MAGEE Scientific Aethalometer AE33 User manual

Aethalometer
Model AE33
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User's manual –Ver. 1.53 July 2015 1/75
Aethalometer®Model AE33
User Manual
Version 1.53
July 2015
Aerosol d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia

Aethalometer
Model AE33
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
User's manual –Ver. 1.53 July 2015 2/75
Aethalometer® Model AE33 Manual
Version 1.53, July 2015
Applicable for AE33-Software ver. 1.1.7.1
Copyright 2012 Aerosol d.o.o. Magee Scientific Aethalometer® Manual. All Rights Reserved.
Licensed OEM distributors only are allowed to use the contents of this manual with their own
names, trademarks and logos for branding purposes for the distribution of Aethalometer®
instruments, but may not modify the text without the prior written permission of Aerosol
d.o.o. and must include the copyright notice in italics above on all copies.
Aerosol d.o.o.
Kamniška 41
SI-1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia, EU
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
www.aerosol.eu
www.magescientific.com

Aethalometer
Model AE33
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User's manual –Ver. 1.53 July 2015 3/75
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Description of the instrument..................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Technical specification............................................................................................................. 14
1.3 Basic calculations..................................................................................................................... 15
1.4 Functional description of the instrument.................................................................................. 16
1.5 Flow manifold.......................................................................................................................... 22
2 SAFETY NOTES and LABELS ..................................................................................................23
3 IDENTIFICATION and MARKINGS.........................................................................................27
3.1 Instrument identification label ................................................................................................. 27
3.2 Front panel markings................................................................................................................ 27
3.3 Back panel markings................................................................................................................ 27
4. INSTRUMENT INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................28
4.1 Unpacking the system .............................................................................................................. 28
4.2 The sampling line..................................................................................................................... 28
4.3 Switching the Aethalometer on................................................................................................ 30
4.4 Filter tape installation............................................................................................................... 33
4.5 Installation of instrument in the measurement station ............................................................. 40
5 USER INTERFACE, SETTINGS and OPERATION ..................................................................41
5.1 User interface and settings ....................................................................................................... 41
5.2 Instrument Status...................................................................................................................... 44
5.3 Downloading and Viewing Data.............................................................................................. 47
5.4 Connecting to External Datalogger or PC................................................................................ 52
5.5 Serial Commands for Communication with the Aethalometer................................................ 53
5.6 External devices ....................................................................................................................... 54
5.6.1 AMES_TPR159 .................................................................................................................... 55
5.6.2 Comet_T0310........................................................................................................................ 55
5.6.3 Vaisala_GMP343 .................................................................................................................. 55
5.6.4 TSI_4100............................................................................................................................... 55
5.6.5 Datalogger_AE33_protocol .................................................................................................. 56

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Model AE33
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5.6.6 Aerosol_inlet_dryer............................................................................................................... 56
5.6.7 Dataloger Bayern Hessen protocol........................................................................................ 56
5.6.8 Datalogger Qair protocol....................................................................................................... 57
5.7 Software upgrade...................................................................................................................... 59
5.8 BC source apportionment......................................................................................................... 60
5.9 Screen saver.............................................................................................................................. 62
6 MAINTENANCE and SERVICE.................................................................................................63
6.1 Automatic flow-meter calibration............................................................................................ 64
6.2 Manual flow-meter calibration................................................................................................. 65
6.3 Leakage test.............................................................................................................................. 66
6.4 Manual stability test ................................................................................................................. 67
6.5 Manual clean air test ................................................................................................................ 68
6.6 Automatic clean air test............................................................................................................ 69
6.7 Tape sensor calibration............................................................................................................. 69
6.7 Flow verification...................................................................................................................... 70
6.8 ND filter test............................................................................................................................. 71
6.9 Inlet leakage test....................................................................................................................... 71
7. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ............................................................................................72
7.1 Startup screen checks............................................................................................................... 72
7.2 Instrument status ...................................................................................................................... 73
7.3 Unacceptable quality control test results.................................................................................. 74
7.4 Other problems......................................................................................................................... 74
8 TECHNICAL SUPPORT and CONTACT INFORMATION ......................................................75

Aethalometer
Model AE33
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Description of the instrument
Figure 1. The Aethalometer® Model AE33.
Magee Scientific and Aerosol Co. are pleased to announce the ‘Next Generation’
Aethalometer®, Model AE33. This development incorporates scientific and technical
advances designed to offer improved measurement performance, user features,
communications and interface, and the ability to perform routine performance tests to verify
correct operation. Most importantly, the instrument incorporates the patented DualSpot™
measurement method. This provides two significant advantages: elimination of the changes
in response due to ‘aerosol loading’ effects; and a real-time calculation of the ‘loading
compensation’ parameter which offers insights into aerosol optical properties, and has been
interpreted in models of aerosol origins and aging.

