Black Carbon (BC), a primary component of soot, is a critical parameter in both air quality management and climate change research. Whether you are measuring roadside emissions in Antwerp, monitoring industrial stacks in Rotterdam, or conducting atmospheric research in rural Luxembourg, choosing the right instrumentation is vital for data integrity.
At AAVOS International, we are the premier partner in the Benelux for process and environmental analysis. We don't just supply boxes; we provide solutions, we cover every possible application for Black Carbon monitoring.
But with so many models available (AE33, AE36s, MA200, BC 1054...), which one fits your specific needs? This guide breaks down the technologies to help you decide.
1. The Gold Standard: Aerosol d.o.o. / Magee Scientific
Best for: National Air Quality Networks, Research, Climate Change, Source Apportionment, health studies and Continuous Stationary Monitoring.
When scientists talk about Black Carbon, they talk about the Aethalometer®. This is the technology that defined the field. As the authorized distributor for Aerosol d.o.o. (manufacturers of Magee Scientific instruments), AAVOS offers the most advanced stationary analyzers on the market.
The Flagships: AE36 and AE36s
The AE33 has long been the industry standard, famous for its patented DualSpot™ technology which corrects for "filter loading effects" in real-time. However, the future belongs to the AE36 and AE36s.
The AE36s is the latest evolution in Aethalometer technology. It is designed to be the backbone of any serious monitoring network.
Why choose the AE36s? It offers improved electronics, lower power consumption, and enhanced stability compared to previous generations. It retains the trusted multi-wavelength analysis (7 wavelengths), allowing you to distinguish between fossil fuel (traffic) and biomass burning (wood smoke) sources—a crucial feature for policy-making in the Benelux.
Versatility: This device is robust enough for almost every application except handheld mobile use. From urban background stations to high-concentration industrial fence-line monitoring, the AE36s is the reference instrument.
Other Key Models:
AE33: The proven workhorse. Thousands are in operation globally. It remains a reliable choice for existing networks requiring continuity.
AE43: A specialized portable Aethalometer for more mobile field campaigns where the precision of an AE33/36 is needed but in a smaller form factor.
TCA (Total Carbon Analyzer): This revolutionary device measures Total Carbon (TC) continuously without using gas. It perfectly complements the Aethalometer to determine Organic Carbon (OC) and Elemental Carbon (EC) in real-time.
DRI & CASS: For laboratory analysis of filter samples and chemical speciation, offering deep insights for research institutes.
2. Mobility Masters: AethLabs
Best for: Personal Exposure Monitoring, Drones/UAVs, Mobile Mapping...
Sometimes, you need to measure Black Carbon where a rack-mounted instrument simply cannot go. Enter AethLabs and their microAeth® series. These pocket-sized devices have democratized BC monitoring, allowing researchers to track pollution on bicycles, drones, or clipped to a vest.
MA Series (MA200, MA300, MA350): These represent the next generation of personal monitoring. The MA350, for instance, features multi-wavelength analysis (similar to the larger Aethalometers), allowing for source apportionment on the go.
AL Series (AL30, AL80): The AL30 is a rugged, handheld unit designed for long-term continuous operation in mobile environments.
The Scout: A specialized integrated package for mobile air quality transects.
3. Rugged & Regulatory: Met One Instruments
Best for: Industrial Compliance, Fence-line Monitoring, and Harsh Environments.
Met One Instruments is synonymous with durability. Their Black Carbon monitors are built to withstand tough environmental conditions while providing reliable continuous data.
BC 1054 & BC 1060: These multi-spectrum carbon monitors are designed for continuous sampling. They are particularly favored for their low maintenance requirements and ease of deployment in existing shelter infrastructure.
C-12: A portable carbon monitor that bridges the gap between handheld and stationary, offering robust performance for temporary studies. If your project involves mapping pollution hotspots in a city center or checking exposure levels for workers inside a facility, C-12 provides the portability you need without sacrificing data quality.
Summary: Which AAVOS Solution is Right for You?
Choosing the right instrument depends entirely on your application. Here is our quick selection guide:
| If your application is... | The Ideal Solution | Why? |
| National/Regional Monitoring Networks | AE36s / AE36 | The most accurate, stable, and data-rich instrument available (7-9 wavelengths). |
| Source Apportionment (Traffic vs. Wood) | AE36s / AE33 | Multi-wavelength analysis is required to separate fossil fuel from biomass signatures. |
| Personal Exposure / Wearable | microAeth AL30 | Lightweight, battery-operated. |
| Drone / UAV Measurements | microAeth MA Series | Extremely light and compact, perfect for vertical profiling. |
| Industrial / Fence-line / Rugged | Met One BC 1060 | Built for tough conditions with minimal maintenance needs. |
| Laboratory Filter Analysis | Magee Scientific SootScan™ | For analyzing filters collected by other samplers. |
The AAVOS Advantage
In the Benelux, AAVOS International is more than a distributor. We provide installation, calibration, maintenance, and data validation support. Whether you are upgrading from an older AE33 to the new AE36s, or setting up a fleet of C-12 analyzers for a city-wide project, our engineering team is ready to assist.
Ready to upgrade your monitoring capabilities?
Contact AAVOS International today for a consultation or a demonstration of the new AE36s.