Particle Matter Sensor Module

The Sensorbee Particle Matter Module (SB4102) is an MCERTS-compatible optical particle counter that measures PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations for regulatory-grade ambient air quality monitoring. Designed for plug-and-play integration with the Sensorbee Air Pro 2, this 65-gram module delivers calibrated particulate matter data with individual 3-point calibration and a traceable calibration certificate. The built-in heating element and 2.5 lpm airflow rate ensure accurate readings even in high-humidity outdoor environments.

How It Works

The SB4102 uses optical particle counting to classify airborne particles by size and calculate mass concentrations across three fractions — PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. A high-flow 2.5 lpm air intake draws a consistent sample volume through the sensing chamber, providing robust readings across the full 0–1000 µg/m³ measurement range. Particle number concentrations are simultaneously recorded up to 2600 particles per cm³, adding granularity for research and trending applications.

When relative humidity exceeds 60%, an integrated heating element activates automatically to prevent moisture condensation from inflating particle counts — a common source of measurement error in outdoor particulate monitors. This active conditioning maintains data accuracy without manual intervention, even during fog, rain, or high-humidity conditions.

Calibration and Certification

Each SB4102 module undergoes individual 3-point calibration before shipment. The calibration process verifies measurement accuracy across low, medium, and high particulate concentrations, and every module ships with its own traceable calibration certificate. This individual-unit calibration distinguishes the SB4102 from particle sensors that rely solely on factory batch calibration.

The SB4102 is designed to be MCERTS-compatible when used with the Air Pro 2, which holds the MCERTS certification for indicative ambient particulate matter monitoring. Data from the MCERTS-certified Air Pro 2 system carries regulatory weight for planning applications, environmental permit compliance, and Section 61 consent monitoring.

Why Choose This Module

Not all optical particle counters are equal. The SB4102 addresses the specific challenges of outdoor ambient monitoring where data quality and regulatory acceptance are non-negotiable.

• MCERTS compatibility — designed to work with the MCERTS-certified Air Pro 2 system, ensuring data meets Environment Agency performance standards for regulatory reporting and compliance
• Active humidity compensation — the integrated heating element prevents moisture-related measurement artefacts that compromise accuracy in competitor sensors lacking active conditioning
• High airflow sampling — 2.5 lpm intake provides more representative sampling than low-flow sensors, particularly for PM10 where larger particles settle quickly without sufficient air movement
• Individual calibration with certificate — each module is verified individually, not batch-sampled, providing documented traceability for audit and compliance records
• Plug-and-play installation — the module connects directly to the Air Pro 2 via the M8 sensor port. The base unit detects the module automatically and begins recording data without configuration

MCERTS vs Non-MCERTS: Which Module Do You Need?

The SB4102 (MCERTS) and SB4103 (Non-MCERTS) share the same hardware platform, optical sensing technology, and measurement specifications. The key differences are:

• SB4102 (MCERTS-compatible) — individually calibrated with traceable certificate, designed for use with the MCERTS-certified Air Pro 2 for regulatory-grade monitoring. Choose this module when data will be submitted for planning compliance, environmental permits, or regulatory reporting.
• SB4103 (Non-MCERTS) — suitable for indicative monitoring, screening, and trend analysis where formal certification is not required. Lower cost per unit for budget-sensitive deployments.

Both modules are interchangeable in the Air Pro 2 — you can upgrade from SB4103 to SB4102 in the field without hardware changes to the base station.

Installation and Maintenance

The SB4102 installs in seconds: connect the module to an available M8 sensor port on the Air Pro 2, and the base unit recognises the sensor automatically. No firmware updates, configuration changes, or calibration procedures are needed at the time of installation.

The module has an operational life exceeding two years under normal ambient monitoring conditions. When replacement is due, the old module unplugs and the new one connects in its place — the Air Pro 2 detects the new module and resumes measurement with the fresh calibration values.

Applications

• Construction dust monitoring — real-time PM10 and PM2.5 data for dust management plans, trigger level alerts, and regulatory compliance reporting on construction and demolition sites. For construction, we recommend the MCERTS-certified Air Pro 2 to ensure your data meets Environment Agency requirements
• Environmental permit compliance — MCERTS-compatible data for demonstrating compliance with environmental permit conditions at industrial facilities, quarries, and waste management sites
• Urban air quality networks — deploy across monitoring networks alongside reference stations, with MCERTS compatibility providing confidence in data quality for public reporting
• Planning application support — air quality baseline and impact monitoring data that meets regulatory standards for submission with planning applications and environmental impact assessments
• Infrastructure projects — long-term particulate monitoring for major transport, energy, and civil engineering projects where regulatory compliance is contractually required

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MCERTS compatibility mean for my data?

MCERTS is the Environment Agency's Monitoring Certification Scheme. The Air Pro 2 holds the MCERTS certification, and this module is designed to work within that certified system. Data from the MCERTS-certified Air Pro 2 with this module is accepted for regulatory submissions, planning compliance, and environmental permit reporting.

How often does the module need recalibration?

The SB4102 ships with an individual calibration certificate valid for the module's operational life. For ongoing regulatory compliance, consult your environmental consultant or local authority about recalibration intervals applicable to your monitoring programme.

Does the heating element affect power consumption?

The heating element activates only when humidity exceeds 60%. During activation, it draws additional power from the Air Pro 2 base unit, which is accounted for in the station's solar power budget. No external power adjustments are needed.

Can I retrofit this module to an existing Air Pro 2?

Yes. The SB4102 is a plug-and-play module. Connect it to any available M8 sensor port on the Air Pro 2, and the base unit detects it automatically.