E-BAM Portable Environmental Beta-Attenuation Mass Monitor Introduction：

user's manual

The Met One Instruments E-BAM is in a class of its own as a portable, real-time beta gauge comparable to U.S. EPA methods for PM2.5 and PM10 particulate measurements. The E-BAM has been built to satisfy users, regulators, and those from the health and safety community by providing truly accurate, precise, real-time measurement of fine particulate matter. In addition, it is rugged, portable, battery-operated, and deployable in 15 minutes.

E-BAM advanced features:

1. Accuracy and precision consistent with U.S. EPA requirements for Class III PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ measurement.
2. Real-time, accurate results without correction factors — regardless of season or geographic location.
3. Ambient sampling provides accurate measurement of semi-volatile nitrates and organic compounds.
4. Lightweight, rugged construction is easily mounted on a tripod in minutes.
5. All-weather construction allows for true ambient sampling.
6. Operates on AC or DC power. Solar power options available.

The superiority of E-BAM:

The E-BAM automates particulate measurement by continously sampling and reporting concentration data. Data records are updated every minute. The E-BAM eliminates the involved process of filter collection and filter weighing, and the more expensive, high maintenance instruments. With the adoption of beta attenuation for ambient monitoring the process has become simple, streamlined, and inexpensive.

Real-time accurate, reliable, and repeatable measurement of ambient fine particulate matter has been the elusive goal of environmental regulators and health professionals for many years. Met One Instruments has developed advanced particulate monitoring instrumentation which is both reliable and is easy to operate. Results are automatically reported in near real time, eliminating the need for high levels of human intervention. Because sampling occurs under true ambient conditions, semi-volatile organic compounds and nitrates are easily detected thereby avoiding under measurement of particulates. The E-BAM will therefore produce comparable results to the manual reference method.

The E-BAM is a lightweight, portable instrument that operates directly in hostile environments without an exterior enclosure. The robust E-BAM portable sampler system is easily installed in less than 15 minutes. No other sampler matches the portability and flexibility of the E-BAM.

Quick startup of the E-BAM is assured by a series of prompts guiding the installer on the initialization sequence to follow. Next the E-BAM performs a series of self-test diagnostics and alerts the installer of any corrective action. Upon completion of the self-tests, the E-BAM automatically places itself in normal operating mode. *Note, even if the installer does nothing other than turn the E-BAM on, it will put itself in normal operation using default setup values.

Size selective concentration measurements are made using one of four sampling inlets. The E-BAM may be supplied and used with either TSP (Total Suspended Particulate), PM10, PM2.5 or PM1 inlets. Flow dependent cut points in the size selective inlets are maintained using integral flow meter, pressure sensor and ambient temperature sensor. The PM10 inlet removes particles larger than 10 microns, the inlet is not affected by wind speed and wind direction. For PM2.5 or PM1 secondary size selection is made using a second downstream inlet.

The standard configuration of the E-BAM is a self-contained environmentally sealed aluminum enclosure placed on a rugged tripod. This system can be permanently placed on rooftops, near roads, at industrial sites, or rapidly deployed to monitor emergency situations. ‘E’ represents Environment Proof instrument. The E-BAM has been specifically designed to work in hostile environments with no additional protection.

Remote collection of real time or historical particulate data from a field site has never been easier. Communication options include landline or cellular data modem, line of sight spread spectrum radio, and for very remote sites, satellite communications. E-BAM data is easily accessed by direct communication with a data logger, PC or laptop computer.

Stored E-BAM data may be retrieved using one of the communication options; or the data may be forwarded to third party data acquisition system. AIR Plus Software supports the E-BAM and provides a complete communication, data base and reporting modules with charting. Comet data retrieval software is included with every E-BAM.

The E-BAM provides continuous digital and analog outputs. The analog output is selectable to several full-scale voltages. Digital output is supplied as RS-232. A single channel contact closure alarm relay output is available. This is used for alert of an unspecified error such as; broken tape, sensor failure, flow failure, etc.

The internal E-BAM data logger can store over 182 days of hourly concentration data as well as hourly averaged data from up to eight other measurements. Both digital and analog outputs are easily connected to other data recording systems.

Once initialized, the E-BAM will operate continuously, except during calibration verification. Current data, historical data, and status information are available at any time without interrupting normal E-BAM operation.

The E-BAM has selectable criteria for data validation, including but not limited to; deviation from a rolling average, high value excursions, and power failure. Should an error occur, it is entered into the error log with date, time and type of error.