MCERTS: A breath of fresh air for AQM standards

Photo credit: Thomas Smith, National Physical Laboratory.

South Coast Science expects to receive MCERTS certification in early 2022 for its air quality products.

In a process that will have taken the best part of two years, the company is working towards MCERTS particulate monitoring certification for the Praxis/Urban and Praxis/OPCube monitors. Praxis units use the well established Alphasense OPC-N3 sensor, designed by aerosol scientists and engineered by Alphasense, that delivers high-quality particle counts and sizing at affordable prices. 

Testing is already complete and unlike some other air quality monitors, the Praxis units met the demanding testing standards without the need for a heater on the air inlet to remove airborne moisture. 

This presents benefits to customers: a reduced power demand when compared to products using a heater as well as a reduction in complexity and cost through a simplified design

Ambient monitoring of PM2.5 & PM10 

One of the biggest challenges of particulate monitoring for local authorities, building contractors, plant operators and community groups alike is a gap in legal standards for air quality monitoring. 

A plethora of manufacturers now offer low-cost air quality monitoring units, so there is plenty of choice. However in the absence of legislative guidelines on air quality monitoring performance, customers have little assurance their investment will offer value for money. 

MCERTS standards and air quality monitoring 

So why has South Coast Science undertaken a particulate monitoring certification with MCERTS? To offer customers that crucial assurance that an investment in the Praxis/Urban or Praxis/OPCube gives absolute confidence in data-based decision making. 

Benefits of the MCERTS standard for Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems, as stated by the UK Environment Agency include:

• It offers independent approval of any product that has passed the certification
• The MCERTS standard is formally recognised in the UK and is accepted internationally
• Regulators can be confident that monitoring equipment which meets the standard provides reliable information about air pollution. 
• The public can be sure they are given accurate and reliable information about air quality, if it is sourced from MCERTS approved instruments

South Coast Science is currently waiting for the final company audit and formal certification, so watch this space! 

If you’d like to find out more about South Coast Science products please contact David Johnson, Sales Director or follow us on LinkedIn.