Size-Resolved Real-Time Measurement of Sulfate Aerosols Utilizing an Aerosol Concentrator

摘要

The objective of the project was to determine the feasibility of using an aerosol concentrator as a size-resolving device, the output of which would be directed to a real-time flame photometric sulfate analyzer. The size-resolving ability of the concentrator was investigated by inputting a synthetic aerosol of latex beads of precisely known size and varying the operational parameters. Results indicate that the concentrator in its present form gives inadequate size-resolution as a function of rotational speed. However, operational parameters were discovered that allowed aerosol concentration invariant of particle size. Results also indicate that the instrument did not perform well as a size-selective device due to design features that may be easily remedied. So modified, the concentrator may still meet the original objectives. A concentrator could be a marketable instrument on its own for use in improving detection limits and shortening sampling time. This would be particularly useful for sampling aerosol from aircraft using filters and for real-time particulate analyzers, which are often on the borderline of being sufficiently sensitive.