A system and method to measure a size distribution of particles based on their electrical mobility. The method includes: introducing, via a sheath flow inlet, a particle free sheath flow into a chamber formed by two parallel walls which are separated by a gap, the chamber having a width and a length, the sheath flow having a direction along the length of the chamber and flowing a laminar manner; introducing an aerosol sample flow into the chamber downstream of the sheath inlet such that the aerosol sample flow joins the particle free sheath flow in a laminar manner; applying an electric field between the two parallel walls of the chamber, the field having a strength which varies across the width of the chamber; extracting an output aerosol flow through a first outlet downstream of the sample inlet; and outputting an excess flow equal to a sum of the sheath flow and aerosol sample flow minus the output aerosol flow. The method may also include: passing the output aerosol flow through a growth cell in a laminar manner, the growth cell having a region of wetted walls with two or more temperature regions such that the particles within the output aerosol flow grow by condensation to form droplets, and such that relative positions of droplets are indicative of particle electrical mobility; and counting and capturing a spatial position of individual droplets exiting the growth cell.
A system and method to measure a size distribution of particles based on their electrical mobility. A particle free sheath flow enters a chamber having a width and a length formed by two parallel walls, the sheath flow flowing a laminar manner along the length. An aerosol sample flow is introduced into the chamber downstream of the sheath flow inlet in a laminar manner and an electric field applied between the two parallel walls of the chamber. The field has a strength which varies across the width of the chamber. An output aerosol flow from the chamber is passed through a growth cell in a laminar manner, having a region of wetted walls with two or more temperature regions such that the particles within the output aerosol flow grow by condensation to form droplets, and relative positions of droplets are indicative of particle electrical mobility.
A method and apparatus to create water vapor supersaturation and particulate counts from an air sample. The method and apparatus include introducing an air sample into a chamber connected to an optical detector and an outlet by pumping at the outlet. The method further includes passing air through the chamber and optical detector in a steady flow, and subsequently closing the inlet while continuing the pumping to expand the air sample and exhaust a portion of the air sample through the optical detector. The walls of the particle chamber are wetted with a fluid such as water, and one portion of the wall is warmer than the other portions such that there is some condensational growth prior to the expansion, and yet more condensational growth during the expansion. The cycles are repeated by continuously repeating the introducing, passing and closing.
A method and apparatus to create water vapor supersaturation and particulate counts from an air sample. The method and apparatus include introducing an air sample into a chamber by passing a flow into the chamber through the inlet by pumping at the outlet. The method further includes closing the inlet while continuing the pumping to exhaust the air sample from the chamber through the outlet. The pumping is performed at a rate operable to reduce pressure inside the chamber such that the air sample in the central portion of the chamber cools, and water vapor from walls of the chamber has time to diffuse into the air sample in the chamber from the walls. The cycles are repeated by continuously repeating the introducing and closing. The walls of the chamber may be wet or dry.
A system includes a first and second condensation particle counter, each counter having an inlet port, a growth column, and an optical element for counting particles detected at the respective inlet ports. The counters are configured to include a wick in which the wick is wetted by water. A differential pressure sensor is coupled to the first inlet port and coupled to the second inlet port. The sensor is configured to provide a pressure signal. A processor is coupled to memory and configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the pressure signal and generate an output corresponding to a ratio of the first signal and the second signal and correlate the ratio with the pressure signal. A housing is configured to receive the first counter, the second counter, the differential pressure sensor, the processor, and the memory.
A62B 27/00 - Méthodes ou dispositifs pour tester des appareils respiratoires
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
A method and apparatus to create water vapor supersaturation and particulate counts from an air sample. The method and apparatus include introducing an air sample into a chamber by passing a flow into the chamber through the inlet by pumping at the outlet. The method further includes closing the inlet while continuing the pumping to exhaust the air sample from the chamber through the outlet. The pumping is performed at a rate operable to reduce pressure inside the chamber such that the air sample in the central portion of the chamber cools, and water vapor from walls of the chamber has time to diffuse into the air sample in the chamber from the walls. The cycles are repeated by continuously repeating the introducing and closing. The walls of the chamber may be wetted or dry.
