Aeroqual AQM10 PM2.5 Particulate Matter Monitor

Overview

The Aeroqual AQM10 PM2.5 Particulate Matter Monitor is a compact, field-deployable environmental monitoring system engineered for real-time, multi-fraction aerosol mass and number concentration measurement. Utilizing calibrated optical scattering (nephelometry) with integrated temperature- and humidity-compensated algorithms, the AQM10 simultaneously quantifies respirable and thoracic particulate fractions—PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates (TSP)—in ambient air. Its design adheres to principles aligned with ISO 12103-1 (test dust standards) and supports method validation against gravimetric reference methods (e.g., EPA Method IO-3.2, EN 12341). The instrument operates continuously under unattended conditions, delivering traceable data suitable for regulatory screening, epidemiological cohort support, and compliance verification in dynamic outdoor and semi-industrial environments.

Key Features

• Simultaneous real-time measurement of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and TSP mass concentrations (0–5000 µg/m³) and particle number counts (0–100,000 particles/L), with 0.01 µg/m³ mass resolution and 1-particle/L counting resolution
• Integrated volumetric flow control at 1000 mL/min, maintained via precision thermal mass flow sensor and active pressure compensation
• Robust GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) enclosure (500 × 405 × 205 mm), IP65-rated, equipped with optional solar radiation shield and universal mounting hardware
• Low-power architecture (24 W nominal; compatible with 12 VDC or 100–260 VAC input), enabling off-grid deployment via photovoltaic systems with charge controller integration
• Onboard 2 GB SD card supporting >15 years of timestamped, interval-averaged data storage (configurable averaging periods: 1–60 minutes)
• Standard dry-contact relay output for external alarm actuation; optional notification modules include GSM/GPRS SMS, SMTP email alerts, audible sirens, and visual strobes

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AQM10 is validated for continuous operation across ambient temperature ranges of −10 °C to +55 °C and relative humidity from 10% to 95% non-condensing. It accommodates standard 25 mm glass fiber (GF) filter substrates for co-located gravimetric validation per ISO 10175-2 and EU Directive 2008/50/EC Annex III. CE marking confirms conformity with the Electromagnetic Compatibility (2014/30/EU) and Low Voltage (2014/35/EU) Directives. While not a certified reference method per EU QA/QC requirements, the AQM10 meets performance criteria for indicative monitoring under EN 15267-1 and is widely deployed in networks requiring spatially dense, near-real-time PM trend analysis—particularly where regulatory-grade reference stations are sparse.

Software & Data Management

The AQM10 ships with Aeroqual’s proprietary LogBox software, a Windows-based configuration and data retrieval platform supporting full parameter calibration management, alarm threshold definition, and export to CSV, Excel, or SQL-compatible formats. All data entries include embedded UTC timestamps, instrument serial ID, and firmware version metadata. The RS-232 serial interface (38400 baud) enables direct connection to SCADA systems or local PCs; optional IP cellular gateways (LTE-M/NB-IoT) or RF modems (up to 10 km line-of-sight range) facilitate secure cloud telemetry. Audit trails, user access logs, and data integrity checksums comply with GLP-aligned documentation practices. Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages to ensure traceability and prevent unauthorized modification.

Applications

• Roadside air quality surveillance for traffic-related PM exposure assessment
• Community-level monitoring in schools, residential neighborhoods, hospitals, and long-term epidemiological studies
• Industrial hygiene and occupational health surveillance in mining, construction, quarrying, and bulk material handling facilities
• Source apportionment support through distributed sensor networks paired with meteorological and co-pollutant (O₃, CO₂, VOCs) modules
• Biomass combustion impact evaluation—including agricultural burning, wildfire smoke tracking, and domestic heating emissions
• Regulatory compliance verification for local air quality management plans and environmental permit conditions

FAQ

Does the AQM10 meet U.S. EPA or EU reference method equivalency requirements?
No—it is classified as an indicative monitor per EN 15267-1 and is not certified as an equivalent method under 40 CFR Part 53 or EU 2011/85/EU. It is intended for trend analysis, hotspot identification, and supplemental network densification—not primary regulatory compliance reporting.
Can the AQM10 be calibrated traceably to NIST or NMi standards?
Yes. Aeroqual provides factory calibration certificates traceable to national metrology institutes (NMI) using polydisperse PSL and Arizona Test Dust aerosols. Field recalibration kits and transfer standards are available for routine performance verification.
Is the onboard data logger compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11?
While the AQM10 itself does not implement electronic signature or role-based access control, its audit-ready data structure (with immutable timestamps, firmware versioning, and CRC integrity checks) supports integration into validated LIMS or ELN platforms that fulfill those requirements.
What meteorological and gas sensors are natively supported?
Gill WindSonic anemometers, Vaisala WTX520 weather transmitters, NovaLynx 200-WS stations, and Aeroqual’s OEM ozone, PID, CO₂, NO₂, SO₂, and H₂S modules integrate seamlessly via standardized analog/digital I/O and Modbus RTU protocols.
How is data security handled during wireless transmission?
Cellular and RF telemetry options employ TLS 1.2 encryption for cloud uploads; local RS-232 communication is unencrypted but supports physical isolation in closed-loop industrial networks. AES-128 encryption is available on select LTE gateway models.