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Actual vs Standardized Flow Readings
The FP-25 uses the raw data from the multiple pressure, temperature and
humidity sensors to calculate both actual (volumetric) and standardized
(mass) flow readings a thousand times every second. The following are brief
descriptions of each of the types of flow readings you will see on the FP-25.
• Actual volumetric flow using the external temperature probe. The EPA
requires that flow readings for PM
2.5
be reported as actual volumetric flow
readings that are referenced to ambient barometric pressure and ambient
temperature. When the external temperature probe is connected, the FP-25
references the raw internal volumetric flow readings to ambient temperature
using the temp probe, and to ambient pressure using the barometer. This
actual volumetric flow rate reflects the actual volume of air that passes
through the meter per unit of time. Whenever the FP-25 is displaying
volumetric flow referenced to the temperature reading of the external probe,
the word Probe will flash on the right side of the display, alternating with the
relative humidity value. Actual volumetric flow always appears at the bottom
left of the FP-25 screen in Standard Mode.
• Actual volumetric flow using the internal temperature sensor. When
the external temperature probe is not connected, the FP-25 references the
raw internal volumetric flow readings to ambient temperature using the
internal temperature sensor, and to ambient pressure using the barometer.
As above, this actual volumetric flow rate reflects the actual volume of air that
passes through the meter per unit of time. Whenever the FP-25 is displaying
volumetric flow referenced to the temperature reading of the internal
temperature sensor, the word Stream will flash on the right side of the display,
alternating with the relative humidity value.
• Standardized (mass) flow. Because actual volumetric flow rates change
with temperature and pressure, comparisons are made easier when these
actual readings are converted into standardized flow readings. The EPA
requires that flow readings for PM
10
be reported as standardized volumetric
flow readings that are referenced to the EPA's standard temperature and
pressure conditions (STP) of 25°C and 1 atm. Standard flow values always
reference the FP-25's chosen STP, whether or not the external temperature
probe is connected. For use overseas, the FP-25 will also store normal
temperature and pressure (NTP) values and keep them separate from the STP
values. NTP is commonly (but not always) referenced to 0°C and 1 atm.
The standardized flow rate is reported in volumetric units that reflect the
equivalent volume of air that would have passed through the meter per unit
of time if the defined standard temperature and pressure conditions had been
met. The volumetric flow rate and standardized flow rate will equal each other
Understanding How the FP-25 Works
| Theory of Operation