Aerosol test chamber

Abstract

An apparatus for studying aerosols includes a test chamber having a panel defining an enclosed interior volume. The panel has (i) a first wall having a surface defining an interior of the test chamber, (ii) a second wall defining an exterior of the test chamber, (iii) a void space between the first wall and the second wall, (iv) a panel inlet in communication with the void space, and (v) a panel outlet in communication with the void space. The apparatus includes a chamber inlet port and a chamber outlet port each extending through one of the panels and in communication with the enclosed interior volume. The apparatus includes a fan disposed in the enclosed interior volume and positioned and configured to mix air in the enclosed interior volume. The apparatus includes a capture port extending through one of the panels and includes a valve to allow sampling of contents in the enclosed interior volume.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for investigating aerosols; in particular, the apparatus comprises a test chamber in which properties or characteristics of aerosols can be investigated. BACKGROUND

[0002] Test chambers of various sizes are commercially available. Some known test chambers have a housing formed from glass walls. Glass housings allow for visual observation of the test chamber, but condensation tends to occur on the inner surface of the glass walls during testing. Such condensation can interfere with testing of aerosols due to sorption of the aerosol with the condensation droplets.

[0003] Furthermore, known test chambers typically have a large door which opens to allow cleaning of the test chamber and to allow introduction of test articles, such as aerosol generating articles, into the chamber. Opening such a large door during testing can disrupt the environment in the test chamber. SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided an apparatus for investigating aerosols. The apparatus comprises a test chamber comprising one or more panels defining an enclosed interior volume. Each of the one or more panels has a first wall having a surface defining an interior of the test chamber and a second wall defining an exterior of the test chamber. A void space is defined between the first wall and the second wall. Each of the panels comprises a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space. The apparatus further comprises a chamber inlet port and a chamber outlet port. The chamber inlet port extends through one of the one or more panels and defines an air inlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The chamber outlet port extends through one of the one or more panels and defines an air outlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The apparatus further comprises a fan and a capture port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume. The fan is disposed in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber and is positioned and configured to mix air in the enclosed interior volume. The capture port extends through one of the one or more panels and comprises a valve to allow sampling of contents in the enclosed interior volume.

[0005] The apparatus can include a test chamber that can include one or more panels that define an enclosed interior volume. Each of the one or more panels can have a first wall that has a surface that defines an interior of the test chamber and can have a second wall that defines an exterior of the test chamber. A void space can be defined between the first wall and the second wall. Each of the panels can include a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space. The apparatus can also include a chamber inlet port and a chamber outlet port. The chamber inlet port can extend through one of the one or more panels and can define an air inlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The chamber outlet port can extend through one of the one or more panels and can define an air outlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The apparatus can also include a fan and a capture port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume. The fan can be disposed in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber and can be positioned and configured to mix air in the enclosed interior volume. The capture port can extend through one of the one or more panels and can include a valve to allow sampling of contents in the enclosed interior volume.

[0006] An apparatus configured in the manner described above can reduce or prevent condensation from forming on the first wall of the panel that defines the test chamber. For example, heated air can flow through the void space between the first wall and the second wall. The flow of heated air through the void space can heat the first wall relative to the temperature in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Such relative heating of the first wall can reduce or prevent condensation. Reducing or preventing condensation within the enclosed interior volume can advantageously reduce or prevent sorption or reaction of test aerosol or other components of the conditioned air in the enclosed interior volume with condensed water. As a result, the accuracy and reliability of test results can be improved.

[0007] Any suitable heated fluid medium can be passed through the void space between the first wall and the second wall of the panel to prevent or reduce condensation on the surface of the first wall that defines the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Heated air is one example of a suitable fluid medium.

[0008] The first wall and the second wall of the panel can be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, at least the surface of the first wall that defines the interior of the test chamber is inert. Any suitable inert material can be used. The inert material can form the bulk of the first wall, or can be coated on the surface of the first wall. Preferably, the surface of the first wall that defines the interior of the test chamber is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic materials tend to be inert with respect to aerosols.

[0009] Examples of suitable materials for forming the first and second walls of the body include glass, plastic, and metallic materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials include polycarbonate, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and the like. Examples of suitable metallic materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and the like. The materials can be inherently inert, or can be treated or coated to be inert. For example, a coating or treatment can be applied to the surface to render the surface inert. For example, a metal such as aluminum can be anodized.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second walls of the panel are formed of a transparent material to allow visual observation of the enclosed interior space. The entire panel or a portion of the panel can be transparent to allow visual observation of the enclosed interior space. Preferably, the entire panel or a majority of the panel is transparent. Suitable transparent materials for forming the first and second walls of the panel include transparent plastics or glass. Preferably, the first and second walls of the panel comprise glass. In addition to being transparent and inert, glass is easily cleaned with cleaners and water, and is often scratch resistant.

