DLY-6EU Air Negative Ion Detector
| Origin | Beijing, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | DLY-6EU |
| Price Range | USD 0.14 – 714.29 |
| Ion Mobility | 0.4 cm²/V·s |
| Dimensions | 180 × 100 × 50 mm |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-ion battery + AC adapter |
| Data Interface | USB |
| Display | Integrated LCD |
Overview
The DLY-6EU Air Negative Ion Detector is a portable, field-deployable instrument engineered for quantitative measurement of small air ions—specifically unipolar or bipolar negative and positive ions—in ambient air environments. It operates on the principle of electrostatic collection: airborne ions are drawn into the instrument via a controlled airflow through a cylindrical ion collector under a defined electric field gradient. The collected charge is measured by an integrated electrometer with low-noise design, enabling direct quantification of ion concentration in units of ions per cubic centimeter (ions/cm³). With an ion mobility specification of 0.4 cm²/V·s, the DLY-6EU is optimized for detecting small, highly mobile atmospheric ions (typically < 1.6 nm diameter), which dominate in natural environments such as forests, mountains, coastal zones, and indoor spaces with active ionization sources. Its compact form factor (180 × 100 × 50 mm) and dual-power architecture—rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery supplemented by AC adapter support—make it suitable for both stationary monitoring and mobile surveys across diverse environmental and occupational settings.
Key Features
- Integrated ion collector–electrometer assembly minimizing electrical noise and improving signal stability during field operation.
- Real-time LCD display showing instantaneous ion concentration (ions/cm³) without external software dependency.
- Portability enabled by lightweight construction and onboard rechargeable power system; supports continuous operation for up to 8 hours on full charge (typical usage).
- USB interface compliant with standard CDC/ACM protocols, enabling plug-and-play connectivity with Windows and macOS systems.
- Low-drift analog front-end design calibrated against reference ion generators traceable to national metrology standards.
- No consumables required; maintenance limited to periodic cleaning of the inlet mesh and calibration verification every 6–12 months.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DLY-6EU is designed for direct sampling of ambient air at standard temperature and pressure (STP). It accommodates variable humidity conditions (10–90% RH, non-condensing) and is insensitive to typical background particulate concentrations (< 100 µg/m³ PM₂.₅). While not certified to ISO 16000-23 or IEC 61000-4 series for EMC immunity, its electromagnetic shielding and grounded chassis provide robust performance in laboratory, urban, and semi-rural deployments. For regulatory reporting contexts, users should validate measurement repeatability per ISO 5725-2 (trueness and precision) and document environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure) alongside ion readings. The device meets general requirements for scientific instrumentation under GLP-aligned workflows when used with documented calibration logs and operator training records.
Software & Data Management
The included PC software (Windows 7–11 compatible) provides time-synchronized data logging, configurable sampling intervals (1–60 s), and export to CSV or Excel formats. Each recorded entry includes timestamp, ion polarity (±), concentration value, battery voltage, and ambient temperature (via optional external sensor input). Audit trail functionality records user login, session start/end times, and parameter changes—supporting basic 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with institutional electronic signature policies. Raw data files are stored locally; no cloud upload or telemetry occurs unless explicitly configured by the end user. Firmware updates are delivered via downloadable HEX packages accompanied by SHA-256 checksums for integrity verification.
Applications
- Environmental health studies assessing ion profiles near waterfalls, forests, and green infrastructure.
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) evaluation in hospitals, schools, and office buildings with ion-generating HVAC systems or air purifiers.
- Climatological research correlating ion concentrations with solar activity, atmospheric electricity, and thunderstorm precursors.
- Biomedical pilot studies investigating physiological responses (e.g., HRV, cortisol levels) to controlled negative ion exposure.
- Industrial hygiene assessments in printing facilities, electronics manufacturing, and laser processing zones where corona discharge may elevate ion counts.
- Educational laboratories demonstrating atmospheric electrodynamics and aerosol charging phenomena.
FAQ
What ion size range does the DLY-6EU measure?
It detects small air ions with mobility ≥ 0.4 cm²/V·s—corresponding to hydrated cluster ions typically below 1.6 nm in physical diameter.
Is calibration traceable to international standards?
Calibration is performed using a NIST-traceable radioactive ²⁴¹Am source or corona-based reference generator; certificate includes uncertainty budget per GUM guidelines.
Can the instrument distinguish between positive and negative ions simultaneously?
Yes—the polarity-selective collector allows sequential or alternating measurement modes; real-time polarity switching is supported in firmware v2.3+.
Does it require annual recalibration?
Recommended recalibration interval is 12 months under normal use; shorter intervals (6 months) advised for high-accuracy research applications or after mechanical shock.
Is the USB data transfer protocol proprietary?
No—it uses standard CDC ACM class USB serial communication; custom drivers are unnecessary on modern operating systems.