University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (USA)
Inventeur(s)
Eiguren Fernandez, Arantzazu
Lewis, Gregory Stephen
Spielman, Steven Russel
Wu, Chang-Yu
Tilly, Trevor Benson
Abrégé
An apparatus and method for the delivery and deposition of particles air-liquid-interface (ALI) cell cultures includes a sample inlet coupled to a growth tube having interior walls that are wet. The growth tube is configured to operate at a first temperature along a first length of the tube and a second temperature along a second length positioned between the first length and a growth tube outlet. The apparatus also includes a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles. The exposure chamber adapted to hold cell cultures at an air-liquid interface positioned underneath the plurality of nozzles and a temperature regulator adapted to control a temperature of the exposure chamber. The apparatus also includes a controller including instructions operable to cause the controller to maintain a relative humidity within the exposure chamber by controlling at least the second temperature of the growth tube and the temperature of the exposure chamber.
C12M 1/00 - Appareillage pour l'enzymologie ou la microbiologie
C12M 1/12 - Appareillage pour l'enzymologie ou la microbiologie avec des moyens de stérilisation, filtration ou dialyse
C12M 1/34 - Mesure ou test par des moyens de mesure ou de détection des conditions du milieu, p. ex. par des compteurs de colonies
C12N 5/00 - Cellules non différenciées humaines, animales ou végétales, p. ex. lignées cellulairesTissusLeur culture ou conservationMilieux de culture à cet effet
8.
VOLATILITY-RESOLVED CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (USA)
Inventeur(s)
Isaacman-Vanwertz, Gabriel
Kreisberg, Nathan M.
Hering, Susanne V.
Abrégé
A method and apparatus for evaluating the chemical composition of airborne particles by sequentially collecting and analyzing airborne particles in-situ. The method includes: collecting particles; enlarging the particles through water condensation; accelerating the enlarged particles onto a surface to collect enlarged particles; and analyzing the enlarged particles by: isolating the surface; passing a carrier gas over the surface; heating the surface to thermally desorb collected particles into the carrier gas; transporting this evolved vapor into detectors; and assaying the evolved vapor as a function of a desorption temperature. The apparatus includes: a sample flow inlet; a condensational growth tube; a collection and thermal desorption (CTD) cell; a carrier gas source; a heater coupled to the CTD; one or more gas detectors; and a controller configured to operate valves, the heater, the growth tube, and the CTD cell in at least an in-situ sequential collection mode and analysis mode.
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
9.
Volatility-resolved chemical characterization of airborne particles
A method and apparatus for evaluating the chemical composition of airborne particles by sequentially collecting and analyzing airborne particles in-situ. The method includes: collecting particles; enlarging the particles through water condensation; accelerating the enlarged particles onto a surface to collect enlarged particles; and analyzing the enlarged particles by: isolating the surface; passing a carrier gas over the surface; heating the surface to thermally desorb collected particles into the carrier gas; transporting this evolved vapor into detectors; and assaying the evolved vapor as a function of a desorption temperature. The apparatus includes: a sample flow inlet; a condensational growth tube; a collection and thermal desorption (CTD) cell; a carrier gas source; a heater coupled to the CTD; one or more gas detectors; and a controller configured to operate valves, the heater, the growth tube, and the CTD cell in at least an in-situ sequential collection mode and analysis mode.
A particle growth apparatus includes a temperature-controlled humidifier coupled to a water-based condensation growth system. The humidifier may include a tube of sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer and surrounded by a region containing water or water vapor. The apparatus includes a wetted wick and wick sensor in the condensation growth system, configured such that the gas sample flows through the sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer tube into the condensation growth system.
A particle growth apparatus includes a temperature-controlled humidifier coupled to a water-based condensation growth system. The humidifier may include a tube of sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer and surrounded by a region containing water or water vapor. The apparatus includes a wetted wick and wick sensor in the condensation growth system, configured such that the gas sample flows through the sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer tube into the condensation growth system.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 1/28 - Préparation d'échantillons pour l'analyse
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
12.
Wick moisture sensor for airborne particle condensational growth systems
A wick liquid sensor suitable for use in a particle condensation device is provided. The sensor includes a light source configured to illuminate a surface of the wick. A detector is configured to detect wick reflected light from the light source and determine the intensity of reflected light. The wick is formed from a porous media that is wettable by the liquid, and becomes translucent when filled with the liquid. The amount of reflectivity decreases as the saturation content of the liquid in the wick increases.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c.-à-d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
F28B 1/02 - Condenseurs dans lesquels la vapeur d'eau ou autre vapeur est séparée de l'agent de refroidissement par des parois, p. ex. condenseur à surface utilisant l'eau ou un autre liquide comme agent de refroidissement
F28B 11/00 - Commandes avec caractéristiques particulières d'adaptation aux condenseurs
An apparatus and method for condensationally enlarging particles in a flow of air or other gas. The apparatus includes a coiled tube having a tube diameter and a coil diameter, the tube having an input receiving the flow and an output, the tube having a length between the input and the output. The walls of the tube are wetted with a condensing fluid. The walls of the first portion of the coiled tube are held a temperature that is lower than the highest temperature in the second portion of the tube. The tube may have a third vapor recovery portion with wall temperature lower than the highest temperature in the second portion, and which optionally may not be coiled. While heating and cooling, the method includes introducing a flow into an interior of the tube at an input, the flow moving the output.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
15.