[0011] The first and second walls can have any suitable thickness. For example, the first and second walls can have a thickness from 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, such as a thickness from 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters or from 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters. The first and second walls can be the same or different thickness. In some examples, the first and second walls comprise glass and have a thickness from 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters. Preferably, the glass walls have a thickness of 5 millimeters.

[0012] The first and second walls can be separated from one another to form a void space of any suitable thickness. For example, the void space can have a thickness from 5 millimeters to 50 millimeters, such as a thickness from 10 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

[0013] The panel includes an inlet in communication with the void space and an outlet in communication with the void space. One or both of the panel inlet and the panel outlet can be formed by a port. The port can be coupled to a conduit for conveying air to or from the void space. In some examples, the panel inlet is formed by a port coupled to a conduit, and the panel outlet includes an opening in communication with the ambient environment.

[0014] The test chamber can include more than one panel. For example, the test chamber can include a top panel, a bottom panel, and one or more sidewall panels. In some examples, the test chamber includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front sidewall panel, a rear sidewall panel, a left sidewall panel, and a right sidewall panel.

[0015] One of the one or more side wall panels can be hingedly movable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the side wall panel can enclose the interior volume of the test chamber. Preferably, in the closed position, the side wall panel seals the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber from the external environment. In the open position, the interior of the test chamber can be accessible. Thus, when the side wall panel is in the open position, a user can access the interior of the test chamber, for example, to clean or maintain the interior of the test chamber.

[0016] The panel can include a frame configured to hold the first wall and the second wall of the panel. The frame can define a panel inlet, a panel outlet, or a panel inlet and a panel outlet. The frame can be configured to hold more than one panel.

[0017] Preferably, the frame sealingly engages the panel such that the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is hermetic with respect to the surrounding environment.

[0018] One or more sealing elements can be used to seal the panel with respect to the frame. Any suitable sealing element can be employed. For example, a strip or cord of synthetic rubber or a fluoropolymer elastomer, such as Viton®, can be used to seal the edges of the panel with respect to the frame. Preferably, the sealing element is inert, or any portion of the sealing element that can be in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert.

[0019] The frame can include an inert material. Preferably, any portion of the frame that can be in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert. The frame or portions of the frame can be coated or treated to be inert. The frame can include a plastic, such as polycarbonate, or a metallic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. In some examples, the frame includes anodized aluminum. The anodized aluminum can be inert to aerosols that can be tested or studied within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0020] The test chamber can include a door that allows access to the enclosed interior volume. The door can be formed in one of the panels or can include one of the panels. Preferably, the door provides access to the interior of the test chamber such that the interior can be cleaned or maintained. Preferably, the door is sealing when closed. For example, the enclosed interior volume can be sealed or hermetic with respect to the surrounding atmosphere when the door is closed.

[0021] The side wall panel that is hingedly movable from an open position to a closed position can be attached to the frame by a hinge. One or more sealing elements can be used to seal the movable panel with respect to the frame when the side wall panel is in the closed position. In some examples, the side wall panel is configured to be magnetically maintained in the closed position. In some examples, the panel is configured to be maintained in the closed position via a latch.

[0022] The test chamber can be any suitable shape. One or more panels can be constructed and arranged to achieve the appropriate shape of the test chamber. In some examples, the test chamber is rectangular. Preferably, the enclosed interior volume and the exterior shape of the test chamber are rectangular.

[0023] The test chamber can be any suitable size. Preferably, the test chamber is configured to be placed on a cart that is manually movable. Placing the test chamber on a cart with wheels allows the test chamber to be portable. In some examples, the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is from 0.1 cubic meters to 1 cubic meter, such as from 0.1 cubic meters to 0.5 cubic meters, or from 0.2 cubic meters to 0.3 cubic meters. For example, the enclosed interior volume can have a length from 500 millimeters to 1500 millimeters, such as a length from 750 millimeters to 1250 millimeters.

[0024] The chamber inlet port can be configured to extend through the first wall and the second wall of a first one of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port does not flow through the interstitial space of the panel. The chamber outlet port can be configured to extend through the first wall and the second wall of a second one of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port and the outlet port does not flow through the sealed interstitial space of the panel. This arrangement allows conditioned air to be regulated into the enclosed interior volume of the chamber without contamination.

[0025] The conditioned air entering the chamber inlet port can be filtered. For example, the conditioned air can be purified by passing through a filter. Any suitable filter can be used. Examples of suitable filters include a HEPA filter, a charcoal filter, or a HEPA filter and a charcoal filter. The use of purified air can help avoid contamination. The use of purified air can improve the accuracy and reliability of test results.

