Size-Resolved Measurement of Ultrafine and Nanometer Particle Concentrations

 描述(申请人提供)：提出了一种微型传感器，用于实时测量纳米颗粒的大小、浓度、表面积和肺沉积指标。该仪器结合了两项新技术：(1)我们公司开发的自持式层流冷凝颗粒计数器和收集器；(2)加州理工学院开发的反向迁移气溶胶分级器。自持式水冷凝计数器提供单颗粒检测，不需要充液储液器，可以在任何方向运行。反向迁移气溶胶分级器以固有的紧凑形式提供基于电子迁移率的颗粒大小选择。这两种技术都与足够小的可穿戴设备兼容。当配置为个人取样器时，该仪器配置为覆盖10 nm至200 nm的颗粒尺寸范围；当配置为手持设备时，该仪器可以扩展到近1um。报告的参数包括纳米颗粒数量分布、总数量浓度、几何平均直径和区域特定的呼吸沉积潜力。在第一阶段的研究中，我们展示了我们技术的精确度和准确性。在第二阶段，我们将设计、建造和测试一个集成系统，该系统将不会引起注意，电池可操作，并适合个人监控。该仪器将提供一种常规监测与航空合成纳米材料相关的人体暴露的手段。

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Proposed is a miniature sensor for real-time measurement of nano-particle size, concentration, surface area and lung deposition metrics. This instrument combines two novel technologies: (1) a self- sustaining laminar-flow water condensation particle counter and collector developed by our firm and (2) the opposed migration aerosol classifier developed at the California Institute of Technology. The self- sustaining water condensation counter provides single particle detection, does not require liquid fill reservoirs, and can be operated in any orientation. The opposed migration aerosol classifier provides particle size-selection based on electrical mobility in an inherently compact form. Both technologies are compatible with devices small enough to be wearable. The instrument is configured to cover the particle size range from 10 nm to 200 nm when configured as a personal sampler, and can extend to near 1 um when configured as a hand-held device. Reported parameters are nano-particle number distribution, total number concentration, geometric mean diameter, and region-specific respiratory deposition potential. In Phase I research we demonstrated the precision and accuracy of our technology. In Phase II we will design, construct and test an integrated system that we will be unobtrusive, battery operable and suitable for personal monitoring. This instrument will provide a means to monitor, on a routine basis, human exposures associated with airborne synthesized nano-materials.