SensNews November 2018

13 Sensor100 November 2018 Environment Alphasense launches tiny but powerful particulate sensor At just over 7cm wide and 2cm high, the new OPC-R1 sensor fromAlphasense is extremely small in comparison with previous technologies. However, with out- puts for PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and histograms for up to 16 ‘bins’ the sensor provides considerable particulate monitoring capability.“The small size and weight of this sensor, coupled with a low power requirement, make it ideal for use in portable instruments,” comments Alpha- sense Director, Arthur Burnley. The OPC-R1 is an optical partic- ulate sensor us- ing laser technol- ogy to measure particles from 0.4 to 12.4 µm in diameter, based on a spherical equivalent size of 1.5 µm radius.The sensor is supplied with PC software and a specification sheet providing performance data demonstrating good correlation with a TSI DustTrak. “In May 2018, theWorld Health Organisation published a report estimating that around 7 million people die every year from exposure to the fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases includ- ing stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia,” warns Arthur Burnley.“Conse- quently, there is a large and growing demand for monitoring technology to enable organisations and citizens to check the safety of locations and identify pollution hot-spots. Alphasense Press Release 29 August www. alphasense.com