Passenger Cabin Filtration Diagnostic Data Sheet

How to use

1. Use one row for each sampling time, sampling location and particle metric/size channel within a run. Give every row a unique record_id; multiple rows may share the same elapsed time. Start a new run_id and reset elapsed_s when the recorded ventilation mode or fan setting changes.
2. Enter a displayed fan level such as “2” under fan_setting. Enter recirculation-branch airflow only with an independent measurement or applicable calibration, and document the source. Leave unknown airflow blank. Zero represents a substantiated zero flow.
3. Record the particle metric, size specification, reading, unit and location as reported by the instrument. Keep a cut-off mass metric such as PM2.5 distinct from a narrow particle-size channel. Retain the original instrument export.
4. Download the header-only CSV and complete your copy locally. Link each run to the measurement notes below. Neither a single entry nor a completed table is, by itself, a filter-efficiency test.

This template organizes observations. It is not a complete test protocol or a validated diagnostic method. Completing it does not by itself establish filter efficiency, compliance with a standard or a replacement interval; interpretation depends on the study design, required observations and independent validation.

Field definitions

The download contains these 14 column names, in this order. Keep column names and enum values in English. Leave an unavailable numeric value empty; do not substitute zero.

Record IDrecord_id

Required. Unique for every row, including different channels recorded at the same time.

Run IDrun_id

Required. Start a new run after changing the recorded ventilation mode or fan setting.

Elapsed timeelapsed_s

Required. Finite, nonnegative seconds from the start of this run.

Ventilation modevent_mode

recirculation / fresh_air / mixed / unknown. Use the mode indicated by the stated source.

Mode sourcemode_basis

control_setting / measured / unknown. A control command does not measure the actual fresh-air fraction.

Fan settingfan_setting

Record the displayed setting verbatim, for example off, 2 or auto. It is not an airflow measurement.

Recirculation airflowrecirc_flow_m3_h

m³/h. Enter finite, nonnegative absolute recirculation-branch flow only. Total supply flow, a single vent reading or air speed alone is insufficient; identify the measurement boundary.

Airflow sourceflow_basis

measured / calibrated_estimate / unavailable. Use unavailable when the airflow cell is blank.

Flow methodflow_method

Required with an airflow value. Identify the instrument or applicable calibration curve and measurement location in this field or a clearly referenced local run note.

Particle metricparticle_metric

mass_concentration / number_concentration. Keep mass and number concentrations distinct.

Particle size specificationparticle_size_spec

State the cut-off metric, such as PM2.5, or the instrument size channel and its size unit.

Concentration readingparticle_value

A finite numeric reading, or blank if unavailable. Keep instrument flags, detection-limit information and correction details in the original export and local notes.

Concentration unitparticle_unit

Required with a reading. Use µg/m³ for the stated mass metric; number units may be #/cm³ or another explicitly recorded native unit. Do not silently mix #/cm³ and #/L.

Sampling locationsensor_position

Required. Describe a reproducible location relative to the cabin, not just “inside”. Map it to the instrument in the local notes.

Check the fields together

• Blank airflow → flow_basis is unavailable. A supplied airflow value → flow_basis is measured or calibrated_estimate and flow_method identifies the evidence.
• Keep elapsed time and the recorded ventilation state consistent within each run. Preserve mode changes and automatic-control events in your local log.
• Match the concentration unit to the particle metric. Missing readings, instrument errors and values below a detection limit must not be silently converted to zero. Preserve corrected negative values with their quality context rather than clipping them without explanation.

Worked entries

Both entries below are fictional and demonstrate recording conventions only. Neither is included in the blank download.

Illustrative entries with fictional values, instrument labels and locations. They are not vehicle measurements, calibration evidence or performance results.

Accompanying measurement notes

Keep a local note or experiment log linked by run_id. The CSV is a compact recording format, not a replacement for the measurement protocol or the original instrument files.

• Run start date, time and time zone; sampling interval; whether the reading is instantaneous or averaged over an interval.
• Instrument model and identifier, calibration or correction information, and a reference to the original local data file.
• Vehicle and filter identifiers needed for this study; airflow measurement location, branch boundary and any applicable calibration reference.
• Relevant door/window state, automatic ventilation changes, temperature/humidity and significant events. Mark information that was not measured as unknown.

There is no sensor_id column. If you use multiple instruments, retain an explicit record_id-to-instrument mapping in your local notes, including when instruments share a location. Do not assume this CSV alone supports synchronized multi-sensor analysis.

Version and citation

v1.0 · Recording template and field definitions. Changes to field, unit or enum meaning require a new version. Existing version URLs and CSV files remain available; editorial corrections are recorded separately.

The citation uses this version’s fixed publication date and permanent URL, with the reader’s local access date. Follow your journal’s reference style and disclose any relevant relationship with the hosting website.

Using this resource

Download a copy and complete your records locally. No login, contact form or analytics consent is required for the download. For republication, modification or redistribution of the guide or template, contact HDASHER to agree the applicable terms. A link is not a condition of downloading or using your local copy.

Contact HDASHER about reuse