Empowering Air Quality Monitoring: Picarro’s Ammonia Analyzer Training with the French Air Quality Network ATMO France

Dr. Magdalena Hofmann,
Senior Application Scientist at Picarro

Recently, our Picarro EMEA team had the pleasure of conducting a comprehensive two-day training session for members of the French air quality network, ATMO France. Held at AirParif's headquarters in central Paris—just a short walk from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral—the event brought together technicians and scientists from regional monitoring agencies across the country. The goal: to deepen expertise in the use of Picarro ammonia analyzers and share best practices in high-precision atmospheric measurements.

The training was led by Dr. Magdalena Hofmann, Senior Application Scientist at Picarro, Jan Woźniak, also a Senior Application Scientist, and Picarro’s dedicated French Sales Representative, Alexandre Dembicki. Together, we covered a wide array of technical topics and practical demonstrations.

Participants and Program Structure

Day 1 welcomed attendees from AirParif, Qualitair Corse, Atmo Sud, Air Pays de la Loire, Atmo Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and Atmo Occitanie. On Day 2, we were joined by attendees from Atmo Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Atmo Hauts-de-France, Atmo Grand Est, Atmo Normandie, Lig’Air, and Air Breizh.

Both days followed the same structured agenda, with theoretical sessions in the morning followed by practical workshops in the afternoon.

Morning Session: Technical Presentations

We began each day with a series of presentations covering essential topics, including:

Introduction to Picarro Analyzers – Overview of our solutions for greenhouse gas and air quality monitoring.
New BB-CRDS Technology – Insights into our latest advancement for measuring VOCs at parts-per-billion (ppb) precision.
Ammonia Analyzer Overview – Deep dive into the PI2103/G2103 and G2509, including relevant use cases covering atmospheric monitoring and agricultural studies.
Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) Theory – Fundamentals behind our measurement technology.
Application considerations – Practical advice to ensure the highest data quality (reducing the response time of the sample gas handling upfront of the analyzer, validation of the analyzer using the surrogate gas validation approach)

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Afternoon Session: Hands-on Demonstration

In the afternoons, we transitioned into live demonstrations and hands-on interaction with the equipment:

Software Tutorials
- G2103: Windows-based user interface.
- PI2103: Next-generation Linux-based system.
Hardware Insights
- Internal component overview.
- Preventive maintenance tips: replacing filters, fans, and pump diaphragms.
Live demonstration
- Surrogate Gas Validation: We validated the PI2103 analyzer’s linearity using our established surrogate gas approach – the analyzer passed the validation with ease (see Figure 1 for the validation report).
- Ammonia Linearity Testing: Using the LNI PermaCal device, we demonstrated the excellent linearity for both the PI2103 and G2103 (see Figure 2).
- Response Time Evaluation: To demonstrate the response time, we used a Drierite column to temporarily scrub ammonia and water from the inlet, and then removed the scrubber to observe the recovery (see Figure 3). The G2103 exhibited a rapid and well-within-spec 10%-90% response time for humid air. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of tubing choice and ¼” Teflon tubing significantly outperformed 1/8” Silco-Nert-coated metal tubing.

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LNI PermaCal device

Conclusion

This training offered a unique opportunity to empower regional air quality professionals with advanced knowledge and techniques for ammonia monitoring using Picarro analyzers. The positive feedback from all participants reinforces the value of such in-depth training that stimulates knowledge exchange and collaborations.

We extend our sincere thanks to AirParif for their generous hospitality and to all attendees for their active participation. We look forward to supporting ATMO France as they continue their essential work for environmental and public health.

Figure 1: Surrogate gas validation report for the two-point validation using zero air and a 903 ppm CO2 tank – the analyzer passed the validation with ease.

Figure 2: Ammonia linearity testing using the LNI PermaCal calibration device. Both the PI2103 and the G2103 showed outstanding linearity.

Figure 3: Response time testing: A Drierite column was used to temporarily scrub ammonia and water from the inlet, and then the scrubber was removed to observe the recovery. The expected ammonia concentration in the lecture room was 40ppb – it was measured with a second ammonia analyzer running in parallel. The 10%-90% rise and fall time were well within the 2min specification of the analyzer.