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Model AE33
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The Aethalometer Model AE33 has been developed with input from the research and
monitoring communities, and is designed for reliable operation under all conditions ranging
from state-of-the-art research to compliance monitoring.
The leading innovations incorporated into the Model AE33 include:
1. The DualSpot™ measurement method, which solves the effects common to all filter-
based real-time monitors, in which the instrumental response factor shows a dependence on
the loading of material on the filter.
2. Features for automatic ‘dynamic zero’ testing under a flow of internally-generated
clean air; ‘span’ testing of the response of the optical sources and detectors; calibration of the
response of the internal mass flow meters, if an external standard flow calibrator is connected;
and validation of the photometric response by use of a kit of ‘Neutral Density’ optical filters
whose properties may be traced to reference standards.
3. User and communications interfaces, permitting remote monitoring of operation; data
retrieval; performance of internal tests; and reporting of ‘state-of-health’ parameters.
4. Modular construction designed for ease of routine maintenance service.
In addition to the above features, the Aethalometer Model AE33 offers real-time aerosol
absorption analysis at up to ten optical wavelengths, with rapid time resolution to 1 second
even in 10-wavelength mode. This permits the measurement of optically-absorbing aerosols –
‘Black’ Carbon and ‘Brown’ Carbon components of particulate matter – in applications
including routine monitoring of ambient air quality for regulatory purposes; measurements of
the concentration of BC in urban, suburban, regional, rural and remote locations; source
testing; and laboratory-based research.

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Model AE33
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‘DualSpot™’ technology
The Aethalometer Model AE33 uses the patented DualSpot™ method to compensate for the
‘spot loading effect’; and also to provide a real-time output of the ‘loading compensation’
parameter, which may provide additional information about the physical and chemical
properties of the aerosol.
The ‘spot loading effect’ is a variable phenomenon which appears as a gradual reduction of
instrumental response as the aerosol deposit density of the filter tape increases from zero to
the predetermined limit of ‘Maximum Attenuation’ (Gundel 1984, Weingartner 2003, Arnott
2005, Virkkula 2007, Kanaya 2008, Hyvärinen 2012). When the filter tape advances to a fresh
spot, the data undergoes a discontinuous jump from its previous lower value, calculated when
the spot was heavily loaded; to a higher value, calculated from collection on a fresh spot at
zero loading. In the Aethalometer the reduction of data at increasing loadings is well
described by a linear function of attenuation, but its magnitude cannot be predicted: some
aerosols in some locations in some seasons may show a small or zero ‘loading effect’; while
under other conditions, the effect may be larger and noticeable. Empirically, it is found that
fresher aerosols closer to their combustion sources will show a larger ‘spot loading effect’;
while well-aged aerosols under atmospheric conditions of high chemical activity and oxidative
processing may show an almost zero effect. The effect is revealed statistically by processing
data collected over a large number of tape advances, representing many data points collected
at loadings (‘ATN values’) ranging from zero to the preset maximum. The data is collected into
bins according to loading (attenuation, ATN). If there is a systematic reduction of the
calculated result as a function of loading, the data will show a clear negative slope, with the
intercept representing the ‘zero loading’ value. Figure 2 illustrates two datasets from urban
locations with loading effects either present or not.

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Model AE33
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Figure 2. Aethalometer data sorted and averaged according to loading (attenuation, ATN) on spot –
roadside location in London, UK (top); urban site in Boston (Roxbury), USA (bottom).