[0026] The first panel and the second panel can be substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the first panel and the second panel are substantially parallel to each other and arranged such that the air flow from the chamber inlet port to the chamber outlet port is substantially perpendicular to the air flow generated by the fan. This configuration can assist the air flow from the fan to mix the conditioned air flowing from the chamber inlet port through the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber to the chamber outlet port. In other words, the fan can be positioned within the chamber such that the air flow is generally parallel to the top panel and the bottom panel. The first panel through which the chamber inlet port extends can be the bottom panel, and the second panel through which the chamber outlet port extends can be the top panel. The conditioned air can generally flow from the bottom to the top within the enclosed interior volume, and the fan can flow the air generally perpendicular to this flow from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet to mix the conditioned air with, for example, aerosols being tested within the test chamber.

[0027] Preferably, the chamber inlet port is coupled to a conduit to convey the conditioned air from the humidifier to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The flow rate of the conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via the chamber inlet port can be regulated to control the pressure in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0028] The chamber outlet port can be coupled to a valve configured to control the release of air from the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The valve can be manually adjusted to control the rate of release, or can be controlled via automation. For example, the valve can be coupled to a motor configured to open or close the valve, and the motor can be coupled to a controller. The apparatus can include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be operably coupled to the controller. The controller can cause the motor to open or close the valve based on the sensed pressure.

[0029] The pressure in the enclosed interior volume can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume. The flow rate of conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume can be controlled by setting parameters of the humidifier. The parameters can be manually set, or the setting of the parameters can be automatic. For example, the humidifier can be operably coupled to a controller. The controller can be coupled to a pressure sensor. The controller can cause the humidifier to change the flow rate from the humidifier based on the sensed pressure.

[0030] In some examples, the pressure in the enclosed interior volume is controlled by controlling the flow rate of conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume and the rate of release of air from the enclosed interior volume. One or both of the flow rates into and out of the enclosed interior volume can be controlled manually or automatically. In some examples, the flow rate into the enclosed interior volume is controlled automatically, and the flow rate out of the enclosed interior volume is controlled manually.

[0031] In some examples, the flow rates into and out of the enclosed interior volume are controlled automatically. The chamber outlet port can be operably coupled to a valve. The valve can be operably coupled to a motor configured to open and close the valve. The motor can be operably coupled to a controller configured to cause the motor to open and close the valve. The chamber inlet port can be operably coupled to a humidifier. The humidifier can be coupled to the controller. The controller can be configured to control the flow rate of conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume via the chamber inlet port. The apparatus can include a pressure sensor positioned and adapted to measure the pressure within the enclosed interior volume. The pressure sensor can be operably coupled to the controller. The controller can be configured to cause the flow rate from the humidifier and the rate of release of air via the valve to change as a result of data provided by the pressure sensor.

[0032] The chamber inlet port and the chamber outlet port can be sealed relative to the faceplate through which they extend by the use of a sealing element. For example, the ports can be sealed relative to the faceplate with an O-ring.

[0033] The apparatus can include an antechamber extending from one of the one or more panels. The antechamber can define a sealed antechamber port extending through the first wall and the second wall of the panel. The apparatus can further include a tray disposed in the antechamber. The tray can include a first wall and a second wall. The tray can slide from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the first wall can seal the antechamber port from the interior of the test chamber. In the second position, the second wall can seal the antechamber from the exterior of the test chamber. The antechamber can be used to introduce an article, such as an aerosol-generating article, into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber by placing the article on the tray and sliding the tray from the first position to the second position. Such a configuration can reduce disruption of the environment within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Because the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is sealed when the tray is in the first position and when the tray is in the second position, the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber can only be exposed to the external environment when the tray is slid from the first position to the second position.

[0034] Preferably, the antechamber includes a pivotable lid that can be moved from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the lid can prevent access to the interior of the antechamber. When the lid is in the open position, a user can access the interior of the antechamber. The lid can help reduce disruption of the environment within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. For example, the lid can be closed when the tray is slid from the second position to the first position or from the first position to the second position. Thus, if the lid is closed, the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber can only be exposed to the external air volume in the antechamber. When the lid is on the antechamber or in the closed position, the lid preferably seals the interior of the antechamber from the surrounding environment.

[0035] The apparatus can include more than one antechamber. Preferably, the apparatus includes two antechambers. When the apparatus has more than one antechamber, more than one object can be introduced and placed in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber at the same time. Additionally or alternatively, one object can be introduced into one chamber as another object is removed from another chamber.

[0036] The antechamber can be any suitable shape. For example, the antechamber can have the shape of a rectangular box.

[0037] The apparatus can include a capture port extending through one of the one or more panels. The capture port can include a valve to allow for sampling of the contents of the enclosed interior volume. The valve can open to extract a sample and can close to seal the interior volume of the test chamber.

[0038] The apparatus can include more than one capture port. The capture ports can be positioned at various locations around the test chamber. Positioning the capture ports at various different locations around the test chamber allows for extraction of samples from the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber at different locations. The samples extracted at different locations can be compared to determine whether the test aerosol and the conditioning air flowing from the chamber inlet port are uniformly mixed and distributed throughout the enclosed interior volume.