Apparatus for sustained super-saturations for condensational growth of particles
An apparatus and method for creating enlarged particles in a flow. The apparatus includes a coiled tube having a tube diameter and a coil diameter, the tube having an input receiving the flow and an output, the tube having a length between the input and the output. A heater heats a first portion of the tube along a first, longitudinal portion of the tube, and a cooler cools a second, longitudinal portion of the tube along at least a second portion of the tube. The method includes heating a first portion of the tube along a first longitudinal portion of the tube, and simultaneously cooling a second portion of the tube along at least a second longitudinal portion of the tube. While heating and cooling, the method includes introducing a flow into an interior of the tube at an input, the flow moving the output.
B01J 8/08 - Procédés chimiques ou physiques en général, conduits en présence de fluides et de particules solidesAppareillage pour de tels procédés avec des particules mobiles
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeursRécupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
16.
WICK MOISTURE SENSOR FOR AIRBORNE PARTICLE CONDENSATIONAL GROWTH SYSTEMS
A wick liquid sensor suitable for use in a particle condensation device is provided. The sensor includes a light source configured to illuminate a surface of the wick. A detector is configured to detect wick reflected light from the light source and determine the intensity of reflected light. The wick is formed from a porous media that is wettable by the liquid, and becomes translucent when filled with the liquid. The amount of reflectivity decreases as the saturation content of the liquid in the wick increases.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeursRécupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01N 21/3554 - CouleurPropriétés spectrales, c.-à-d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p. ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge pour la détermination de la teneur en eau
G01N 15/14 - Techniques de recherche optique, p. ex. cytométrie en flux
The present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting and analyzing bioaerosols, including exhaled breath aerosol from a subject. The collection system comprises an inlet portion configured to receive a gaseous fluid containing water vapor and aerosol particles. A primary passage for gaseous fluid flow is in fluid communication with the inlet portion and configured to channel the gaseous fluid flow therethrough. An outlet portion is in fluid communication with the primary passage. A sample collection region is provided, which is configured to receive from the outlet portion aerosol particles from the gaseous fluid, wherein the aerosol particles are impacted onto a layer of ice.
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 1/42 - Traitement à basse température des échantillons, p. ex. cryofixation
G01N 33/497 - Analyse physique de matériau biologique de matériau biologique gazeux, p. ex. de l'haleine
A61B 5/097 - Dispositifs pour faciliter la collecte du gaz respiré ou pour le diriger vers ou à travers des dispositions de mesure
A61B 5/08 - Dispositifs de mesure pour examiner les organes respiratoires
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
18.
Sustained super-saturations for condensational growth of particles
An apparatus and method for creating enlarged particles in a flow. The apparatus includes a coiled tube having a tube diameter and a coil diameter, the tube having an input receiving the flow and an output, the tube having a length between the input and the output. A heater heats a first portion of the tube along a first, longitudinal portion of the tube, and a cooler cools a second, longitudinal portion of the tube along at least a second portion of the tube. The method includes heating a first portion of the tube along a first longitudinal portion of the tube, and simultaneously cooling a second portion of the tube along at least a second longitudinal portion of the tube. While heating and cooling, the method includes introducing a flow into an interior of the tube at an input, the flow moving the output.
B01D 53/00 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols
B01J 8/08 - Procédés chimiques ou physiques en général, conduits en présence de fluides et de particules solidesAppareillage pour de tels procédés avec des particules mobiles
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeursRécupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
19.
SUSTAINED SUPER-SATURATIONS FOR CONDENSATIONAL GROWTH OF PARTICLES
An apparatus and method for creating enlarged particles in a flow. The apparatus includes a coiled tube having a tube diameter and a coil diameter, the tube having an input receiving the flow and an output, the tube having a length between the input and the output. A heater heats a first portion of the tube along a first, longitudinal portion of the tube, and a cooler cools a second, longitudinal portion of the tube along at least a second portion of the tube. The method includes heating a first portion of the tube along a first longitudinal portion of the tube, and simultaneously cooling a second portion of the tube along at least a second longitudinal portion of the tube. While heating and cooling, the method includes introducing a flow into an interior of the tube at an input, the flow moving the output.
