DELTACAL Low Flow Volumetric Calibrator DC200 (0.8 - 3.5 LPM)

The NIST-Traceable Standard for Ambient Monitoring and Light Scattering Instruments

The Mesa Labs DeltaCal® DC200 is the specialized low-flow iteration of the industry-standard BGI DeltaCal family. Designed explicitly for the precise calibration of nephelometers, light-scattering particulate monitors, and low-volume air samplers, the DC200 covers the critical 0.3 to 3.5 LPM flow range.

Unlike complex piston provers that require stable benchtop environments, the DeltaCal DC200 is a robust, venturi-based system engineered for the field. It provides simultaneous, continuous verification of volumetric flow rate, barometric pressure, and ambient temperature, allowing technicians to perform complete audit trails in harsh outdoor conditions without the need for multiple instruments.

Key Benefits

• Lab-Grade Accuracy in the Field: Delivers NIST-traceable accuracy of ≤ 0.75% of the reading. The DC200 brings the reliability of a metrology lab directly to the monitoring site, ensuring defensible data for regulatory compliance.

• Total Audit Solution: One instrument replaces three. The DC200 measures Flow, Temperature, and Pressure instantly, eliminating the need to carry separate barometers and thermometers or perform manual calculations to correct flow data.

• Rugged, Solid-State Design: With no moving parts, the venturi-based measurement head is completely silent and resistant to the vibration and handling issues that plague bubble meters or dry piston calibrators.

• Extended Autonomy: Operates for up to 20 hours on standard AA batteries, making it ideal for multi-station calibration routes in remote locations where AC power is unavailable.

Technical Overview

The DeltaCal DC200 utilizes a precision-machined Venturi measurement principle. As air is drawn through the specific geometry of the DC200 head, the instrument measures the differential pressure drop across the restriction. An on-board microprocessor simultaneously reads the ambient temperature and barometric pressure sensors.

Real-Time Compensation:

Using these three variables (Differential Pressure, Abs Pressure, Temperature), the system calculates the true Volumetric Flow Rate in real-time. This is critical for calibrating particulate monitors (like PM2.5 or PM10 samplers) which are regulated based on actual volumetric flow rather than mass flow (STP).

Integration & Connectivity:

The measuring head connects to a handheld control module via a reliable cable. The data is displayed on a high-contrast LCD screen, and the system supports data download via software for generating automated calibration reports.

Typical Use Cases

• Nephelometer Calibration: Verifying the inlet flow of portable light-scattering dust monitors which typically operate between 0.5 and 2.0 LPM.

• Speciation Samplers: Calibrating channels on chemical speciation monitors (e.g., SASS/SuperSASS) that require precise low-flow control.

• Research & Saturation Studies: Field auditing of low-cost sensor networks or compact air quality stations.

• Laboratory QA/QC: Serving as a transfer standard for checking rotameters or mass flow controllers in an environmental lab.

Why Choose This Calibrator?

The DeltaCal DC200 is the "Gold Standard" for low-flow applications. While general-purpose calibrators often struggle with accuracy at the bottom end of their range (below 2 LPM), the DC200 is specifically optimized for this window. Its venturi design is inherently stable and less prone to "stiction" or seal failures than piston-based competitors. For technicians responsible for networks of optical particle counters or speciation samplers, the DC200 offers the perfect balance of metrological rigor and field-ready durability.

Specifications

• Measured Components:

  Volumetric Air Flow, Ambient Temperature, Barometric Pressure.

• Applications:

  Calibration of Nephelometers, Light Scattering Monitors, Speciation Samplers, Low-Volume Air Samplers.

• Certifications:

  NIST-Traceable Calibration; CE Marked; Meets U.S. EPA requirements for sampler audits.

• Measurement Principle:

  Venturi-based Differential Pressure Flow Measurement (Solid State).