[0039] The apparatus can include any suitable number of capture ports. In some examples, the apparatus includes 5 or more capture ports, such as 10 or more capture ports. In some examples, the apparatus includes 50 or fewer capture ports, such as 20 or fewer capture ports. For example, the apparatus can include from 5 capture ports to 50 capture ports, such as from 10 capture ports to 20 capture ports.

[0040] The apparatus can include capture ports that extend through more than one panel. The apparatus can include more than one capture port that extends through a particular panel. In some examples, the apparatus includes a plurality of capture ports that extend through a first panel, and a plurality of capture ports that extend through one or more additional panels. For example, the apparatus can include a plurality of capture ports that extend through a top panel, a plurality of capture ports that extend through a front panel, and a plurality of capture ports that extend through a rear panel. For example, the apparatus can include from 5 capture ports to 15 capture ports, such as 8 capture ports, that extend through a top panel, can include from 2 capture ports to 5 capture ports, such as 3 capture ports, that extend through a front panel, and can include from 2 capture ports to 5 capture ports, such as 3 capture ports, that extend through a rear panel. In some examples, one of the panels through which a capture port extends, such as the front panel, also serves as a door for accessing the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0041] The capture ports can be sealed relative to the panels through which they extend through the use of a sealing element. For example, the capture ports can be sealed relative to the panels with an O-ring.

[0042] The apparatus can include a dilution valve operably coupled to the chamber inlet port. The dilution valve can allow an external aerosol, gas, or other component to mix with conditioned air directed through the chamber inlet port. The dilution valve can mix an aerosol, gas, or other component to be mixed with conditioned air prior to entering the test chamber. The provision of a dilution valve can advantageously enable the chamber to simulate a wide range of specific environmental conditions for aerosol research.

[0043] The apparatus can include an exposure panel port through which at least a portion of an exposure panel can be inserted into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The exposure panel can chemically or physically react with an aerosol within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The exposure panel port can be configured to allow the exposure panel to be inserted into or removed from the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber with little disruption to the environment within the enclosed interior volume. Thus, the exposure panel can be inserted or removed from the enclosed interior volume during testing without causing substantial disruption to the environment.

[0044] The exposure panel port can include a sealing element that seals the port when the exposure panel is not inserted into the port. The sealing element can include a flap, a plug, or the like. The plug can include an O-ring. The sealing element, such as a plug, can be removable to insert the exposure panel and can be replaced after the exposure panel is removed from the port. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing element, such as a flap, can be deflected as the exposure panel is inserted through or removed from the exposure panel port.

[0045] When inserted into the exposure panel port, the exposure panel preferably sealingly engages the exposure panel port. For example, the exposure panel can include a sealing element, such as a strip or an O-ring, that engages the port when the exposure panel is inserted into the exposure panel port.

[0046] If the enclosed interior volume is maintained at a relative positive pressure, removing the plug from the exposure panel port to insert the exposure panel should not cause the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber to be substantially contaminated with ambient air.

[0047] The apparatus can include more than one exposure panel port. For example, the apparatus can include 2, 3, 4, or 5 exposure panel ports. Preferably, the apparatus includes two or at least two exposure panel ports.

[0048] The exposure panel port can extend across any suitable panel of the test chamber. For example, the exposure panel port can extend across a top panel of the test chamber.

[0049] The apparatus can be included in a system. The system can include an air moving apparatus operably coupled to one or both of a panel inlet and a panel outlet of one or more panels of the test chamber. The panel inlet and the panel outlet can be formed by a frame configured to hold the panels. The air moving apparatus causes air to flow through the interstitial space between the first wall and the second wall of the one or more panels of the test chamber. Preferably, the temperature of the air moving through the interstitial space is higher than the temperature of the air in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The movement of air through the interstitial space between the first wall and the second wall of the panel can prevent or reduce condensation on the surface of the first wall that defines the interior of the test chamber. The air moving apparatus can include a fan operably coupled to the panel inlet, a source of compressed air operably coupled to the panel inlet, a vacuum applied to the panel outlet, or the like.

[0050] In some examples, the test chamber includes more than one panel. In such examples, the system can include a manifold operably coupled to each panel inlet, each panel outlet, or each panel inlet and each panel outlet. The manifold can be operably coupled to the air moving apparatus such that the air moving apparatus and the manifold cause air to flow through the interstitial space of each panel.

[0051] The system can include a heating element configured to heat air entering the faceplate inlet. Movement of the air through the interstitial space between the first wall and the second wall of the faceplate can prevent or reduce condensation on the surface of the first wall defining the interior of the test chamber, particularly if the temperature of the air in the interstitial space is higher than the temperature within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. A heater can advantageously be used to heat the air entering the faceplate inlet to a temperature above the temperature within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0052] Adjustment of the heater can be performed manually or automatically. The heater can be operably coupled to a controller. The controller can also be operably coupled to the humidifier. The controller can adjust the heater based on a temperature setting of the humidifier.

