Diesel particulate monitoring has been growing in popularity for some years now, in particular real-time laser based monitoring systems and instruments which collect, time and date stamp measurement data for users to analyze. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) has long since been classified by the WHO (World Health Organization) as carcinogenic to humans, linking it directly to cancer and or other health effects.

In Australia, the current workplace exposure standard (WES) for diesel particulate matter is 100ug/m3 (0.1mg/m3) measured as a time weighted average for an 8 hour exposure period. Real-time diesel particulate monitoring instruments are helping many organizations keep these levels under control and keep their employees safe.

Diesel Particulate Monitoring For Ambient Measurements

There are numerous industries where humans have the potential to be exposed to diesel particulates in the ambient air they are breathing. These areas may include however are not limited to underground mining, the transport industry, industrial workshops and anywhere diesel powered equipment or vehicles are being used.

While traditional diesel particulate monitoring instruments, such as air sampling pumps are widely used and have their place, these do not provide real-time indicative measurements.

Real-time measurement instruments have proven highly valuable over many years in providing instantaneous data, alarms, notifications, reporting and much more. Real-time measurements mean companies can act immediately to control diesel particulate exposure and safeguard their staff.

Diesel Particulate Vehicle Exhaust Measurements

For many years now the technology has been around to test particulate levels in hot engine exhaust as to quantify the levels of particulates vented to atmosphere. Many organizations use this technology to test the effectivness of diesel particulate filters and other changes they make to engines. This technology has been constantly evolving and different standards and test methods have emerged throughout the world.

Our staff at Alpha Scientific have decades of experience with particle instruments and were involved in the development of and supply of some of the first real real-time diesel particulate monitoring systems and instruments sold in Australasia. Today, we work with a number of world leading global instrument manufacturers providing cutting edge measurement instruments to meet various international test standards.

Catalytic Strippers & Vapor Filters

Catalytic vapor filters, catalytic strippers and related products from Catalytic Instruments can make a world of difference when trying to make accurate and repeatable particle measurements. Catalytic Instruments GmbH develops, manufactures and markets world leading products for engine exhaust measurements, indoor air quality measurements, outdoor air quality monitoring and other research applications.

Catalytic Strippers

Their catalytic strippers break down hydrocarbons in the air and remove all unnecessary non solid particles before accurate measurement of the solid particle number concentration can be made.

Catalytic Vapor Filters

To further increase safety and health around the measurement process, a catalytic vapor filter converts all butanol vapor into harmless CO2 and water. With improved air quality readings, researchers can make the most accurate assessments and provide a solid basis for legislation cleaning up the air we all breathe.

Diesel Particulate Monitoring

Exposure to diesel particulates can have various health effects, particularly on the respiratory system. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is made up of tiny particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause inflammation and damage to lung tissue. Some of the health effects associated with exposure to diesel particulates include:

Cancer

Long-term exposure to diesel particulates has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer, such as bladder cancer.

Neurological effects

There is also evidence to suggest that exposure to diesel particulates may have negative impacts on the nervous system, including effects on cognitive function and behavior.

Exposure to diesel particulates is a serious public health concern, particularly for those who work in occupations where exposure is more likely, such as truck drivers, construction workers, and miners.

Measures to reduce exposure to diesel particulates, such as using cleaner fuels and engines, implementing emission controls, and improving ventilation, can help protect workers and improve public health. Diesel particluate monitoring can prove highly beneficial in identifying imission sources and hot spots, not to mention worker exposure over time.