A parallel plate dimensional electrical mobility separator and laminar flow water condensation provide rapid, mobility-based particle sizing at concentrations typical of the remote atmosphere. Particles are separated spatially within the electrical mobility separator, enlarged through water condensation, and imaged onto a CCD array. The mobility separation distributes particles in accordance with their size. The condensation enlarges size-separated particles by water condensation while they are still within the gap of the mobility drift tube. Once enlarged the particles are illuminated by a laser. At a pre-selected frequency, typically 10 Hz, the position of all of the individual particles illuminated by the laser are captured by CCD camera. This instantly records the particle number concentration at each position. Because the position is directly related to the particle size (or mobility), the particle size spectra is derived from the images recorded by the CCD.
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
21.
Advanced laminar flow water condensation technology for ultrafine particles
This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.
B01D 53/00 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeursRécupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01M 15/10 - Test des moteurs à combustion interne par contrôle des gaz d'échappement
B01D 53/14 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols par absorption
H04L 12/863 - Ordonnancement de file d’attente, p.ex. ordonnancement circulaire
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/14 - Techniques de recherche optique, p. ex. cytométrie en flux
22.
AEROSOL MOBILITY IMAGING FOR RAPID SIZE DISTRIBUTION MEASUREMENTS
A parallel plate dimensional electrical mobility separator and laminar flow water condensation provide rapid, mobility-based particle sizing at concentrations typical of the remote atmosphere. Particles are separated spatially within the electrical mobility separator, enlarged through water condensation, and imaged onto a CCD array. The mobility separation distributes particles in accordance with their size. The condensation enlarges size-separated particles by water condensation while they are still within the gap of the mobility drift tube. Once enlarged the particles are illuminated by a laser. At a pre-selected frequency, typically 10Hz, the position of all of the individual particles illuminated by the laser are captured by CCD camera. This instantly records the particle number concentration at each position. Because the position is directly related to the particle size (or mobility), the particle size spectra is derived from the images recorded by the CCD.
A system and method for particle enlargement with continuously wetted wicks includes a container into which a flow of particle-laden air is introduced in a laminar manner through an inlet and to an outlet. The container has a first section, a second section and a third section though which the particle-laden air flows between the inlet and the outlet. The temperature of the second section is warmer than that of the first section at the inlet and the third section at the outlet. In one embodiment, a continuous wick spanning an interior wall of the first second, second section and third section, said wick being capable of internally transporting liquid water along its length is provided. Alternatively, a wick characterized by a bubble point pressure has one side in contact with air and an opposing side mounted adjacent to the interior wall of a housing with a gap formed between the wick and the housing, wherein the wick is used with a water reservoir such that the pressure difference between the air flow and the water filled gap is less than the bubble point pressure of the wick material.
A particle charging method and apparatus are provided. An ion source (125) is applied to a particle laden flow (111). The flow is introduced into a container (100) in a laminar manner. The container has at least a first section (120), a second section (130) and a third section (140). The first section includes wetted walls at a first temperature. A second section adjacent to the first section has wetted walls at a second temperature T2 greater than the first temperature T1. A third section adjacent to the second section has dry walls provided at a temperature T3 equal to or greater than T2. Additional water removal and temperature conditioning sections may be provided.
A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
A system and method for particle enlargement with continuously wetted wicks includes a container into which a flow of particle-laden air is introduced in a laminar manner through an inlet and to an outlet. The container has a first section, a second section and a third section though which the particle-laden air flows between the inlet and the outlet. The temperature of the second section is warmer than that of the first section at the inlet and the third section at the outlet. In one embodiment, a continuous wick spanning an interior wall of the first second, second section and third section, said wick being capable of internally transporting liquid water along its length is provided.
B01D 53/00 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols
B01D 47/00 - Séparation de particules dispersées dans l'air, des gaz ou des vapeurs en utilisant un liquide comme agent de séparation
B01D 53/14 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols par absorption
B01D 53/18 - Unités d'absorptionDistributeurs de liquides
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeursRécupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01M 15/10 - Test des moteurs à combustion interne par contrôle des gaz d'échappement
F25J 3/08 - Séparation des impuretés gazeuses des gaz ou des mélanges gazeux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/14 - Techniques de recherche optique, p. ex. cytométrie en flux
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
A particle charging method and apparatus are provided. An ion source is applied to a particle laden flow. The flow is introduced into a container in a laminar manner. The container has at least a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section includes wetted walls at a first temperature. A second section adjacent to the first section has wetted walls at a second temperature T2 greater than the first temperature T1. A third section adjacent to the second section has dry walls provided at a temperature T3 equal to or greater than T2. Additional water removal and temperature conditioning sections may be provided.
