Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for calibrating a first sensor in a changing operating environment by a calibration process. Sensor data are received from the first sensor and sensor values are received from a known calibrating sensor. A sensor specific model is maintained for the first sensor. Calibration needs are detected by estimating a drift and an error, taking into account a difference of sensor values to the known calibrating sensor and further taking into account a sensor profile of the first sensor. A correction factor or a correction model is estimated to the sensor data using said difference and used for calibrating the sensor. The correction factor or the correction model is derived from the sensor specific model.

Abstract: Sizes or size distribution of aerosol particles of an aerosol gas stream is detected. A particle-free carrier flow is saturated in a saturator by a first condensing medium, after which, the carrier flow is mixed in a mixing section turbulently with aerosol particle flow. Advantageously, a plurality of separate mixtures with different saturation ratios are provided and introduced to the first condensing environment in order to condensate the condensing medium onto the aerosol particles. Depending on the saturation ratio, the particles with different lowest original size are activated and grown in a growing section and/or in the condensing environment. After activation and growing, the particles are detected by a detecting means.

Abstract: Sizes or size distribution of aerosol particles of an aerosol gas stream is detected. A particle-free carrier flow is saturated in a saturator by a first condensing medium, after which, the carrier flow is mixed in a mixing section turbulently with aerosol particle flow. Advantageously, a plurality of separate mixtures with different saturation ratios are provided and introduced to the first condensing environment in order to condensate the condensing medium onto the aerosol particles. Depending on the saturation ratio, the particles with different lowest original size are activated and grown in a growing section and/or in the condensing environment. After activation and growing, the particles are detected by a detecting means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the size of small particles for a condensation particle counter, in which method a particle containing aerosol flow is divided into a sample flow and a sheath flow. The sheath flow is filtered, saturated with vapor and formed to a vortex flow in a saturator which vortex-flow continues in a condenser. The sample flow is introduced to the center of the vortex flow of the saturated sheath flow in the condenser for causing the vapor in the saturated sheath flow to condense on the particles in the sample flow thus increasing the size of the particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the size of small particles for a condensation particle counter, in which method a particle containing aerosol flow is divided into a sample flow and a sheath flow. The sheath flow is filtered, saturated with vapor and formed to a vortex flow in a saturator which vortex-flow continues in a condenser. The sample flow is introduced to the centre of the vortex flow of the saturated sheath flow in the condenser for causing the vapor in the saturated sheath flow to condense on the particles in the sample flow thus increasing the size of the particles.

Abstract: A sampling device, for example a sampling valve, is disclosed for introduction of samples into an analysis system. The sampling device comprises a turning element provided with a sampling area. The sampling area is configured to retain samples to be analysed. The turning element is arranged for movement between a first position where the sampling area is exposed to material to be sampled for collection of samples and a second position where samples are released for use by the analysis system.

Abstract: A sampling device, for example a sampling valve, is disclosed for introduction of samples into an analysis system. The sampling device comprises a turning element provided with a sampling area. The sampling area is configured to retain samples to be analysed. The turning element is arranged for movement between a first position where the sampling area is exposed to material to be sampled for collection of samples and a second position where samples are released for use by the analysis system.