Measurement van
At EMSA Petten, we frequently employ our measurement van. The van is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments, such as a TILDAS (Tunable Infrared Laser Direct Absorption Spectroscope), ACSM (Advanced Chemical Speciation Monitor), and dependent on the project at hand can be equiped with many other different instrument. Many different atmospheric species (N2O, CO2, CH4, CO, C2H6, benzene, soot, and several VOCs) and aerosols (both size and chemical composition) can be quantified. Measurements are performed at 4 Hz. Air is sampled through a stainless-steel inlet tube at the front of the truck at 3 meters height. The van is also equipped with a GPS, Vaisala (wind measurements), and AIS (to obtain ship locations).
When emission rates are to be estimated, we frequently release also a tracer gas. By determining the molecular ratio between the gas of interest and the tracer, we can calculate the emission rate of the gas of interest.
My role is to analyse the data acquired by the van and get insights from it. Also, I will work on renewing the software in the van.