Dekati improves real-time particle size measurement

Rapid industrialisation comes with a hefty price tag: rising toxic waste levels that pose serious health risks. Crucial in the fight against pollution, Dekati provides fine particle measurement and sampling instruments that promote accountability and help companies fulfil their civic duties in policing air emissions. 

Dekati was established in 1995 to commercialise the Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI), an air quality and power plant measurement technology developed by the Tampere University of Technology. Dekati made waves in the industry with the introduction of ELPI being the first commercial instrument to measure particle size distribution in real time. 

Traditional applications of Dekati products are in stationary source emission reduction, engine emission reduction and air-quality research. Closely collaborating with universities and institutes such as VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Dekati explores new possible product applications - two of which are in the areas of nanotechnology and occupational safety. 

Although it manufactures standard products, Dekati customises each system to suit client requirements. "We work closely with customers to provide the best solutions. We do not stop until they are satisfied," says vice-president and sales director Erkki Lamminen.

Collaborations with the public and private sectors pave the way for innovations such as the Dekati High Temperature ELPI+ (HT-ELPI+), a device allowing direct measurement of up to 180 degrees Celsius aerosol samples. The HT-ELPI+ is the only commercially available measurement instrument for high-resolution particulate measurements directly from combustion sources. 

To expand its market and research scope, Dekati ventured outside Finland early on. The company expanded to the United States, Britain and Japan, and eventually to China, its biggest market to date. With growing focus on ambient pollution in China and a special focus on particle pollution, Dekati sees demand from the local market continuing to grow.