C-12 Portable Black Carbon Monitor

Experience highly granular black carbon monitoring with unmatched affordability

A revolutionary device that accurately measures black carbon (BC) concentration with a 1-minute time resolution

The C-12 is a dual wavelength (370 and 880 nm) robust industrial-grade tool providing users with a comprehensive suite of real-time diagnostic data for seamless performance monitoring. Despite its economical price point compared to similar carbon monitors on the market, it boasts a lifespan exceeding ten years. Its capabilities encompass granular monitoring of both black carbon and brown carbon. Recognized for its excellence, the C-12 Black Carbon Monitor won the jury prize at the 2023 AIRLAB Microsensors Challenge.

Features

Unmatched Value for Granular Data

Measures black carbon concentration every minute

Real-Time Cloud Communication

Integrated modem sends data to a customized web page dashboard

Data Logger Compatible

Can communicate via WiFi or cellular network

Accessible Price Point

Low initial and operational costs

Time-tested, Reliable Technology

Industrial-grade device with over ten years of operating life

Precision Measurements

Measures BC concentration with sensitivity exceeding 70 ng/m3 at 1-minute intervals

Internal Data Storage

108,134 records. At 1-min, ~ 75 days or 2.5 months

Dual wavelength feature

Improved source apportionment

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Resources

Data Sheet

User Manual

Affordability and Accessibility

The C-12 is an industrial-grade device that offers users real-time diagnostic information. Despite its affordability compared to other commercially available carbon monitors, it is expected to have an operating life of more than ten years.

Continuous and Unattended Operation

The C-12 operates unattended for more than two months. It uses the principle of optical attenuation (via two wavelengths: 880 and 370 nm) through filter media upon which particulate matter containing BC deposits in real-time1. This allows the C-12 to make more than 1,000 filter advances.

Industrial-Grade and Longevity

The C-12 is an industrial-grade device. It provides the user with an array of diagnostic information in real time. Despite being inexpensive compared to other commercially available carbon monitors, its operating life is expected to be more than ten years.

Self-Contained and Portable

The C-12 Portable Carbon Monitor is self-contained. It eliminates the need for an expensive, space- and power-consuming environmental shelter. It can be set up in a matter of minutes virtually anywhere. Because of its modest sampling rate (1 LPM), the C-12 can easily be operated off modestly-sized solar panels in most regions.

High Sensitivity and Optional Configuration

The standard configuration of the C-12 enables the user to measure and report the BC concentration with sensitivity better than 70 ng/m3 at 1-minute time intervals. An optional configuration enables both 880 nm and 370 nm illumination to identify brown carbon particulate concentration.

Real-Time Data and Flexible Deployment

Equipped with an integrated CCS+ COMET Cloud modem, the data is available in real-time on a customized web page dashboard. The C-12 samples total suspended particulate matter. It can be mounted onto an optional tripod for rapid, flexible deployment.

Applications

Governmental Air Quality Surveillance
Community Monitoring Applications
Saturation Studies
Nuisance Monitoring
Source Apportionment Studies
Academic Research
Ambient Monitoring
Fenceline Monitoring
Smart Cities
Climate Research

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