scope:

This guideline describes the use of electrical mobility spectrometers to determine the number concentration and particle size distribution of particles in ambient air. It explains the measurement principle on which this measuring method is based, illustrates its application with examples and defines the relevant performance characteristics.

With this method, it is possible to detect and count particles in the size range of approx. 3 nm to approx. 1 μm in the concentration range of approx. 10² cm^-3 to approx. 10⁶ cm^-3.

This method is also suitable for characterizing test aerosols.

Note: In electrical mobility spectrometers, radioactive sources are frequently used as bipolar particle chargers. When such sources are used, the legal provisions and ordinances (German Radiation Protection Ordinance - StrlSchV) are to be complied with. A handling permit is generally required for the use of such instruments.