In order to protect community health, it is essential to measure particle matter (PM) levels on a continuous basis through the installation of specialised instrumentation, such as the PMsense PM transmitter from Italy-based measuring and control equipment company Delta OHM.

Newly launched, the PMsense datalogger has particular application in smart city applications, widespread environmental monitoring activities and the monitoring of PM pollutants found at industrial sites.

“In line with current environmental safety initiatives and industry’s desire to ensure that communities living close to their place of work do not suffer serious ill health issues as a result of industrial air pollution, it is crucial to know the exact PM content,” says measuring instruments supplier GHM Messtechnik MD Jan Grobler.

GHM Messtechnik is the South African distributor of the PMsense.

Delta OHM’s PMsense ensures accurate readings of PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 particle counts, owing to its laser scattering measuring principle. The device ensures that the air quality guidelines established by the World Health Organisation, which outline the exposure limits to key air pollutants, are followed accurately,” says Grobler.

The particle detection range of Delta OHM’s PMsense is 0.3–10 μm. Powered by 7-30 virtual design, it can operate in conditions such as –20 ºC to 70 ºC and 500–1 500 hPa.

Configuration of the instrument and the reading of the measurements can be done via the RS-485 serial output, both with the proprietary and the Modbus-RTU protocols and the results reported. In combination with a logger, collected data is sent via HTTP to the Delta OHM cloud for access from any device.

Delta OHM is known for the quality and accuracy of its automatic weather solutions (AWS). This new PMsense device offers a fully compatible measurement in conjunction with AWS. By incorporating the PMsense measurement, the AWS can warn when air pollution is close to dangerous levels.

“South Africa has in the past had a few industrial pollution issues that have impacted the health of nearby communities. This PMsense sensor gives an early indication of air pollution reaching levels of non-conformity and thereby eliminates potential health risks to communities surrounding industrial sites,” concludes Grobler.