Casella CEL Microdust 880 IS real time dust monitor - Manual (Page 4)

Microdust 880nm & WinDust Application Software
Handbook HB3255-03
Page 4 of 51
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Microdust 880nm
Instrument Overview
Airborne particulate matter can be found in air in the form of dust,
smoke, fumes, pollen, and other aerosols. Major sources of particulate
in the urban and working environments include combustion, materials
processing, manufacturing, energy generation, vehicle engine emissions,
and construction.
Particulate matter is responsible for reduced visibility, the spread of
contamination, low worker productivity, and is also recognised as a
contributory factor to many medical conditions including asthma,
bronchitis and lung cancer.
Traditional gravimetric methods of dust measurement require a significant sampling period and are
not suited to the evaluation of concentration trends in real time.
The Microdust 880nm is an ideal survey instrument for the assessment of real-time particulate mass
concentration in mg/m
3
. The Microdust is totally portable and is suitable for both fixed site and
general survey applications.
The proven forward light scatter technique for dust detection has been combined with modern
microprocessor and surface mount technology to provide a compact instrument packed with many
useful features and optional data storage capability. The integral data logger permits storage of over
32,000 data points. The Windows software package which accompanies logging instruments has
been developed to make the downloading and presentation of data as simple as possible.
The Microdust family of instruments is available in both intrinsically safe and non intrinsically safe
versions. Instruments within these two classifications can be provided with an optional data logging
facility. Data logging versions simplify the collection of ‘real time’ concentration data and offer
additional features including a user programmable identification message (for displaying of company
name, contact number etc.) and a P.C real time display with scrolling graph. Non logging versions
have no RS232 communications facility.
Intrinsically safe versions of the Microdust are classified to EEx ia 11C T4, which allows the
instrument to be used in explosive atmospheres. Instruments not bearing the Ex certification
marking must never be operated within a hazardous area.