B01D 53/00 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols
B03C 3/38 - Postes de chargement ou d'ionisation des particules, p. ex. utilisant des décharges électriques, des radiations radioactives ou des flammes
B01D 53/14 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols par absorption
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeursRécupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/14 - Techniques de recherche optique, p. ex. cytométrie en flux
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particulesRecherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
28.
IMPROVED FIBER SAMPLER FOR RECOVERY OF BIOAEROSOLS AND PARTICLES
An aerosol collection system and method. The system includes a bio-aerosol delivery device configured to supply bioparticles in a gas stream, a moisture exchange device including a partition member coupled to the gas stream and configured to humidify or dehumidify the bioparticles in the gas stream, and an aerosol collection medium downstream from the moisture exchange device and configured to collect the bioparticles. The method includes delivering bioparticles in a gas stream, humidifying or dehumidifying the bioparticles in the gas stream by transport of water across a partition member and into a vapor phase of the gas stream, and collecting the bioparticles by a collection medium.
This technology is a method and apparatus for the semi-continuous measurement of the concentration of constituents of airborne particles which couples a laminar flow, water condensation particle collector to a microfluidic device for assay of particle chemical composition by electrophoresis. The technology has been used for the assay of sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and organic acids contained in fine and submicrometer atmospheric particles. For these compounds the apparatus and method described is capable of one-minute time resolution at concentrations at the level of micrograms of analyte species per cubic meter of air. Extension to other analytes is possible.
G01N 35/08 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet en utilisant un courant d'échantillons discrets circulant dans une canalisation, p. ex. analyse à injection dans un écoulement
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.
B01D 53/00 - Séparation de gaz ou de vapeursRécupération de vapeurs de solvants volatils dans les gazÉpuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p. ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols
31.
ADVANCED LAMINAR FLOW WATER CONDENSATION TECHNOLOGY FOR ULTRAFINE PARTICLES
This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.
Technology is presented for the high efficiency concentration of fine and ultrafine airborne particles into a small fraction of the sampled airflow by condensational enlargement, aerodynamic focusing and flow separation. A nozzle concentrator structure including an acceleration nozzle with a flow extraction structure may be coupled to a containment vessel. The containment vessel may include a water condensation growth tube to facilitate the concentration of ultrafine particles. The containment vessel may further include a separate carrier flow introduced at the center of the sampled flow, upstream of the acceleration nozzle of the nozzle concentrator to facilitate the separation of particle and vapor constituents.
Technology is presented for the high efficiency concentration of fine and ultrafine airborne particles into a small fraction of the sampled airflow by condensational enlargement, aerodynamic focusing and flow separation.. A nozzle concentrator structure including an acceleration nozzle with a flow extraction structure may be coupled to a containment vessel. The containment vessel may include a water condensation growth tube to facilitate the concentration of ultrafine particles. The containment vessel may further include a separate carrier flow introduced at the center of the sampled flow, upstream of the acceleration nozzle of the nozzle concentrator to facilitate the separation of particle and vapor constituents.
An apparatus and method for producing a region of vapor super-saturation and particle growth in a laminar flow by surrounding the particle flow with a saturated or super-saturated sheath flow from which vapor diffuses into the aerosol flow. This method is applicable when the mass diffusivity of the condensing vapor is greater than the thermal diffusivity of the carrier gas, such as is the case when water vapor diffuses into air.
An apparatus and method for producing a region of vapor super-saturation and particle growth in a laminar flow by surrounding the particle flow with a saturated or super-saturated sheath flow from which vapor diffuses into the aerosol flow. This method is applicable when the mass diffusivity of the condensing vapor is greater than the thermal diffusivity of the carrier gas, such as is the case when water vapor diffuses into air.
A method and apparatus for the in-situ, chemical analysis of an aerosol. The method may include the steps of: collecting an aerosol; thermally desorbing the aerosol into a carrier gas to provide desorbed aerosol material; transporting the desorbed aerosol material onto the head of a gas chromatography column; analyzing the aerosol material using a gas chromatograph, and quantizing the aerosol material as it evolves from the gas chromatography column. The apparatus includes a collection and thermal desorption cell, a gas chromatograph including a gas chromatography column, heated transport lines coupling the cell and the column; and a quantization detector for aerosol material evolving from the gas chromatography column.
