Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) counter

Droplet's CCN-100/200 measures the count and size of individual aerosol particles that can form into cloud droplets. Its fast response time allows use in either airborne or ground-based stations.

Enable climate models and accurate predictions of climate change with the CCN-100/200 – the only instrument of its kind to measure CCN concentrations in space and time.
Measure quickly changing conditions in airborne and ground-based applications with fast response, uninterrupted flow, and a multi-channel, optical particle counter.
Get supersaturation as low as 0.07% and as high as 2%, plus complete automation of up to 250 programmable and scanned supersaturation settings.
Minimize size and buoyancy effects with cylindrical geometry – giving you more accurate measurements for your critical research.
Get real-time control, data display, and data logging with a user-friendly virtual instrument panel.

Technology

Supersaturation generation and particle light-scattering

A continuous-flow thermal-gradient diffusion chamber measures aerosols that can act as cloud condensation nuclei.
Inside the chamber, a thermodynamically unstable, supersaturated water vapor condition is created by taking advantage of the difference in diffusion rates between water vapor and heat.
The supersaturated water vapor condenses on the cloud condensation nuclei in the sample air to form droplets, which are counted and sized.

Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Aerosol Medium	Air, 5 - 40 °C (41 - 104°F)
Number Concentration Range	Depends on supersaturation: 6,000 particles/sec at supersaturations below 0.2% 2,000 particles/sec at supersaturations above 0.3%
Measured Particle Size Range (from OPC, after supersaturation)	0.75 – 10 µm
Number of Particle Size Bins	20
Sampling Frequency	1 Hz / 1 Second
Supersaturation Range	0.07% - 2.0%
Time Required for Supersaturation Change	~30 seconds for 0.2% change
Maximum Number of Automatically Scanned Supersaturation Settings	250
Optical Particle Counter Laser	660 nm, 35 mW
Flow Range	Total flow: 200 – 1000 vol. cc/min (factory calibrated at 500 Vccm) Sample flow: 20 – 100 Vccm Sheath flow: 180 – 900 Vccm
Flow Control	Total flow is adjustable from within CCN Counter software Sample/Sheath flow ratio is adjustable using manual metering valve
Pump	Solenoid pumps for water; diaphragm pump for air
Side Panel Connections	System power switch LED for overall system power Watchdog light Air vents Inlet and exhaust valves 28 VDC pin connector Ethernet connection USB connection Mouse and keyboard connections Touchscreen connection Video connection Serial data port LED power connection
Computer System	On-board Intel® Celeron® 1 GHz processor 512 MB RAM 80 GB hard drive for data storage User interface via standard keyboard and monitor (included)
Data System Interface	RS-232, 9.6 Kb/sec Baud Rate (single CCN Counter) or 57.6 Kb/sec (Dual CCN Counter)
Features for Easy Aircraft Mounting	Rack-mount compatible Center of gravity located 15.5” from bottom of back base plate Instrument plumbing system sealed for operation on pressurized aircraft
Power Requirements	28 VDC
Current	CCN-100: 15 A at startup, nominal 7 A during regular operation CCN-200: 25 A at startup, nominal 20 A during regular operation
Size (for both CCN-100 and 200)	For lab use (with frame): 35.0” H x 19.3” W x 15.6” D / 88.9 cm H x 48.9 cm W x 39.7 cm D For aircraft use (without frame): 32.0”H x 15.25” W x 10.6 D / 81.3 cm H x 38.7 cm W x 27 cm D
Weight	CCN-100: For lab use (with frame): 35.2 kg / 77.5 lb For aircraft use (without frame): 29.0 kg / 64.0 lb CCN-200: For lab use (with frame): 50 kg / 110 lb For aircraft use (without frame): 43.8 kg / 96.5 lb
Environmental Operating Conditions	Temperature: – 40°C (41 – 104 °F) RH: 0 – 100% RH non-condensing