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Where are they found?
Ultrafine particles (UFPs), with a diameter of less than 0.1 µm, originate mainly from anthropogenic sources such as vehicle combustion, industrial processes, domestic heating and biomass burning.
These particles are present in urban and industrial environments, as well as in areas close to roads and production plants. Natural sources also contribute, although to a lesser extent, since most UFPs originate from human activities that generate complex emissions and secondary pollutants in the atmosphere.
Why measure them?
Ultrafine particles are among the most hazardous pollutants for human health due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and reach the bloodstream. Their size and composition make them highly reactive, capable of causing inflammation, oxidative stress and damage to vital organs.
Measuring them is crucial for risk assessment, the design of effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly in urban and industrial settings where their concentration tends to be higher.
UFP sensor
The UFP sensor employs advanced technology based on electrical charging and electrostatic detection to measure, in real time, the concentration and size of ultrafine particles in the air. It incorporates a system that ionises the sampled particles and, using an electrostatic trap, removes excess ions, enabling particle size determination through a dynamic process.
The current generated by the charged particles is used to accurately calculate particle number (PN), mass concentration (PM), and the lung-deposited surface area (LDSA). Its non-collecting design minimises maintenance, as it does not require filters or consumable liquids, while its robust structure makes it suitable for outdoor use.
In addition, it features self-diagnostics and communication options for remote analysis, making it ideal for environmental monitoring in urban and industrial environments.
Technical specifications
Measurement parameters
| Parameter | Unit | Measurement range | Particle size range | Resolution | LOD (8) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle number (PN) | #/cm3 | 0–100,000,000 | 10 nm–1 µm | 1 | 30 #/cm3 |
| Particle mass (PM) | µg/cm3 | 0–80,000 | 10–300 nm | 0.01 | — |
| Lung-Deposited Surface Area (LDSA) | µg2/cm3 | 0–6,500 | 10 nm–1 µm | 0.01 | — |
| Mean particle diameter (Dp) | nm | 10–300 | — | 1 | — |
Operating conditions and performance
| Type | Electrical charge and electrostatic detection |
| Operating temp. range (3) | -20 to 50 °C |
| Operating RH range (4) | 0 to 99 %RH |
| Recommended RH range (5) | 0 to 95 %RH |
| Response time (10) | 0.2 s |
| Typical accuracy - R2 (11) | 0.8 |
| Sampling flow rate | 1.5 L/min |
| Estimated service life (6) | 4 years |
- Measurement range: Concentration range measured by the sensor.
- Resolution: Smallest unit of measurement that can be indicated by the sensor.
- Operating temperature range: Temperature interval at which the sensor is rated to operate safely and provide measurements. In the PM sensor Type A: -40 to 50 °C with heater (more information on this version on request).
- Operating RH range: Humidity interval at which the sensor is rated to operate safely and provide measurements.
- Recommended RH range: Recommended relative humidity range for optimal sensor performance. Continuous exposure outside the recommended range may damage the cartridge.
- Operating life: Time period during which the sensor can operate effectively and accurately under normal conditions.
- Guarantee range: Concentration range covered by Kunak's guarantee.
- LOD (Limit of Detection): Measured at laboratory conditions at 20 °C and 50% RH. The limit of detection is the minimum concentration that can be detected as significantly different to zero gas concentration, calculated according to Technical Specification CEN/TS 17660.
- Repeatability: Measured at laboratory conditions at 20 °C and 50% RH. Closeness of the agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same measurand carried out under the same conditions of measurement, calculated according to Technical Specification CEN/TS 17660.
- Response time: Time needed by the sensor to reach 90% of the final stable value.
- Typical precision – R2, slope and intercept: Statistics obtained between device hourly measurements and reference instruments in field tests between -10 to +30 °C at different locations. For the Type B PM sensor, the expected error for PM10 is higher in the presence of coarse particles.
- Typical accuracy: For criteria pollutants, this is the average Mean Absolute Error (MAE) obtained between device hourly measurements and reference instruments for 1 to 8 months of field tests between -10 to +30 °C in different countries. For other pollutants, it is the expected error of the measurement at the reading.
- DQO - Typical U(exp): Data Quality Objective expressed as the Expanded Uncertainty in the Limit Value obtained between device hourly measurements and reference instruments for 1 to 8 months of field tests between -10 to +30 °C in different countries, calculated according to European Air Quality Directive 2024/2881 and Technical Specification CEN/TS 17660. For the Type B PM sensor, the expected error for PM10 is higher in the presence of coarse particles.
- Typical intra-model variability: Calculated as the standard deviation of the three sensor means in 1 to 8 months of field tests between -10 to +30 °C in different countries.
A, B, C, D superindex: The superscripts refer to different types of cartridges related to the same target pollutant but with different technical specifications.
