Air Pollution Sensor Maintenance

Unrealistic Values

After some months of working the sensor started to give me unrealistic values. I’ve decided to open the box and clean the inside, there was a dead ant and some dust. Unfortunately the metallic plate that covers the receiver of the sensor Shinyei PPD42NS was damaged by the rust, i’ve decided to remove the rust and paint the metallic plate with some spray paint. This issue shows that the sensor is not designed to work in outdoor condition even if it is protected from the rain. The moisture in the air is enought to start the oxidation process.

The Shinyei PPD42NS needed to be recalibrated but all the components were perfectly working.