The iPM platform uses a combination of light extinction and light scatter, together with a built‑in particle spectrometer, to analyse individual particles and produce accurate concentrations for each fraction. This approach allows the instrument to characterise the particle size distribution between fine and coarse modes, which is essential when distinguishing traffic‑related diesel smoke from larger nuisance dusts.

Unlike low-cost fan-based devices, the iPM family employs a proper pump, reference filter and an accurate flow controller to maintain a stable sampling rate. The instrument is calibrated using monodisperse spheres, providing traceability and confidence in the readings when they are used for compliance checks, investigation reports or health and safety decisions.

Reliable operation in real conditions

For real‑world roadside and depot work, monitoring often has to continue in damp, foggy or high‑humidity conditions, where condensation can distort readings. The iPM Portable addresses this with a temperature‑controlled heated inlet that can be set either to maintain a constant sample temperature or a constant relative humidity, helping to prevent water droplets being misread as particulate pollution.

The unit’s robust construction is designed for construction and industrial environments, making it suitable for use at roadworks, quarries, logistics yards and mine sites where heavy diesel traffic is present. Its ultra‑quiet ultrasonic pump (<30 dBA) allows monitoring in community or roadside environments without adding intrusive noise, which is helpful for surveys near residential areas or sensitive receptors.

Portable, connected, and easy to deploy

As a portable instrument, the iPM Portable is compact and easy to move between locations, so a single unit can cover multiple traffic sites, complaint locations or work areas in a short campaign. The built‑in sample flow controller and user‑friendly interface reduce setup time, allowing technicians to deploy monitoring quickly for incident response, short‑term studies or targeted diesel smoke checks.

Wireless connectivity and app integration make the instrument especially useful for mobile and roadside work. Users can control and monitor the iPM Portable via the AirQApp for Android or iOS, viewing live readings and tracking instrument position in the field, which simplifies traffic route surveys and mobile monitoring runs along busy corridors.

Data for compliance, investigation, and mitigation

Real-time measurements of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 give immediate feedback on how traffic patterns, idling, congestion, and diesel‑intensive activities are affecting local air quality. This enables operators to identify high‑pollution periods or locations quickly and to trial mitigation measures such as traffic flow changes, restricted access, ventilation improvements or upgraded equipment.

The interchangeable GF/B filter capsule allows collected particulate samples to be sent for further laboratory analysis where source apportionment or toxicological assessment is required. When combined with compatible gas monitoring options like the iGASpod, users can monitor both particulates and key exhaust gases (for example NOx and VOCs) at the same site, building a fuller picture of traffic and diesel smoke pollution.

By combining high‑quality particulate measurement, robust field performance and modern connectivity, the Turnkey iPM Portable provides a practical and defensible solution for monitoring traffic and diesel smoke pollution in both occupational and ambient environments.