Aviation Particle Composition Analyzer

We propose to develop a transportable Aviation Particle Composition Analyzer (APCA) that is capable of determining size-resolved volatile particle composition for aviation particles from 20 to 100 nm. The proposed instrument will be based on Aerodyne’s patented aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) technique. Such an instrument will be very useful for aviation research community to characterize and quantify aviation nucleation and soot particles, which will help the community better understand the atmospheric, environmental, and health impacts from aviation activities. The technical advantages of the AMS-based techniques for size-resolved chemical composition determination over the electrical mobility-based and offline filter-based methods are: Continuous and real-time measurements; Determination of multiple components simultaneously; and Better particle size resolution.

We propose to provide NASA a real-time and ultra-sensitive measurement instrument. The Aviation Particle Composition Analyzer (APCA) will be able to determine size-resolved aviation particle composition in real-time via highly sensitive mass spectrometric measurements. Along with turnkey operation, our analyzer will be transportable and of low maintenance cost. Data analysis related to this measurement technique will be straightforward through a data analysis program.

We expect that the APCA instrument will benefit the scientific community interested in characterization of PM emissions from IC engines. Its ability to determine chemical composition in real-time will enable the distinction of soot that is produced from the combustion process of ICEs and nucleation particles that are generated from the condensable gaseous species from engine emissions.

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