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TOTAL CARBON ANALYZER TCA08

TCA08
Real-time Measurement of Total Carbon

Continuous, high-precision measurement of total carbon in aerosols, capturing both organic and elemental carbon with flexible sampling from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Rugged, easy to operate, and using ambient air as carrier gas, it provides reliable data critical for air quality monitoring, health impact assessment, climate research, and emissions testing. Seamlessly integrated with the Aethalometer, the TCA08 enables comprehensive carbon aerosol characterization for advanced environmental insights.
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TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW

INTEGRATES WITH AETHALOMETER for online OC/EC analysis and Carbonaceous Aerosol Fingerprint

EASY TO USE

REQUIRES MINIMAL RESOURCES

NO GAS, NO GLASS, NO COMPROMISE

HOW IT WORKS?

The Science Behind TCA08

Key features
Measurement principle

Key features

CONTINUOUS ANALYSIS OF TOTAL CARBON

SAMPLING TIME 20 MIN TO 24 HOURS

USES AMBIENT AIR AS CARRIER GAS

RUGGED, ALL-STEEL CONSTRUCTION

EASY INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

INTEGRATES WITH AETHALOMETER FOR OC/EC ANALYSIS

Measurement principle

  • The Aerosol Magee Scientific Total Carbon Analyzer collects a sample of atmospheric aerosols on a quartz fiber filter enclosed in a small stainless-steel chamber at a controlled sampling flow rate of 16.7 LPM. The default sampling time is 60 minutes but can be set from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the ambient aerosol concentrations.
  • The instrument has two identical parallel channels, with the air flows being controlled by ball valves and solenoids. While one channel is collecting its sample, the other channel analyzes the sample collected during the previous period.  At the end of the period, the valves switch over to provide continuous operation and continuous data.
  • After collecting the filter, two flash-heating elements combust the sample instantaneously in a small analytic flow of filtered ambient air. This converts all the carbonaceous compounds into CO2 and creates a short, but large-amplitude pulse of CO2 in the analytic flow passed to the NDIR CO2 detector. The background level of CO2 in ambient air during the heating cycle is determined before, and after the heating cycle, the provide the baselines against which the combustion pulse is measured. The CO2 concentration over the baseline is integrated to give the total carbon content of the sample.
  • The chamber and combustion elements are cooled after analysis. At the end of the time-base period, the flow system of ball valves and solenoids switches over.  The first channel collects the next period’s sample, while the second channel analyzes the previously collected sample.
TOTAL CARBON ANALYZER TCA08

PRODUCT INFO

Information
Specifications
Documents
Publications
Video
Accessories

METHOD

RELIABLE, FLEXIBLE, COST-EFFICIENT

The Aerosol Magee Scientific TCA08 Total Carbon Analyzer is engineered for durability and simplicity. It’s all-stainless-steel analytical system ensures long-term reliability in demanding environments. By using ambient air as the carrier gas, the TCA08 eliminates the need for specialty gas supplies, greatly reducing installation complexity, operational costs, and maintenance requirements.

Unlike traditional methods, the TCA08 offers enhanced reliability and flexibility for aerosol carbon analysis. It supports both online mode for continuous, real-time monitoring and offline mode for analyzing pre-collected samples, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of research and regulatory applications.

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

CONTINUOUS OPERATION

The time base for sampling and analysis is adjustable from 20 minutes to 24 hours.

NO GAS, NO GLASS

Ambient air is used as the analytical carrier gas at a very low flow rate. This eliminates the need for specialized gas supplies.

The analytical chambers are made of stainless steel: the instrument contains no fragile glass components.

OC/EC DETERMINATION

The TCA08 may be connected to the Aethalometer to provide a full characterization of the carbonaceous component of the aerosol in near-real-time:  TC, OC, BC (or EC). See CASS to find out more.

CONTINUOUS OPERATION

One channel collects the sample, while the second parallel channel is being analyzed.  Ball valves automatically switch between the two, every time base period, to provide continuous operation.

QUICK INSTALLATION, AUTOMATIC OPERATION

The instrument can be installed quickly with no specialized resources required.  It operates automatically and recovers from power interruptions.

OC/EC DETERMINATION

Total carbon {TC = OC + EC} is often the largest contributor to PM2.5 mass. The TCA08 provides the result for TC.

