Comparison of Sampler Collection Efficiency Measurements Using a Polydisperse Solid Aerosol and A Monodisperse Liquid Aerosol.

摘要

This study was conducted to determine the merits of using a single test of a polydisperse solid aerosol in place of multiple tests of monodisperse liquid aerosols in the characterization of aerosol sampling systems. The polydisperse aerosol chosen was an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) commercial abrasive. Analysis of the Al2O3 particles was by a Coulter Particle Size Analyzer. The monodisperse aerosols were fluorescent oleic acid droplets generated by a vibrating orifice aerosol generator (VOAG). Analysis of the fluorescent monodisperse particles was by UV fluorometry. The results show that over the 2-6 micron size range there is sufficiently good agreement between the rapid polydisperse solid aerosol method and the labor intensive liquid monodisperse aerosol method to warrant the use of the polydisperse test as a rapid screening device. Above 6 microns, the solid particles show evidence of bounce and re- entrainment into the aerosol flow. In turn, this results in a higher than expected sampling efficiency for solid particles for the particular aerosol sampler tested.