Size-Resolved Measurement of Ultrafine and Nanometer Particle Concentrations

 描述（由申请人提供）： 提出了一种用于实时测量纳米颗粒尺寸、浓度、表面积和肺沉积度量的微型传感器。该仪器结合了两项新技术：（1）由本公司开发的自持层流水冷凝颗粒计数器和收集器，以及（2）由加州理工学院开发的反向迁移气溶胶分类器。自维持的水冷凝计数器提供单颗粒检测，不需要液体填充水库，并可以在任何方向操作。反向迁移气溶胶分类器以固有的紧凑形式提供基于电迁移率的颗粒尺寸选择。这两种技术都与足够小的可穿戴设备兼容。当配置为个人采样器时，该仪器被配置为覆盖10 nm至200 nm的粒度范围，并且当配置为手持式设备时，可以延伸到近1 μ m。报告的参数是纳米颗粒数量分布，总数浓度，几何平均直径，和特定区域的呼吸沉积潜力。在第一阶段的研究中，我们证明了我们的技术的精确性和准确性。在第二阶段，我们将设计、构建和测试一个集成系统，该系统将不引人注目、电池可操作且适合个人监控。该仪器将提供一种手段，用于例行监测与空气传播的合成纳米材料有关的人体接触情况。

 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.