Since {TC = OC + EC}, it follows that {OC = TC – EC}.

The Total Carbon Analyzer may be connected to the Aethalometer, which provides real-time data for black carbon (BC), closely related to elemental carbon (EC). The Aethalometer data is automatically combined with the TCA08 data to provide a full characterization of the carbonaceous component of the aerosol in near-real-time: TC, OC, BC (or EC).

See CASS to find out more.

RUGGED INSTRUMENT

The Total Carbon Analyzer TCA08 is constructed in a rugged instrument package suitable for laboratory, field work, and routine air quality monitoring applications.

MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE

MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
Two identical flow channels for sampling and analysis. Sample is collected on  quartz fiber filter in stainless-steel combustion chamber. At end of sampling time base, collection flow is switched to second channel while first channel is analyzed. Collected sample is flash-heated to convert all Carbon to CO2.
Ambient air is used as analytical carrier gas at low flow rate. The baseline level of CO2 in ambient air is determined before and after the heating cycle. Large pulse of CO2 in analytical flow is integrated over ambient baseline to determine Total Carbon content of sample.

ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE

Limit of Detection: 300 ng C/m³ (1-h time base, 16.7 LPM flow)
Range: 300 ng/m3 to 300.000 ng/m3 of total carbon

TIME BASE

Timebase for sampling and analysis is adjustable from 20 minutes to 24 hours. The default setting is 1 hour.

No glass. Chambers constructed entirely from stainless steel. Rugged FeCrAl alloy heating elements.
No gas. Uses ambient air as a carrier: does not need any specialty gas supplies.
No catalyst.

DETERMINATION OF OC AND EC

BC data from Aethalometer is used to derive EC. OC is obtained by simple subtraction: OC = TC – EC. The relationship between BC and EC depends on
aerosol composition and the thermal protocol used for EC assignment.

SAMPLING

  • Standard flow rate of 16.7 LPM (1 m3/h), provided by a closed-loop stabilized internal pump.
  • Sample is collected on a 47-mm quartz fiber filter.

USER INTERFACE

DISPLAY

8.4” SVGA display (21 cm) with LED backlight, color touch-screen

LED status indicators: Red, Yellow, Green.

INTERFACE

Graphical User Interface with basic data display and control, advanced screens for detailed reporting and parameter setup.

Optional control: standard PC keyboard and mouse

REMOTE MANAGEMENT

Network ready for remote management and data transfer.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Indoor or laboratory use, rack or benchtop.
  • Ambient temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C, non-condensing.
  • Sampled air stream: non-condensing (RH < 90% at instrument temperature).
  • Operating altitude: 0 ~ 3000 m.
  • Inlet plumbing requirement: the minimum overall height of the Total Carbon Analyzer TCA08 chassis and inlet tubing is 1.20 m.  See Figure 1. 

Figure 1. (left) Denuder efficiency test setup, and (right) sampling setup. The overall height of such a setup is 1.20 m.

DATA OUTPUT & STORAGE

DATA OUTPUT

  • Digital data via RS-232 COM port and Ethernet.
  • 6x COM, 4x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 3x power USB, Ethernet
  • Network ready for remote management and data transfer.

STORAGE

Data are written to internal memory once every time base period. Stored data may be transferred over a network or to a manually inserted USB drive.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 42 x 48 x 60 cm (17” x 19” x 24”)
  • Height required for inlet assembly: 120 cm (4 feet)
  • Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)
  • Electrical supply: 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
  • Power consumption (maximum): 100 W sampling, 600 W analysis (typical 1-minute duration).
  • Airflow: Sample Airflow 16.7 LPM, Analytic Airflow 0.5 LPM
  • Internal sampling pump: dual diaphragm, brushless speed-controlled DC motor, stabilized flow.
  • Sampling airstream connector: inlet: inner diameter 14 mm, outer diameter 18 mm, custom connectors; outlet: 1/4” NTPF
  • Analytic airstream connector: inlet: 1/8’’ NTPF; outlet: internal, not brought to panel connector
  • Modular internal hardware for rapid servicing.
  • QUICK-CHANGE ANALYTICAL CHAMBER: modular for easy servicing, routine replacement of quartz sampling filter, or exchange of heating elements.
  • Constructed in a fully enclosed, self-contained standard 19’’/9U rack-mount chassis.

