Intercomparisons of mobility size spectrometers and condensation particle counters in the frame of the Spanish atmospheric observational aerosol network

Abstract

Red Española de DMAs Ambientales (REDMAAS), the Spanish network of environmental differential mobility analyzers (DMAs), currently comprises six research groups involved in the measurement of atmospheric aerosol size distributions by means of DMAs. The aim of this network is to guarantee the good quality and comparability of the routine measurements carried out at each location and in diverse environments across Spain. In order to achieve this objective, one of its main activities is the annual intercomparison of mobility size spectrometers used within the network (five units of scanning mobility particle sizers[SMPS] and one ultrafine particle monitor [UFPM]). Here we report the 2main results obtained during the 2010-2012 campaigns, including a study on particle deposition in dryers used in ambient air sampling systems. In general, all instruments showed good performance with deviations in accepted tolerance. The intercomparisons have been proved to be a useful exercise to detect instrument problems, such as incorrect calibrations. DMA calibration checks were performed with polystyrene latex reference particles. Deviations of less than 1% were observed during the first year, which increased 4.7% during the last campaign. Some differences among the responses of different condensation particle counter (CPC) models were encountered, being mainly connected to the intrinsic characteristics of each counter. The comparison of UFPM with CPCs has given good results. The SMPS intercomparisons, especially for particles above 20 nm, have been within +/-15% tolerance. Regarding particle deposition in dryers used in sampling systems, particle penetration was lower than predicted by the recommended model. This result was probably due to the fact that not all the possible mechanisms were considered in the model.