[0053] The system can include one or more temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of one or more of: (i) the conditioned air flowing into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, (ii) the air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, or (iii) the air flowing out of the enclosed interior volume. The system can include one or more temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of one or more of the air flowing into the faceplate inlet, the interstitial space of the faceplate, or the faceplate outlet. The temperature sensors can be operably coupled to a controller. The controller can adjust the relative temperature of the air in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber and the temperature in the interstitial space of the faceplate based on data provided from the one or more temperature sensors.

[0054] In some examples, the air moving device includes a hot air blower operably coupled to the faceplate inlet. Any suitable hot air blower can be employed.

[0055] The system can include a humidifier operably coupled to the chamber inlet port. The humidifier can provide conditioned air to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The conditioned air can have a particular temperature and humidity. The humidifier can be configured to provide the conditioned air to the enclosed interior volume at a defined flow rate.

[0056] The system can include a controller operably coupled to the humidifier. The controller can be configured and adapted to control the humidifier to control one or more of the temperature, humidity, and flow rate of the conditioned air delivered by the humidifier to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0057] The system can further include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be configured to introduce an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The aerosol generating device can be positioned within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. In some examples, the aerosol generating device can be held on a tray in the front chamber. In some examples, the aerosol generating device can be operably coupled to the dilution valve to introduce the aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the dilution valve.

[0058] Any suitable aerosol-generating device can be used to generate an aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices include a combustible cigarette, a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating article in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to a degree sufficient to release one or more constituent components of the substrate in an aerosol but to a degree insufficient to combust the substrate, an aerosol-generating article in which a liquid aerosol-generating substrate is vaporised or atomised (or vaporised and atomised) to generate an aerosol, and the like.

[0059] The systems and apparatuses described herein can be used in any suitable manner. Preferably, the systems and apparatuses are used to study aerosols. The apparatuses and systems described herein can be used to study any suitable aspect of an aerosol. For example, one or more of the following: (i) a material chemical compound emission can be studied; (ii) a sensory property, such as an olfactory property, can be studied; and (iii) an atmospheric and environmental impact can be studied. In some examples, properties of a second-hand aerosol or a third-hand (or second- and third-hand) aerosol can be studied. The apparatuses and systems can be used to assess the ability of one or more sensors to detect one or more compounds associated with an aerosol in a controlled environment.

[0060] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a method for studying an aerosol includes flowing air in a void space defined between a first wall and a second wall of one or more panels of an apparatus for studying an aerosol. The method further includes introducing conditioned air or compressed gas into a closed interior volume of a test chamber via a chamber inlet port. The conditioned air has a defined temperature and humidity, and is introduced at a defined flow rate. The method also includes introducing an aerosol into the closed interior volume of the test chamber, and mixing the aerosol with the conditioned air within the closed interior volume of the test chamber via a fan. The method further includes sampling the mixed aerosol and conditioned air. The mixed air and conditioned air can be sampled via a capture port. If the apparatus includes a pre-chamber, the mixed air and conditioned air can be sampled via the pre-chamber. If the apparatus includes an exposure panel port, the mixed air and conditioned air can be sampled via an exposure panel held by the exposure panel port. The exposure panel can be removed via the exposure panel port.

[0061] By flowing air through the void space defined by the first wall and the second wall of the panel, condensation on a surface of the first wall defining the interior volume of the test chamber can be reduced or prevented. Preferably, the air flowing through the void space has a higher temperature than the temperature in the closed interior volume of the test chamber. Ideally, the difference between the temperature of the air flowing through the void space and the temperature in the closed interior volume of the test chamber is 5 degrees Celsius or less. The temperature of the air flowing through the void space can be related to the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air entering the chamber inlet port.

[0062] Preferably, sampling via one or more of the capture port, antechamber, and exposure panel results in minimal disruption of the environment in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0063] The method can further comprise testing the properties of the mixed aerosol and conditioned air of the sample.

[0064] The apparatus, system, and method described herein provide a controlled environment within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The temperature, humidity, and flow rate of the conditioned air entering the chamber inlet can be adjusted to control the temperature and humidity within the enclosed interior volume. The flow rate into and out of the test chamber can be adjusted to control the pressure within the test chamber. Thus, the environment within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber can be different from the surrounding environment.

[0065] The apparatus, system, and method described herein are designed to reduce or prevent condensation on surfaces defining the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Reducing condensation minimizes the effects of aerosol inadvertently sorbing condensed water. As a result, the accuracy and reliability of testing of the aerosol within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber can be improved.

[0066] Preferably, the apparatus, system, and method described herein allow visual observation of the test as it occurs. For example, one or more panels forming the test chamber can be transparent. The ability to visually observe allows potential problems, such as accidental extinguishing of a combustible aerosol-generating article, to be identified. The ability to visually observe also allows the test chamber to be used for demonstration purposes.