ACCESSORIES

  • PM2.5 inlet
  • Shockproof and waterproof transit case
  • Flow Calibrator ALICAT FP-25 (0.1-25 LPM) includes communication cable
  • Tube coupling A
  • Tube coupling B
  • Filter Cartridge (for Clean Air performance test)
  • Ambient meteorological sensor GMX 300 (P, T, RH)
  • Ambient meteorological sensor GMX 500 (P, T, RH, wind speed and direction)
  • Ambient meteorological sensor GMX 200 (wind speed and direction)

CONSUMABLE & OPERATIONAL SUPPLIES

  • 47-mm quartz fiber filters, package of 25
  • Capsule filter
  • VOC Denuder Cartridge
  • TCA08 Calibration Filter Set 12mm- Ambiental
  • TCA08 Calibration Filter Set 12mm- Special conc.

EXCHANGE SERVICE COMPONENTS

  • Analytical Chamber Assembly with heating modules
  • CO2 analyzer sensor
Poster: Rigler (2017) Offline validation of the New Total Carbon Analyzer
Open
TitleAuthorPublicationYearLink
Real-time source apportionment of fine particle inorganic and organic constituents at an urban site in Delhi city: An IoT-based approachJ. Prakash et.al.Atmospheric Pollution Research, Volume 12, Issue 11, November 2021, 1012062021LINK
An overview of optical and thermal methods for the
characterization of carbonaceous aerosol		D. Massabo et.al.La Rivista del Nuovo Cimento (2021) https://doi.org/10.1007/s40766-021-00017-82021LINK
The new TC-BC method and online instrument for the measurement of carbonaceous aerosolsRigler, MAtmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4333-20202020LINK
Comparative analysis of new observation methods for carbonaceous aerosol (OC/EC)Deng-feng,NI, et. al.China Environmental Science, 2020, 40 (12): 5191-51972020LINK
Source identification of the elemental fraction of particulate matter using size segregated, highly time-resolved data and an optimized source apportionment approachM. Manousakas et al.Atmospheric Environment: X
Volume 14, April 2022, 100165		2022LINK
Quantifying the relative contributions of aqueous phase and photochemical processes to water-soluble organic carbon formation in winter in a megacity of South ChinaJ. Tao et al.Chemosphere
Volume 300, August 2022, 134598		2022LINK
Applying the total carbon–black carbon approach method to investigate the characteristics of primary and secondary carbonaceous aerosols in ambient PM2.5 in northern TaiwanKatoch et al.Science of The Total Environment
Volume 936, 1 August 2024, 173476		2024LINK
Optical properties and simple forcing efficiency of the organic aerosols and black carbon emitted by residential wood burning in rural central EuropeCuesta-Mosquera et al.Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
24, 2583–2605, 2024		2024LINK
Highly Time-Resolved Apportionment of Carbonaceous Aerosols from Wildfire Using the TC–BC Method: Camp Fire 2018 Case StudyM. Ivančič et al.Toxics, 11, 497; doi: 10.3390/toxics11060497, 20232024LINK
Two-year-long high-time-resolution apportionment of primary and
secondary carbonaceous aerosols in the Los Angeles Basin using an advanced
total carbon–black carbon (TC-BC(λ)) method		M. Ivančič et al.Science of the Total Environment 848 (2022) 1576062022LINK
Field validation of a semi-continuous method for aerosol black carbon (Aethalometer) and temporal patterns of summertime hourly black carbon measurements in southwestern PAAllen, G. A.Atmos. Environ, 33 , 817-8231999
Method Comparisons for Particulate Nitrate, Elemental Carbon, and PM2.5 Mass in Seven U.S. CitiesBabich, PJ. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 50 , 1095-1105.2000
Results of the `carbon conference’ international aerosol carbon round robin test stage ISchmid, HAtmos. Environ., 35 , 2111-2121.2001
Species Contributions to PM2.5 Mass Concentrations: Revisiting Common Assumptions for Estimating Organic MassTurpin, B. J.Atmos. Sci. &Technol., 35 , 602-610.2001
INTERCOMP2000: the comparability of methods in use in Europe for measuring the carbon content of aerosoltenBrink, HAtmos. Environ., 38 , 6507-6519.2004
Comparison of Continuous and Filter-Based Carbon Measurements at the Fresno SupersitePark., K.J. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 56 , 474-491.2006
Key Scientific Findings and Policy- and Health-Relevant Insights from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Particulate Matter Supersites Program and Related Studies: An Integration and Synthesis of ResultsSolomon, P. AJ. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 58 , S3-S92.2008
Seasonal variations of elemental carbon in urban aerosols as measured by two common thermal-optical carbon methodsBae, M.-SSci. Tot. Environ., 407 , 5176-5183.2009
Science of The Total EnvironmentMin-SukBaeVolume 407, Issue 18, 1 September 2009, Pages 5176-51832009
Aerosol light absorption, black carbon, and elemental carbon at the Fresno Supersite, CaliforniaChow, J. CAtmos. Res. 93 , 874–887.2009
Hourly Measurements of Fine Particulate Sulfate and Carbon Aerosols at the Harvard–U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Supersite in BostonKang, C.-M.J. Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn., 60 , 1327-1334.2010
Recommendations for the interpretation of “black carbon” measurementsPetzold, AAtmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 13 , 9485-9517.2013
Thermal-optical analysis for the measurement of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) in ambient air a literature reviewKaranasiou, AAtmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 8 , 9649-97122015

