CCN-100/200
Cloud Condensation Nuclei Counter
The 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. The CCN is available in single-column (CCN-100) or dual-column (CCN-200) versions. The CCN-100 is used for measurements of a single supersaturation, whereas the CCN-200 enables the user to measure two supersaturations simultaneously – a critical capability for droplet activation kinetics of aerosols and split sample experiments comparing the response of aerosols.
TALK TO AN EXPERTEnable 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.
CCN-100/200 Software
The CCN comes with a software program that enables the user to:
- Collect data
- Change supersaturation settings
- Adjust temperature and air flow settings
- Manipulate instrument pumps (e.g., turn air pumps on high to prevent condensation)
- Quickly detect any operational problems
- Update instrument calibration parameters
- Adjust the instrument to prepare it for shipping or re-humidify it after shipping
PADS – Particle Analysis and Display System
In addition to the standard software, the CCN-100/200 interfaces with Droplet’s Particle Analysis and Display System (PADS). PADS allows the user to analyze data collected from the CCN-100/200 and other Droplet instruments simultaneously, but does not allow control of the CCN instrument.
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.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aerosol Medium | Air, 5 - 40 °C (41 - 104°F) |
| Number Concentration Range | Depends on supersaturation:
|
| 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 |
|
| Flow Control |
|
| Pump |
|
| Side Panel Connections |
|
| Computer System |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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):
|
| Weight | CCN-100:
|
| Environmental Operating Conditions | Temperature: 5 – 40°C (41 – 104 °F) RH: 0 – 100% RH non-condensing |
Consumables Kit
- Disposable Inline Filters
- Disposable Syringe
- Drain and Supply Labels
- Nylon Ferrules
- TEFZEL® Ferrules
- Bottles with Caps
- CCN Pump Repair Kit
- Nafion Humidifier Element
- Super-flangeless Nuts
- 1/8” Polyurethane Tubing
- 3/8” Conductive Rubber Tubing
Field Repair Kit
- Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) Connectors
- Computer Power Cable
- Flat Ribbon and Connectors
- Spinning Disk ATA Hard Drive
- CCN TEC-Servicing Manual
- Thermal Ribbon Sensor
- Temperature Controller
- Stainless Steel Washers
- Nylon Washers
- Screws
- Screw Hex Nuts
- Heat-sink Compound
- Grounding Wrist Strap
- Screwdriver
- Hex Insert Bit
- Diaphragm Pump
- Self-Priming 60μl Pump
- Proportional Valve
- 30A Circuit Breaker
- Hex L-Key Set
- Wrenches
Airborne Inlet Assembly Kit
The airborne inlet assembly kit facilitates aircraft mounting of the CCN-100 and CCN-200. It includes the following items:
- CCN rail mount
- CCN aircraft inlet
- Constant pressure inlet
The Lifecycle Care Program ensures CCN-100/-200 integrity and performance vital to your research mission for 3 years or 3 calls (whichever comes first). When conducting complex and time intensive laboratory or field measurements it is critical to avoid down time, and ensure data collection accuracy. The program consists of 3 key deliverables for each year or call:
- Instrument Logistics
- Instrument Integrity
- Instrument Performance
Lifecycle Care Program Includes:
LOGISTICS
- Shipping to and from Droplet Measurement Technologies facility
- Customs handling, including CARNET ATA if required
INTEGRITY
- Incoming instrument evaluation and health check
PERFORMANCE
- Software and firmware validation
- 100%-unit functionality test
- Calibration data
- Calibration report
- Certificate of calibration
At times, our technician might discover an instrument issue, which might not be covered by the Lifecycle Care Program or by our product warranty. In such case we will reach out to you with a service & repair estimate to allow you to provide us with the next steps of action.
A Continuous-Flow Streamwise Thermal-Gradient CCN Chamber for Atmospheric Measurements
The principle of the CCN instrument was validated in controlled laboratory experiments at different operating conditions using a monodisperse aerosols with known composition and size.
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A single parameter representation of hygroscopic growth and cloud condensation nucleus activity
We present a method to describe the relationship between particle dry diameter and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity using a single hygroscopicity parameter κ.
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What do we learn from long-term cloud condensation nuclei number concentration, particle number size distribution, and chemical composition measurements at regionally representative observatories?
Here we analyze long-term observations of CCN number concentrations, particle number size distributions and chemical composition from twelve sites on three continents...
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