Wet-deposition collectors, dry-deposition samplers and aerosol monitors integrated with the on-board analytical bench for atmospheric chemistry and climate-baseline programmes.
The constraints that shape every design decision
Wet- and dry-deposition sampling must be precisely timed and contamination-free to be scientifically defensible.
Aerosol monitoring needs stable flow and clean optics to track loading and composition over time.
Collected samples must reach analysis uncontaminated and with full provenance.
Our response to the environment above
Automated, sensor-triggered collectors separate wet and dry deposition cleanly and log the event context.
On-board analysis links deposition and aerosol sampling to immediate chemistry, reducing handling and delay.
Time-stamped, traceable records tie every sample to its conditions for defensible climate baselines.
Climate and deposition science lives or dies on sample integrity and provenance. By integrating wet/dry collectors and aerosol monitors with the on-board bench, the station captures both the sample and its full context — producing records that stand up to scientific scrutiny.
Flow rates, detection limits and environmental ratings for atmospheric chemistry hardware.
Sensor-triggered lid (rain sensor <0.1 mm/min sensitivity); polyethylene funnel ≥200 cm2 area; HDPE bottle 2–5 L. Flow path inert to SO42-, NO3-, trace metals.
PM1, PM2.5, PM10 nephelometer: range 0–10,000 µg/m3; resolution 0.1 µg/m3; flow 1–5 L/min. Heated inlet (<40 % RH) prevents fog interference.
Wind speed (0–75 m/s, ±0.1 m/s), wind direction (±3°), temperature (−40 to +60 °C, ±0.2 °C), RH (0–100 %, ±2 %). 10 m mast per WMO guideline.
On-board ion chromatography (IC) or colorimetric analyser for SO42-, NO3-, Cl-, NH4+. Detection limit <0.01 mg/L; cycle 15–30 min.
Fixed 24-h composite or weekly bulk sample. Suitable for long-term trend detection and background deposition baselines.
Rain sensor opens wet collector only during precipitation; dry collector sealed. Eliminates dry-fall contamination of wet sample.
PM10 spike >200 µg/m3 triggers high-frequency aerosol sampling (1-min intervals) and auto-sequence deposition collection for 24 h.
Heated funnel and sample line (5 °C set-point) prevent freezing in high-latitude or alpine deployments. Insulated enclosure with thermostatically controlled heater.
| QA Step | Frequency | Method / Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Field blank | Monthly | DI water rinse; analyse for cross-contamination |
| Standard reference material | Quarterly | NIST SRM for ions (e.g., SRM 3182) |
| Flow rate audit | Monthly | Bubble flow meter or rotameter check |
| Clock sync | Weekly | GPS NTP synchronisation; <1 s drift |
| Chain of custody | Per sample | Barcode scan; automated log with GPS stamp |
Global Atmosphere Watch guidelines for precipitation chemistry, aerosol monitoring and station siting.
Determination of trace elements in ambient waters — applicable to wet-deposition metals analysis.
Quality management for monitoring station design, installation, calibration and data reporting.
Open Geospatial Consortium sensor-web enablement (SWE) for interoperable climate data exchange.
Traceable metrology for atmospheric chemistry baselines
Automated sensor-triggered separation of wet and dry deposition. Rainfall trigger threshold: 0.1 mm. Collection area: 200 cm². Sample bottle capacity: 1 L. Major ion detection limit: <0.01 mg/L (IC analysis). Contamination-free event logging with timestamp and meteorological context.
Optical particle counter / nephelometer with stabilized flow. Flow rate: 16.7 L/min (1 m³/h). Size range: 0.3–10 µm (6 channels). Mass detection limit: 0.1 µg/m³. Optical stability: ±2 % per year. Inlet heater maintains RH <40 % to prevent fog droplet artefacts.
WMO-compliant sensors: air temperature ±0.1 °C (−40 to +60 °C), relative humidity ±1 % (0–100 %), barometric pressure ±0.3 hPa (500–1100 hPa), wind speed/direction ±0.5 m/s / ±3° (0–75 m/s). Mounted on 10 m mast with guy wires.
32 single-ended / 16 differential channels, 24-bit ADC, ±0.04 % accuracy. Sampling up to 1 Hz. 4 GB SD storage with CSV/TOA5 output. SDI-12, RS-485, and analog inputs. Operating temperature −40 to +70 °C.
Continuous parameter logging for climate-baseline programmes
| Parameter | Sensor Principle | Range | Resolution | Logging Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Temperature | Platinum RTD (Pt100) | −40 to +60 °C | 0.01 °C | 1 min |
| Relative Humidity | Capacitive polymer | 0–100 % | 0.1 % | 1 min |
| Barometric Pressure | MEMS capacitive | 500–1100 hPa | 0.01 hPa | 1 min |
| Wind Speed & Direction | Ultrasonic anemometer | 0–75 m/s | 0.01 m/s | 10 s |
| Solar Radiation | Pyranometer (ISO 9060) | 0–2000 W/m² | 1 W/m² | 1 min |
| Precipitation | Tipping bucket / weighing | 0–300 mm/h | 0.1 mm | Event + 1 min |
Maintaining defensible data quality over long baselines
Field reference standards traceable to NIST for temperature, pressure, and flow. Annual recertification with documented chain of custody.
Aerosol bench performs automated zero (HEPA filter) and span (PSL microspheres) checks every 24 h. Drift >5 % triggers maintenance flag.
Post-event de-ionised rinse cycle; field blank verification every 10 samples. Detection limit confirmed <0.01 mg/L by ion chromatography.
Combined standard uncertainty <5 % for major ion concentrations. Expanded uncertainty (k=2) reported per sample with coverage factor.
Independent site audit with co-located WMO reference instruments. Inter-comparison bias <3 % for meteorological parameters.
Real-time QC flags for sensor drift, power events, and meteorological anomalies. Manual review before archival to national repositories.
Reliable data return and autonomous operation in remote settings
The full remote autonomous monitoring-station programme and all deployment environments.
Read MoreA companion deployment environment.
Read MoreA companion deployment environment.
Read MoreA companion deployment environment.
Read MoreReynolds & Bauhm designs autonomous monitoring stations engineered to the specific demands of the site — survivable, self-sufficient and calibrated for a defensible long-baseline record.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.