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Model AE33
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The London data show a systematic reduction at increasing loadings; while the Boston data do
not. This demonstrates that any method intended to compensate for the ‘spot loading effect’
must be auto-adaptive and able to adjust dynamically to different situations. An instrument
based on firmware with a fixed ‘loading non-linearity’ parameter will not operate correctly at
all locations. The ‘loading non-linearity’ parameter must be measured.
It is clear that the effect, when present, is linear with loading (‘ATN’). This can be represented
as
BC (reported) = BC (zero loading) * { 1 - k • ATN }
where BC (zero loading) is the desired ambient BC value that would be obtained in the
absence of any loading effect; and k is the ‘loading compensation parameter’ (similar to
Virkkula, 2007).
The analysis of a large number of datasets from a wide variety of locations shows that this
relationship is linear in all cases studied; but with different values of k. It is therefore possible
to eliminate the ‘loading effect’ of k by making two simultaneous identical measurements BC1
and BC2 at different degrees of loading ATN1 and ATN2.
BC1 = BC * { 1 - k • ATN1 }
BC2 = BC * { 1 - k • ATN2 }
From these two linear equations we may calculate the ‘loading compensation parameter’ k;
and the desired value of BC compensated back to zero loading.
The Aethalometer Model AE33 Aethalometer Model AE33 analyzes the Black Carbon
component of aerosols on two parallel spots drawn from the same input stream, but collected

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Model AE33
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at different rates of accumulation, i.e. at different values of ATN. By combining the data
according to the above equations, the AE33 yields the value of BC extrapolated back to ‘zero
loading’; as well as a real-time output of the ‘loading compensation parameter’ k which
provides insights into the aerosol nature and composition. This process is performed in real
time for all wavelengths: examination of the ‘k’ values as a function of wavelength provides
further information about the aerosol composition. An example of this is shown for extreme
concentrations of black carbon (Figure 3).
Figure 3. The time-series of AE33 raw and compensated BC concentrations with 1 second timebase –note
the extreme concentrations and loading effects.
Automatic Zero and Span
The Aethalometer Model AE33 offers the capability for automatically checking the ‘zero-air’
response of the instrument under dynamical operating conditions. This test is implemented
by back-flushing the inlet connection with an excess flow of internally-filtered air and
circulating the filtered air in the instrument. The data reported during this period are analyzed
for the mean value and the point-to-point variation. The mean value should be close to zero
under ideal conditions; any positive value greater than zero represents the leakage of BC-
containing room air into the instrument’s analytical zone. The point-to-point variation
represents the instrument’s measurement noise level under actual operating conditions of
2000 3000 4000
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
BC concentration (ng/m3)
time (sec)
IR, 1 second
raw BC1
raw BC2
compensated BC

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Model AE33
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actual flow –i.e., a ‘dynamic’ test. The point-to-point variation for the wavelength 880 nm at
the time-base set to one second is about 350 ng/m3, which translates to a couple of ng/m3 at
1 minute time resolution (Figure 4).
Figure 4. ‘Zero-air’ check – the Aethalometer Model AE33 switches form sampling ambient air to filtered
air –1 second time resolution point-to-point variation is very stable.
The response of the optical detectors of the Aethalometer Model AE33 may be verified by use
of a standard kit of Neutral Density optical filters. These are glass elements with a range of
known and stable optical absorptions, from light to dark, which are traceable from
manufacturing records back to primary standards. When these are inserted into the AE33
Aethalometer, its photodetectors will give a certain output signal. The stability and
reproducibility of the relationship between optical signal and ND Filter density from one
validation test to another; and the comparison with the original factory values; is a measure of
the consistency of performance of the instrument’s optics.
User and Communications Interfaces
The Aethalometer Model AE33 incorporates the following user, data and communications
features:
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
-1000
-500
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
301 ng/m3
Point-to-point variation @ 1 second:
355 ng/m3
268 ng/m3
BC (ng/m3)
t(s)
1 second timebase
30 point adjecent averaging

