOR CALIBRATION?

The TCA09 supports three different calibration materials, providing high flexibility to match your laboratory setup and applicable standards:

  • Sucrose – compliant with EN 16909, commonly used for regulatory and standardised total carbon calibration.
  • KHP (Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate) – a widely accepted reference compound.
  • Filter samples – real-world filter samples with a known total carbon concentration, allowing verification and calibration using real sample matrices as part of routine QA/QC.

This flexibility allows users to choose the calibration approach that best fits their standards, sample type, and workflow.

HOW IS THE CARBON CONSTANT CALCULATED?

The TCA09 automatically calculates the carbon constant during calibration, ensuring traceable, consistent results while minimising operator error.

HOW ARE ARTEFACTS, LIKE VOCs, ADDRESSED?

The Total Carbon Analyzer uses the denuder to remove gas‑phase organics upstream of the filter to reduce positive artefacts. In addition, the TCA09 with patented Auto Clean Air Test automatically measures and corrects remaining artefacts, in line with CEN/TR 18076 (2024), ensuring traceable, artefact‑corrected total carbon results.

HOW IS CORRECT DENUDER PERFORMANCE VERIFIED?

Proper denuder operation is verified using the built‑in Clean Air Test, a dedicated QA/QC procedure that confirms whether the denuder cartridge is still effective or needs replacement. The TCA09 can also perform this test automatically at defined intervals (e.g. weekly or monthly), alerting the user only when corrective action is required, thereby ensuring continuous artefact control with minimal operator involvement.

WHAT DOES 30-DAY AUTONOMOUS OPERATION MEAN IN PRACTICE?

TCA09 is designed for up to 30 days of unattended operation under typical ambient conditions, thanks to long‑life filters and fully automated operation. This is far longer than many comparable instruments requiring frequent filter changes and supervision.

WHAT TYPE OF TUBING IS USED FOR SAMPLE LINES?

The TCA09 uses standard Swagelok® stainless‑steel tubing and connectors, ensuring reliable sampling, easy installation, and globally available spare parts.

HEADQUARTERS

Aerosol d.o.o.
Kamniška 39A
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia, Europe
+386 1 4391 700

USA Office

Aerosol USA Corp.
10157 SW Barbur Blvd Suite 100C
Portland, OR 97219 USA
+1 510 646 1600

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