[0067] The apparatus, system, and method described herein preferably provide the ability to introduce or remove objects into or from the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber with minimal disruption to the environment within the enclosed interior volume. For example, the apparatus can include one or more antechambers for introducing or removing objects, such as aerosol-generating articles. As another example, the exposure panel can be inserted or removed via the exposure panel port with minimal disruption to the environment within the enclosed interior volume. For example, the use of an antechamber or exposure panel port can result in less disruption to the atmosphere than opening a large door to gain access to the enclosed interior volume to introduce an object. Additionally or alternatively, the use of an antechamber as described herein can limit the introduction of material surfaces, such as gloves, that can sorb or emit compounds that can interfere with tests performed within the test chamber.

[0068] Preferably, the apparatus, system, and method are configured to test aerosols in a conditioned environment. The test chamber can be sealed to provide a hermetically sealed interior volume. Alternatively or additionally, the test chamber can be maintained at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. By maintaining a relative positive pressure in the sealed interior volume, the test chamber need not be completely sealed, as air will tend to flow out of the test chamber through any leaks rather than into the chamber. The sealed interior volume can be maintained at a relative positive pressure by controlling the flow rate of air through the chamber inlet port and the chamber outlet port. Preferably, leakage from the interior of the test chamber is kept to a minimum or does not occur. Preferably, the sealed interior volume is hermetic during testing.

[0069] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0070] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that can provide certain benefits under some circumstances. However, other embodiments can also be preferred or preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0071] As used herein, in the context of providing an apparatus or system, "provide" means to manufacture the apparatus or system, to purchase the apparatus or system, or to otherwise obtain the apparatus or system.

[0072] Any directions referred to herein such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions or orientations described herein for clarity and brevity are not intended to be limiting of the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein can be used in multiple directions and orientations.

[0073] "Conditioned air" or "conditioned environment" is air or an environment having a predetermined temperature, humidity, and flow rate. Conditioned air and conditioned environments can also have a predetermined composition of components such as gases and aerosols.

[0074] "Inert" means that the inert material does not substantially chemically or physically react with the components being tested, such as aerosols, and that the inert material does not substantially emit substances that can affect test results by contaminating the components being tested. Likewise, the inert material can not substantially sorb the components being tested.

[0075] "Sorb" refers to one or both of absorption and adsorption. Absorption is the phenomenon or process by which molecules are taken up in a bulk phase, which can be a liquid or solid material. Adsorption refers to the adhesion of molecules to a surface.

[0076] As used herein, a "hydrophobic" surface is a surface that exhibits water repellency. A surface can be considered hydrophobic if it exhibits a water contact angle of greater than 90 degrees. The "water contact angle" is the angle measured conventionally through the liquid when the liquid / vapor interface meets a solid surface. The water contact angle quantifies the wettability of a liquid to a solid surface via the Young equation. The contact angle can be measured by using a contact angle goniometer that employs a microscope objective to view the angle directly. The contact angle can be viewed via the microscope objective and determined by observing a water droplet deposited on the surface.

[0077] As used herein, an "aerosol" refers to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. The gas can be air. The solid particles or liquid droplets can include one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol can be visible or invisible. The aerosol can include a vapor of a substance that is typically a liquid or a solid at room temperature. The aerosol can include a vapor of a substance that is typically a liquid or a solid at room temperature, and a combination of solid particles or liquid droplets or solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0078] As used herein, a "controller" is one or more hardware devices, one or more software or firmware programs, or one or more hardware devices and one or more software or firmware programs that manage or direct the flow of data between two or more entities. A controller can include one or more of a memory, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The controller can include a memory that contains instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to perform the functions or aspects of the controller. The functions attributed to the controller in this disclosure can be embodied in one or more of software, firmware, and hardware. The controller can include a microprocessor.

[0079] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples can be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0080] Example Ex1 An apparatus for studying aerosols, comprising (i) a test chamber comprising one or more panels defining an enclosed interior volume, each of the one or more panels having a first wall having a surface defining an interior of the test chamber; and having a second wall defining an exterior of the test chamber, wherein a void space is defined between the first wall and the second wall, wherein each of the panels comprises a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space; (ii) a chamber inlet port extending through one of the one or more panels and defining an air inlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (iii) a chamber outlet port extending through one of the one or more panels and defining an air outlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (iv) a fan disposed in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, the fan positioned and configured to mix air in the enclosed interior volume; and (v) a capture port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume, the capture port extending through one of the one or more panels and comprising a valve to allow sampling of contents in the enclosed interior volume.

[0081] Example Ex2 The apparatus of Ex1, wherein the chamber inlet port is configured to extend through the first wall and the second wall of a first panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port does not flow through the void space of the panel, and wherein the chamber outlet port is configured to extend through the first wall and the second wall of a second panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port and the outlet port does not flow through the void space of the panel.

[0082] Example Ex3 The apparatus of Ex2, wherein the first panel and the second panel are substantially parallel to each other.