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Model AE33
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•21-cm color graphics touch-screen for data display and local user interface;
•USB ports for insertion of a memory stick for local data download;
•USB ports for connection of a keyboard, if necessary for initial setup of parameters,
such as station identification;
•RS-232 COM ports for data transmission from auxiliary instruments or to the digital
datalogger;
•Ethernet port for full network access and control, including
i. Remote data acquisition, either batch or streaming
ii. Remote retrieval of instrument status and state-of-health
iii. Remote control of instrument operating parameters
Modular Construction
The Aethalometer Model AE33 is constructed with a modular design, so that sub-units may be
easily serviced. The only item requiring attention in routine use is cleaning of the optical
insert to remove accumulated dust or other contamination which may be brought in with the
sample air stream. The optical chamber is attached with a bayonet fitting for quick removal;
easy cleaning; and reliable re-assembly. The entire instrument is hermetically sealed to
reduce the entry of dust.
References
Arnott, W. et al. (2005), Towards Aerosol Light-Absorption Measurements with a 7-Wavelength Aethalometer:
Evaluation with a Photoacoustic Instrument and 3-Wavelength Nephelometer Aerosol Sci. Technol., 39, 17-29.
Gundel, L.A., et al. (1984), The Relationship Between Optical Attenuation and Black Carbon concentration for
Ambient and Source Particles, Sci. Total Environment, 36, 197-202.
Hyvärinen A.-P. et al. (2013), Correction for a measurement artifact of the Multi-Angle Absorption Photometer
(MAAP) at high black carbon mass concentration levels, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 6, 81-90.
Kanaya et al. (2008), Mass concentrations of black carbon measured by four instruments in the middle of Central
East China in June 2006, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 8, 7637–7649.
Virkkula A. et al. (2007), A Simple Procedure for Correcting Loading Effects of Aethalometer Data, J. Air & Waste
Manage. Assoc., 57, 1214–1222.

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Model AE33
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Weingartner, E., et al. (2003), Absorption of Light by Soot Particles: Determination of the Absorption Coefficient
by Means of Aethalometers J. Aerosol Sci., 34, 1445-1463.

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Model AE33
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1.2 Technical specification
Operation:
Supply voltage: 100-240 V~, 50/60 Hz
Max power consumption: 90W
Measurement wavelengths: 370, 470, 520, 590, 660, 880 and 950 nm
Air flow: adjustable 2, 3, 4 and 5 LPM
Environmental operating conditions:
Indoor use
Altitude: up to 3000 m with internal pump, other configurations possible
Temperature range: 10 –40 degrees Celsius (instrument)
Relative humidity range: non-condensing
Mechanical specification:
Chassis material: sheet metal
Front plate material: plastic
Dimensions: standard 19”/6U, rack mount
Weight: approx. 20 kg
Connectors:
Sampling air: inlet / outlet type –¼” NTPF
Communication: 3x USB type A, 3x COM, 1x Ethernet
User interface:
8.4” SVGA display with LED backlight
Basic control: touch-screen
Optional control: standard PC keyboard and mouse
Red, Yellow, Red status LEDs

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1.3 Basic calculations
Determination of black carbon concentration is based on measurement of light absorption on
filter loaded with aerosols:
Optical attenuation:    
󰇛   󰇜 I0=reference signal;
I=spot signal
Flow:    󰇛  󰇜=measured flow
=leakage factor
Attenuation coefficient:  󰇛 
󰇜
 S=spot size; t=time
Absorption coefficient:  
C=multiple scattering parameter
(Weingartner et al. 2003)
Black carbon concentration:  
 =mass absorption crossection
Loading effect compensation:   󰇛    󰇜
k=compensation parameter
Final equation:  󰇛
󰇜
󰇛󰇜󰇛󰇜
Reference: I
0
Sensing I

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1.4 Functional description of the instrument
The AE33 features modular design and is composed of several subsystems which are so
interconnected that most simple and safe handling of the instrument is possible.
CHAMBER LIFT
MECHANISM
UN-ROLL TAPE
SPOOL ROLL-ON TAPE SPOOL
TAPE ADVANCE
MECHANISM
TAPE
SENSOR
TAPE
SENSOR
USB1 USB2 STAUS
LEDS
DISPLAY + TOUCHSCREEN
DOOR
KNOB
TAPE
CRC AIR
PUMP
AIR
LIGHT SOURCE
AIR
INLET AIR OUTLET
USB3COM1 COM2 COM3Ethernet
COOLING
FAN
MAINS
INLET
POWER
SUPPLY
MAIN
COMPUTER BALL VALVE
ELECTRONIC
BOARDS
FRONT PANEL DOOR
BACK
PANEL
DETECTOR
MEASUREMENT CHAMBER
FLOWMETERS and
SOLENOIDS
ON/OFF
SWITCH
Figure 5. AE33 functional block diagram

