USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology & Development Center Air Program News

Issue 5

March 2004

Comparison of New Real-Time Particulate Monitors

graphic image of the cover page for Laboratory Evaluation of Real-Time Smoke Particulate Monitors A new report (0325-2834-MTDC Laboratory Evaluation of Real-Time Smoke Particulate Monitors) details the results of laboratory tests of several new real-time particulate monitors. The Met One Instruments EBAM and E-Sampler monitors, and the MIE DataRam 4 were tested in the Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Sciences Laboratory's smoke chamber.

When the results were compared to a Federal Reference Method gravimetric sampler, the EBAM and E-Sampler overestimated PM_2.5 mass concentration by an average of about 13 percent. The DataRam, with its size correction feature “ENABLED,” overestimated concentration by 172 percent.

A correction factor of 0.37 is suggested for the DataRam 4 with its size-correction feature enabled. This factor is slightly higher than the previously published correction factor of 0.344.

Interagency Real-Time Smoke Monitoring Web Site

Modifications to the Interagency Real-Time Smoke Monitoring Web page (http://www.satguard.com/usfs) have been completed. The Web page was enhanced to provide better access to real-time data as well as historical data. Take a look and please provide comments. If you have links to other sites that you feel should be added, please send an e-mail message to: atrent@fs.fed.us.

graphic image of the Interagency Real-Time Smoke Monitoring Web page

New Telemetry Systems

New telemetry systems have been developed for the Met One Instruments EBAM and E-Sampler particulate monitors. The new systems are similar to the DataRam telemetry units that send data for posting on the Smoke Monitoring Web site. Modifications to the Web site are being made to incorporate the new data.

Project Proposals

graphic Image of the Technology and Development proposal cycle If you have ideas for new projects, please let us know. The National Air Management, Water, and Riparian Technology and Development Program steering committee meets each year to select new projects for the coming year. The committee includes Forest Service employees from across the country. If you have ideas for projects they should consider, please fill out our project proposal form or call Dick Karsky (406–329–3921) or Andy Trent (406–329–3912). They will submit your proposal.