A nephelometer is stationary or portable instrument for measuring suspended particulates in a liquid or gas colloid. A Nephelometer measures suspended particulates by employing a light beam (source beam) and a light detector set to one side (often 90°) of the source beam. Particle density is then a function of the light reflected into the detector from the particles. To some extent, how much light reflects for a given density of particles is dependent upon properties of the particles such as their shape, color, and reflectivity. Nephelometers are calibrated to a known particulate, commonly Arizona road dust then use environmental factors k-factors to compensate lighter or darker colored dusts accordingly. K-factor is determined by the user by running the Nephelometer next to an air sampling pump and comparing results.

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