Overview

In order to be in compliance with EU Air Quality Directive requirements, the reference methods given in the Directive 2008/50/EC for the measurement of mass concentrations of particulate matter are not commonly used for operation in routine monitoring networks. These networks usually apply automated continuous measurement systems (AMS), such as those based on the use of oscillating microbalances, ß-ray attenuation, or in situ optical methods. Such AMS are typically capable of producing 24-h average measurement values over a measurement range up to 1 000 μg/m³ and 1-h average measurement values up to 10 000 μg/m³. Directive 2008/50/EC allows the use of such systems after demonstration of equivalence with the reference method; that is, after demonstration that these systems meet the Data Quality Objectives for continuous measurements. The European Standard DIN EN 16450 lays down the minimum performance requirements and test procedures for the type testing of appropriate AMS for particulate matter. This includes the evaluation of its equivalence with the reference method as laid down in Directive 2008/50/EC. Further, this European Standard describes minimum requirements for ongoing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of AMS deployed in the field. These requirements are necessary to ensure that uncertainties of measured concentrations are kept within the required limits during extended periods of continuous monitoring in the field, and include procedures for maintenance, calibration and control checks. Additional procedures are described that determine whether an instrument's equivalence to the reference method is maintained through possible pollution climate changes, over periods longer than five years. Lastly, this European Standard describes harmonized requirements and procedures for the treatment and validation of raw measurement data that are used for the assembly of daily or yearly average concentration values. Experience with existing methods for data treatment and validation - for similar AMS - has shown that the different ways of data treatment and validation applied may lead to significant differences in reported results for similar data sets. The procedures presented in DIN EN 16450 are aimed in particular at representatives of authorities, monitoring network operators, measuring institutes, testing laboratories and manufacturers of measuring instruments. The standardization work has been carried out under a mandate from the EU and EFTA, which also provided financial support for the validation tests. The standard has been prepared by CEN/TC 264 "Air quality", the secretariat of which is held by DIN, in Working Group CEN/TC 264/WG 15 "Particulate Matter (PM10/2.5". The responsible German committee is NA 134-04-02-09 UA "Messen von Partikeln in der Außenluft" ("Measurement of particles in ambient air").

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 134-04-02-09 UA - Measurement of particles in ambient air  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 264/WG 15 - Ambient air – PM10/PM2,5