[0083] Example Ex4 The apparatus of Ex3, wherein air flow from the chamber inlet port to the chamber outlet port is substantially perpendicular to air flow generated by the fan.

[0084] Example Ex5 The apparatus of any one of Exs 1-4, further comprising (i) a pre-chamber extending from one of the one or more panels, the pre-chamber defining a sealed pre-chamber port extending through the first wall and the second wall of the panel; and (ii) a tray disposed in the pre-chamber, the tray slidable from a first position to a second position, the tray comprising a first wall and a second wall, wherein in the first position, the first wall seals the pre-chamber port from the interior of the test chamber, and wherein in the second position, the second wall seals the pre-chamber port from the exterior of the test chamber.

[0085] Example Ex6 The apparatus of Ex5, wherein the front chamber comprises a pivotable lid movable from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the lid prevents access to the front chamber, and wherein in the open position the lid provides access to the front chamber.

[0086] Example Ex7 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the one or more panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, and one or more sidewall panels.

[0087] Example Ex8 The apparatus of Ex7, wherein one of the one or more sidewall panels is hingedly movable from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the interior of the test chamber is enclosed, and wherein in the open position the interior of the test chamber is accessible.

[0088] Example Ex9 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex8, further comprising a frame, wherein the frame is configured to hold the one or more panels.

[0089] Example Ex10 The apparatus of Ex9, wherein the frame comprises anodized aluminum.

[0090] Example Ex11 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the capture port is one of a plurality of capture ports positioned at various locations around the test chamber.

[0091] Example Ex12 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex11, wherein a surface of a first wall defining an enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert.

[0092] Example Ex13 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex12, wherein a surface of a first wall defining an interior of the test chamber is hydrophobic.

[0093] Example Ex14 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the first wall comprises glass.

[0094] Example Ex15 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the one or more panels are transparent.

[0095] Example Ex16 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex15, further comprising a dilution valve operably coupled to the chamber inlet port.

[0096] Example Ex17 The apparatus of any one of Ex1 to Ex16, comprising an exposure panel port through which at least a portion of an exposure panel is insertable into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0097] Example Ex18 A system comprising (i) the apparatus of any one of Ex1-Ex17; (ii) an air moving device operably coupled to one or both of a panel inlet and a panel outlet of the one or more panels of the test chamber, wherein the air moving device is configured to flow air through the interstitial space between the first wall and the second wall of the one or more panels of the test chamber.

[0098] Example Ex19 The system of Ex18, wherein the test chamber comprises more than one panel, and wherein the system further comprises a manifold operably coupled to each panel inlet, each panel outlet, or each panel inlet and each panel outlet, wherein the manifold is operably coupled to the air moving device such that the air moving device and the manifold flow air through the interstitial space of each panel.

[0099] Example Ex20 The system of Ex18 or Ex19, further comprising a heater positioned and adapted to heat air entering the panel inlet.

[0100] Example Ex21 The system of any one of Ex18-Ex20, further comprising a humidifier operably coupled to the chamber inlet port, the humidifier configured to provide conditioned air to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0101] Example Ex22 The system of Ex21, comprising a controller operably coupled to the humidifier, wherein the controller is configured and adapted to control the humidifier to control one or more of an air flow rate, a temperature, and a humidity of the conditioned air provided by the humidifier to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0102] Example Ex23 The system of Ex22, comprising a valve operably coupled to the chamber outlet port, and wherein the controller is operably coupled to the valve and is configured and adapted to cause the valve to open or close to regulate pressure in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0103] Example Ex24 The system of Ex18-Ex23, further comprising an aerosol generating device configured to introduce an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0104] Example Ex25 The system of Ex24, wherein the aerosol generating device is positioned within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0105] Example Ex26 The system of Ex25, when dependent from the apparatus of Ex5, wherein the aerosol generating device is held by the tray.

[0106] Example Ex27 The system of Ex24 when dependent on the apparatus of Ex16, wherein the aerosol generating device is operably coupled to the dilution valve to introduce aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via the dilution valve.

[0107] Example Ex28 A method for investigating aerosols, comprising (i) providing the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17; (ii) flowing air in the interstitial space defined between the first and second walls of the one or more panels; (iii) introducing conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via the inlet port, wherein the conditioned air has a defined temperature and humidity, and is introduced at a defined flow rate; (iv) introducing an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (v) mixing the aerosol with the conditioned air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via a fan; and (vi) sampling the mixed aerosol and conditioned air via the capture port.

[0108] Example Ex29 A method for investigating aerosols, comprising: (i) providing the apparatus of Ex5 or Ex6; (ii) flowing air in the interstitial space defined between the first and second walls of the one or more panels; (iii) introducing conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via the inlet port, wherein the conditioned air has a defined temperature and humidity, and is introduced at a defined flow rate; (iv) introducing an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (v) mixing the aerosol with the conditioned air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via a fan; and (vi) sampling the mixed aerosol and conditioned air via the antechamber.

