The miniCAST Series 5300BC is an outstanding desktop device designed to generate soot particles with a dominant Black Carbon (BC) content. With the ability to produce particles in a size range from 8 to 200 nm, one of its most attractive features is the flexibility to change the particle size while keeping the EC/OC (Elemental Carbon/Organic Carbon) ratio high.
The system utilizes both well‐defined premixed and diffusion flame modes to accurately simulate the combustion process in modern engines. This precision technology allows users to modify particle characteristics to emulate various particulate emission and immission scenarios, making it an essential tool in research laboratories and mobile applications.
Available Models
- miniCAST 5301BC: Offers up to 550 mg/h of soot production and an exhaust gas flow rate of up to 30 l/min. Designed for laboratory and on-the-go applications.
- miniCAST 5303BC: Offers up to 800 mg/h of soot production and an exhaust gas flow rate of up to 120 l/min. Designed for laboratory and on-the-go applications.
- miniCAST 5304BC: Offers up to 1000 mg/h of soot production and an exhaust gas flow rate of up to 200 l/min. Designed for laboratory and on-the-go applications.
Key Features
High-Precision Soot Generator
- Produces real soot particles with a high EC/OC ratio
- Adjustable particle size between 8 and 200 nm
- Adjustable particle concentration and mass flow, optionally with an external aerosol dilutor
Advanced Combustion Technology
- Supports both premixed and diffusion flame for versatile applications
- Lean and rich combustion modes available for different testing conditions
- Uses propane as fuel for efficient and clean combustion
Operational Flexibility & Safety
- Operates under ambient pressure or optional higher back pressure up to 250 mbar
- Quick reaction time for dynamic testing applications
- Internal ignition for easy startup
- Flame sight control for precise monitoring
- Equipped with a flame safety device and fuel gas alarm protection
- Emergency shut-off function for safe operation
User-Friendly & Reliable
- Autonomous and long-term operation, ideal for extended testing procedures
- Excellent stability and repeatability for consistent results
- Portable and easy to handle for laboratory and field applications
- Data logging capability for comprehensive experiment tracking
Applications and Additional Information
The miniCAST Series is engineered to simulate particulate emissions that resemble those from modern combustion engines. By operating in both diffusion and premixed flame modes, it accurately reproduces the complex combustion processes encountered in engine operation.
- Calibration of aerosol and particulate matter measurement instruments
- Environmental monitoring and climate research (with a focus on the impacts of Black Carbon)
- Combustion and engine research, including the simulation of emissions under various conditions
- Testing of filtration and emission control technologies
Black Carbon is recognized as a potent climate forcer and has significant health impacts. The ability to generate soot with precise and reproducible characteristics is invaluable for researchers working on mitigating the environmental and health effects of particulate emissions.
miniCAST Fuel and gas consumption
- Model 5301BC
- Propane: 0.06 l/min
- Nitrogen: 7 l/min
- Compressed air: 1-25 l/min
- Model 5303BC
- Propane: 0.2 l/min
- Nitrogen: 20 l/min
- Compressed Air: 1-100 l/m
- Model 5304BC
- Propane: 0.25 l/min
- Nitrogen: 20 l/min
- Compressed air: >200 l/min