WEATHER STATION SENSORS

Our new family of Weather station sensors for measurements of Air temperature, Pressure, Relative/Absolute humidity, Wind speed and Wind direction consists of:

1. The GMX300 Ambient Meteorological Sensor is a combined instrument mounted inside three doubled louvered, naturally aspirated radiation shields with no moving parts. It measures air temperature, humidity and pressure.

2.The GMX200 is a Wind speed and direction ultrasonic sensor and with an addition of an electronic compass it provides apparent wind measurements.

3.The GMX500 is a compact weather station (with temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed and wind direction sensors).

For more information please refer to below brochure:

Weather_station_sensor_brochure_sheet_A4_v1

ALICAT FP-25 FLOW METER CALIBRATOR KIT

FP-25 Calibrator kit for Air Quality Monitoring needs. Portable mass flow standard that calibrates temperature, pressure, and flow for a variety of air samplers.  NIST traceable readings with high accuracy for EPA reporting. Bluetooth and customized app makes remote calibration from your phone possible. Built in relative humidity sensor for even more accurate readings.

  • Flow Accuracy of +/- 1% of Reading – Even at Low Flow Rates
  • Accurate in Any Weather – From -30°C to +60°C and IP67 certified
  • Includes relative-humidity sensor accurate up to 95% RH

Specification sheet

PM2.5 SHARP CUT CYCLONE (SCC)

The Sharp Cut Cyclone (SCC) is designed to replace the US EPA WINS Impactor for PM2.5 sampling.  It has proven advantages over the WINS because it is a dry system and does not require cleaning at frequent intervals.  Since speciation sampling for particulates is not governed by an EPA FRM, the SCC may be freely utilized.

  • Particle Size Cut PM2.5 at 16.67 LPM
  • Ambient PM2.5 sampling
  • Indoor Air Quality sampling
  • Speciation sampling

QUARTZ FILTERS

Quartz filters with a diameter of 47 mm are used to collect airborne particulate matter, chosen for their excellent thermal stability and minimal background carbon content. These filters provide a dependable substrate for analysing total carbon (TC) in air samples. Once the sample is collected, it is analyzed using the Total Carbon Analyzer, which determines the carbon content by converting the material into CO₂ through flash-heating. The resulting CO₂ is then measured to quantify the total carbon present in the sample.

TOTAL CARBON ANALYZER TCA08

APPLICATIONS

Mine ventilation optimization

Mine ventilation optimization

Learn how black carbon monitoring supports ventilation efficiency and cost savings in deep underground mining operations.
FIND OUT MORE

Urban maps of black carbon pollution

Urban maps of black carbon pollution

Compare personal black carbon exposure across transport modes and routes using mobile mapping in urban environments.
FIND OUT MORE

Global black carbon pollution

Global black carbon pollution

See how ultra-light aircraft measured black carbon globally to assess hotspots and long-range transport patterns.
FIND OUT MORE

Forest fire black carbon pollution

Forest fire black carbon pollution

Understand emission factors and atmospheric impacts of biomass burning through airborne and background measurements.
FIND OUT MORE