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Model AE33
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ENCLOSURE
The AE33 enclosure is very robust and made from sheet metal. The enclosure mechanically
protects the delicate inner measurement parts. The dimensions of the enclosure meet the rack
mount standard for the instrumentation.
POWER SUPPLY
The power supply module is composed of the mains inlet, the power supply electronics and
the cooling fan. Since the power supply electronics heats up, it is mechanically integrated in a
separated and thermally sealed area.
MAINS INLET
The mains inlet accepts standard EU, US or UK supply cords. It is composed of the inlet itself,
the EMC filter, the main fuse and the primary ON/OFF switch. The switch is a part of the power
supply module.
COOLING FAN
The cooling fan is also a part of the power supply module. The control electronics measures
the temperature of the power supply area and switches on and off the cooling fan.
MAIN COMPUTER
The main computer processor also generates quite a lot of heat. It is integrated in the power
supply area so it can be cooled down together with the power supply electronics. The highest
level control software and the user interface are implemented on the main, PC based
computer.
ELECTRONIC BOARDS
The system features modular design so the electronics is composed of various electronics
boards which mechanically fit together with other mechanical modules. The low level control

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firmware is implemented with microcontrollers, which are located on separate electronic
boards so parallel real time data processing is possible.
ETHERNET CONNECTOR
The Ethernet connector allows the connection of the AE33 measurement system to Ethernet
based communication networks.
COM1, COM2, COM3 CONNECTORS
The COM connectors allow the connection of the system to RS232 based devices, like external
sensors or dataloggers.
USB CONNECTOR
The USB connector allows the connection of the system to USB based devices, like external
sensors or data processing units.
AIR INLET and OUTLET CONNECTORS
The air inlet and outlet connector allows the connection of the instrument to external airflow
system. The measured air enters the instrument through the inlet connector and leaves the
instrument through the outlet connector.
BALL VALVE
The ball valve is an electrically actuated valve which is connected directly to the inlet
connector and connects or separates the instrument from the external air system.
MUFFLER
The muffler (CRC filter) is used to decrease the noise in the airflow which is created by
mechanical rotation of the pump.

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AIR PUMP
The air pump pumps the measured air through the inlet connector, directly to the
measurement chamber. It is one of the main components in the system.
FLOWMETERS
Two flow-meters measure the airflow in different points in the system. One of them is used
also in the air flow regulation loop.
SOLENOID VALVES
Three solenoid valves are used to switch the airflow trough different airflow paths when the
instrument is set in different operating modes like measure, tape advance or similar.
CHAMBER LIFT MECHANISM
The chamber lift mechanism allows the measurement chamber to be lifted manually or
electromechanically. During tape advance the automated chamber lift procedure is invoked.
During tape replacement the manual chamber lift procedure can be engaged. The manual
chamber lift mechanism features also a special locking mechanism which simplifies the tape
replacement or chamber cleaning procedure. The main electronic components of the chamber
lift mechanism are the stepper motor and the chamber lift position sensor.
TAPE ADVANCE MECHANISM
The advance mechanism allows the instrument to perform automatic tape advances during
measurements. The main electronic parts of the tape advance mechanism are a stepper motor
and the two tape sensors.
ROLL-ON and UN-ROLL TAPE SPOOLS
The roll-on and the un-roll tape spools hold the measurement tape. During automated tape
advance the tape unrolls from the un-roll spool and rolls on the roll-on spool. If the un-roll

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spool is empty, the event is detected automatically thanks to the tape sensors. The tape
replacement procedure must be performed manually by the operator. The measurement tape
is one of the main parts of the system.
TAPE SENSORS
The two tape sensors are used by the instrument software to detect the amount of tape on the
un-roll and roll-on spools.
LIGHT SOURCE
The light source integrates groups of LEDs of different light wavelengths. It is one of the main
parts of the system.
DETECTOR
The detector detects what amount of light passes through the measurement tape. A special
algorithm is used to calculate the black carbon concentration using the information from the
detector and the flow-meter.
FRONT PANEL DOOR
The front panel door can be opened which allows the access to the instrument for tape
replacement or chamber cleaning.
DISPLAY and TOUCH-SCREEN
The display and the touch-screen are the main user interfaces of the instrument. Using this
interface the operator can perform all necessary operations for proper functioning of the
instrument.