Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Station | Loaded Mass (mg) | Blank Mass (mg) | Flow (L/min) | Time (min) | Temp (°C) | Pressure (kPa) | PM10 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site A | 12.8450 | 12.6210 | 16.70 | 1440 | 30.0 | 100.2 | 87.54 |
| Site B | 13.1140 | 12.8060 | 16.70 | 1440 | 29.0 | 100.8 | 119.32 |
| Site C | 12.7000 | 12.5900 | 16.70 | 720 | 31.2 | 99.8 | 60.18 |
| Site D | 12.9800 | 12.6010 | 18.00 | 600 | 28.0 | 101.0 | 340.44 |
Formula Used
1) Net Mass Collected
Net Mass (mg) = Loaded Filter Mass − Blank Filter Mass
2) Sampled Air Volume (Actual)
Actual Volume (m³) = Flow Rate (L/min) × Sampling Time (min) ÷ 1000
3) Standardized Air Volume
Vstd = Vactual × (Pactual / Pstd) × (Tstd / Tactual)
Where Pstd = 101.325 kPa and Tstd = 298.15 K.
4) Raw PM10 Concentration
PM10raw (µg/m³) = Net Mass (µg) ÷ Vstd (m³)
5) Corrected Final Concentration
PM10final = [PM10raw × Calibration Factor × Dilution Factor × (1 − Humidity Correction%)] − Background
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter loaded and blank filter masses from the gravimetric weighing process.
- Provide the sampler flow rate and total sampling duration in minutes.
- Enter ambient temperature and pressure to standardize sampled air volume.
- Apply calibration and dilution factors if your instrument method requires them.
- Add humidity correction and background concentration if used by your protocol.
- Click Calculate PM10 Concentration to show the result summary above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export the calculated report.
Practical Monitoring Context
PM10 monitoring supports industrial hygiene, road dust control, construction management, and urban air studies. This calculator converts filter sampling observations into a standardized concentration value for routine reporting. Teams can compare locations, shifts, and weather conditions using one consistent method. Because the result is expressed as mass per air volume, it is practical for trend analysis, control verification, and regular environmental documentation across multiple operating periods.
Measurement Inputs and Data Quality
Reliable outputs depend on clean field data and consistent laboratory handling. Enter loaded filter mass, blank filter mass, measured flow rate, and exact sampling time. Temperature and pressure inputs improve volume standardization and reduce seasonal bias during comparisons. Calibration and dilution fields support method adjustments when instruments require them. If your program uses background subtraction or humidity correction, apply those values consistently and document assumptions clearly in site records.
Formula Interpretation for Environmental Teams
The calculator first computes net particulate mass by subtracting blank filter mass from loaded filter mass, then converts milligrams to micrograms. Next, it calculates sampled air volume from flow and time, then standardizes that volume using ambient pressure and temperature. Raw concentration equals net mass divided by standardized volume. Optional calibration, dilution, humidity, and background adjustments are then applied to produce the final PM10 concentration used for reporting decisions.
Operational Uses and Reporting Benefits
Environmental managers can use the result for dust suppression checks, contractor oversight, complaint investigations, and compliance screening. A common calculation workflow improves consistency when several technicians collect samples at different sites. Exported CSV files support spreadsheet trending, while PDF output supports field binders and supervisor reviews. Pairing concentration values with site activity logs, weather notes, and timestamps often reveals patterns that guide maintenance scheduling and control upgrades today.
Implementation Guidance and Review Cadence
Use a standard operating procedure so every team enters values with the same units and correction rules. Daily review works well for active projects, while weekly summaries may fit stable facilities. Confirm sampler flow calibration before campaigns and after heavy use. When unexpected concentrations appear, check timing, mass entries, and pressure values first. Consistent methods strengthen comparisons and help decision makers prioritize practical control actions with greater confidence. This disciplined review process also improves audit readiness, communication quality, corrective action tracking, and long term confidence in site data.
FAQs
1) What does PM10 mean in this calculator?
PM10 is particulate matter up to 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter. This tool estimates its concentration from gravimetric sampling inputs.
2) Why is blank filter mass needed?
Blank mass represents the filter baseline. Subtracting it from loaded mass gives net collected particles for a more accurate concentration result.
3) Should I enter actual or rated flow?
Use the calibrated field flow rate measured during sampling. Rated flow values can misstate sampled air volume and affect PM10 calculations.
4) When should humidity correction be applied?
Apply humidity correction only when your protocol or quality plan requires it. Many teams use a fixed factor for consistency.
5) Is the result the same as AQI?
No. This calculator reports PM10 concentration in µg/m³. Official AQI values are derived using local regulatory breakpoints and averaging rules.
6) Can I use it for short sampling runs?
Yes, but short runs are sensitive to timing and flow errors. Accurate logs and stable sampler performance are especially important.