Marine vessel black carbon pollution

Marine vessel black carbon pollution

Uncover how ship emissions affect port air quality and how emission factors guide pollution control strategies.
FIND OUT MORE

Vertical profile of black carbon pollution

Vertical profile of black carbon pollution

Capture vertical profiles of black carbon to assess its role in radiative forcing and long-range transport above the PBL.
FIND OUT MORE

Black carbon car emission factors

Black carbon car emission factors

Compare stationary and mobile measurements of black carbon emission factors for real-world traffic pollution analysis.
FIND OUT MORE

Fossil fuel vs. Biomass burning black carbon

Fossil fuel vs. Biomass burning black carbon

Distinguish between fossil fuel and biomass burning sources of black carbon in urban and regional air quality studies.
FIND OUT MORE

Studies of carbonaceous aerosols with cass and acsm

Studies of carbonaceous aerosols with cass and acsm

Reveal detailed OM/OC and TC/EC/BC insights in real time by combining CASS and ACSM instruments.
FIND OUT MORE

Real time wildfire smoke monitoring

Real time wildfire smoke monitoring

Track real-time black and brown carbon from wildfires with the portable AE43 for emergency response and public health protection.
FIND OUT MORE

Off grid black carbon monitoring

Off grid black carbon monitoring

Monitor black carbon in remote locations with solar-powered AE43, offering continuous data even without grid power.
FIND OUT MORE

Mobile measurement of black carbon

Mobile measurement of black carbon

Map black and brown carbon pollution on the move with the AE43 - ideal for urban, rural, or emergency air quality assessments.
FIND OUT MORE

EC/OC- photo-ms ambient aerosol filter pad analyzer

EC/OC- photo-ms ambient aerosol filter pad analyzer

Analyze quartz fiber filters with combined EC/OC carbon analysis and molecular-level speciation using photo-ionization TOF-MS.
FIND OUT MORE

Advanced apportionment of carbonaceous aerosols

Advanced apportionment of carbonaceous aerosols

The advanced TC/BC(l) method can be used to study the influence of anthropogenic processes.
FIND OUT MORE

Airport black carbon emissions and their impact on the nearby local communities

Airport black carbon emissions and their impact on the nearby local communities

Airports, with their high traffic of jet engines and ground support equipment, are significant sources of black carbon emissions.
FIND OUT MORE

Black carbon health effects studies

Black carbon health effects studies

BC is a harmful pollutant with significant adverse effects on human health. The Aethalometer is a valuable tool in monitoring black carbon levels and aiding in healthrelated research.
FIND OUT MORE

FAQ

HOW DO YOU HEAT UP THE SAMPLE?

We are using two heating modules with heating wires below and above the filter. In this way, we can rapidly heat the filter to 900 °C.

WHY TWO HEATING MODULES?

To get the combustion process as efficient as possible, we developed a two-stage heating thermal protocol. Firstly, the lower heater is turned on (analytic flow stream goes in an up-down direction), which is rapidly heated up to 900 °C. In that way, we are sure that all the OC vapors passing the lower heater are converted to CO2. After the lower heater reaches the temperature of 900 °C the upper heater is turned on, so everything on the filter is really combusted.

WHY TWO IDENTICAL CHAMBERS?

These are used when the instrument is measuring online. When for example, when left chamber (CH1) is sampling particulate matter (PM) on the filter, the right chamber (CH2) performs analysis of previously collected PM. After the end of the sampling timebase, the flows are switched. Now, CH1 is analyzing previously collected PM, CH2 is sampling new material. With that, TCA08 measures almost  with zero dead time.

HAVE YOU DONE INTERCOMPARISONS WITH ‘CONVENTIONAL’ EC/OC ANALYZERS?

Yes, we have done numerous side-by-side inter-comparisons with conventional EC/OC analyzers: both for semi-continuous sampling of ambient air, as well as for the off-line analysis of filter samples. In all cases, the TCA08 gave excellent agreement with the TC analysis by other methods; and its combination with the AE33 Aethalometer gave excellent agreement of the TC – BC method with conventional EC/OC analysis.

HEADQUARTERS

Aerosol d.o.o.
Kamniška 39A
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia, Europe
+386 1 4391 700

USA Office

Aerosol USA Corp.
10157 SW Barbur Blvd Suite 100C
Portland, OR 97219 USA
+1 510 646 1600

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