Naneum Size Resolved Aerosol Sampler For Exposure Studies

This project aims to develop a compact size resolved electrostatic sampler to allow rapid
collection and analysis of airborne particulate matter. In particular this sampler will allow
quasi online chemical analysis to be carried out on a single size segregated substrate. The
device will be portable and easy to use with minimal setup required. It will be of primary
benefit and interest in the fields of environmental monitoring, occupational hygiene,
toxicological studies, process control, atmospheric and aerosol research. Most existing
technologies in this area allow only for the collection of the total suspended particulate matter
across a broad size range. Size segregation of samples is of critical importance in many
applications. For example the impact of toxic particles on human health is determined by the
size of particles as some sizes are more dangerous than others. Therefore when one is carrying
out chemical analysis of a sample one needs to know a priori what the particle size was in the
air. This is in general difficult, expensive and time consuming to determine post-sampling.
There are a few size resolved samplers on the market currently however the proposed device
takes a novel approach bringing a number of significant advantages over existing
technologies. Current size resolved devices usually rely on inertial impaction stages which are
ineffective for sampling nanoparticles and require high flow rates both for efficient collection
and to achieve reasonable sampling times. High flow rates require a large pump and therefore
a large instrument. In addition all the particle sizes are collected on separate substrates which
require significant time to analyse. The proposed device will by contrast utilise electrostatic
techniques for more efficient deposition of nanoparticles at low flow rates. Particles will be
ordered by size along a single substrate allowing the device to be small and portable as well as
allowing rapid analysis of collected samples.