Table 5 Uncertainties for different measurements based on literature and DOE/ARM instrument and uncertainty handbooks.

From: Harmonized aerosol size distribution, cloud condensation nuclei, chemistry and optical properties at 10 sites

Instrument type

Uncertainty

comments

source

SMPS

10–20%

depends on flow rate and charging efficiency

80,109,116

CCNC

5–40% SS, 5% Nccn

depends on flow, SS calibration and Kohler model assumed

26,117

CPC

10–14%

depends on flow, T and number concentration

80

ACSM

9–10% mass, 10–40% species concentration

depends on species

26,80,118

Nephelometer

10%

depends on particle size, loading and averaging period

63,81

PSAP

20–100%

depends on loading, averaging and aerosol single scattering albedo

64,119

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