The OpenCPC® is the world’s first fully open source, low-cost condensation particle counter.

Discounted pricing available for public education and research institutes. Email info@openaeros.com for inquiries.

The OpenCPC® uses condensation growth to transform invisible ultrafine particles into optically detectable droplets, enabling precise measurement of particles as small as 10 nanometers. This powerful technique allows for real-time detection across a broad range of particle sizes, including the critical ultrafine region (dp < 100 nm) that most optical sensors miss. By leveraging this proven method in a compact, open source design, the OpenCPC® delivers precision-grade particle counting at a fraction of the cost of traditional CPCs.

Device Specs

Dimensions
160 mm x 210 mm x 265 mm
(6.3 x 8.3 x 10.4 in)

Weight
2.43 kg
(5.3 lbs)

Measurement Performance

Concentration Range
0.1 - 100,000 particles/cm³

Count Accuracy
±20% at <10,000 particles/cm³

Particle Coincidence
<10% at >100,000 particles/cm³

Power

OpenCPC®
12V 5A Max.
Power Consumption: <8 W steady state

Power Supply
100 – 250 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 1.3-0.6 A

Particle Size Range

Minimum Detectable Particle
(D50) – 10 nm*

Maximum Detectable Particle Size
>1 µm (estimated)

*Tungsten Aerosol, Saturator: 29°C, Condenser: 19°C. Operating conditions outside of this range may result in varying cutpoints

Environmental Operating Range

Temperature
5 – 35°C

Ambient Humidity
<90%

Aerosol Sample Dewpoint
<28°C (82°F)

Operating Duration

>120 hours with maximum fill at 23°C (73°F) using isopropyl alcohol

Working Fluid

99.5% or greater reagent grade isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol)

Flow Rate

Sample Flow Rate
500 cm³ (+/- 15%)/min

Aerosol Flow Rate
100 cm³/min

Note: This system has an internal bypass used to shorten transit time in sample tube. Flow can vary ~30 cm³/min unit to unit.

Response Time

<3 seconds to 95% response to concentration step change

Applications

Indoor and outdoor ultrafine monitoring

General aerosol research

Filtration and air cleaner characterization

Open Source and FAQ
Git Repository