[0109] Example Ex30 A method for investigating aerosols, comprising: (i) providing the apparatus of Ex17; (ii) flowing air in the interstitial space defined between the first and second walls of the one or more panels; (iii) introducing conditioned air into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via the inlet port, wherein the conditioned air has a defined temperature and humidity, and is introduced at a defined flow rate; (iv) introducing an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (v) mixing the aerosol with the conditioned air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via a fan; and (vi) sampling the mixed aerosol and conditioned air via the exposure panel held by the exposure panel port.

[0110] Example Ex31 The method of any one of Ex28 to Ex30, wherein the air flowing through the interstitial space has a higher temperature than the temperature in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0111] Example Ex32 The method of Ex31, wherein a temperature of the air flowing through the interstitial space is related to a temperature and humidity of the conditioned air entering the chamber inlet port.

[0112] Example Ex33 The method of any of Ex28-Ex32, further comprising testing a property of the sampled mixed aerosol and conditioned air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0113] Examples will now be further described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0114] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a test chamber;

[0115] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a panel and frame of a test chamber;

[0116] Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of a panel;

[0117] Figure 4 is a schematic bottom plan view of a panel;

[0118] Figure 5 is a schematic top plan view of an apparatus including a test chamber;

[0119] Figure 6 is a schematic bottom plan view of an apparatus including a test chamber;

[0120] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a test chamber showing a partially open panel;

[0121] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a side panel of a test chamber and a front chamber extending from the side panel;

[0122] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a front chamber and a tray;

[0123] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus showing a panel and a front chamber;

[0124] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bottom panel showing a chamber inlet port and a humidifier;

[0125] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top panel showing a chamber outlet port and a trap port;

[0126] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top panel and an exposed panel port;

[0127] Figure 14is a schematic cross-sectional view of a side panel and a fan;

[0128] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a test chamber on a cart and a hot air blower and manifold on a shelf of the cart;

[0129] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of components of the system on a cart; and

[0130] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of components of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0131] Figure 1 An example of a test chamber 100 is shown. The test chamber 100 includes a frame 120 configured to hold a plurality of panels (panels 110A and 110B are labeled). The test chamber 100 includes a top panel 110A, a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a left panel, and a right panel 110B. The panels define an enclosed interior volume 130 in which aerosols can be tested. The panels 110A, 110B are transparent to allow visual observation of the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100.

[0132] The test chamber 100 has a length L, a width W, and a height H. By way of example, the length L can be 1000 millimeters, the width W can be 500 millimeters, and the height H can be 450 millimeters.

[0133] Figure 2 A cross-section of the frame 120 and a portion of a panel (panel 110B is labeled) is shown. The panel 110B includes a first wall 112 that defines a portion of the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The panel 110B includes a second wall 114 that defines a portion of the exterior surface of the test chamber. The first wall 112 and the second wall 114 are transparent and can be formed of glass. The first wall 112 and the second wall 114 can have a thickness of 5 mm. A void space 116 is defined between the first wall 112 and the second wall 114 of the panel 110B. Heated air can flow through the void space 116 when the test chamber is in use. The frame 120 can include a groove for receiving the first wall 112 and the second wall 114 of the panel 110B to hold the walls 112, 114. A sealing element (not shown), such as a fluoroelastomer strip, can seal the walls 112, 114 within the groove of the frame 120.

[0134] Figure 3 is a schematic example of a top plan view of the panel 110B. The panel 110B includes a panel inlet 113 formed through the frame 120. The panel inlet 113 can be operably coupled to a hot air blower to allow heated air to flow through the void space between the first wall and the second wall of the panel 110B.

[0135] Figure 4 is a schematic example of a bottom plan view of the faceplate 110B. The faceplate 110B includes a faceplate outlet 115 formed through the frame 120. The faceplate outlet 115 can discharge directly to the ambient atmosphere.

[0136] Figure 5 is a schematic top plan view of an apparatus including a test chamber, showing a top faceplate 110A, front chambers 160A, 160B extending from side panels of the test chamber, a plurality of capture ports (capture port 150A labeled), a chamber outlet port 140, and two exposed faceplate ports 170.

[0137] Figure 6 is a schematic bottom plan view of an apparatus including a test chamber, showing a bottom faceplate 110C, front chambers 160A, 160B extending from side panels of the test chamber, and a chamber inlet port 180.

[0138] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the test chamber 100 showing a partially open front faceplate 110D. The front faceplate 110D is open to allow access to the interior volume of the test chamber 100. When the front faceplate 110D is open, the interior of the test chamber 100 can be cleaned, and components such as the fan 300 can be serviced. The front faceplate 110D is connected to the frame 120 by a hinge 200. The front faceplate 110D includes a handle 210 to facilitate opening. When closed, the front faceplate 110D can be secured relative to the frame 120 via magnetic force. When the front faceplate 110D is closed, a sealing element (not shown) can be disposed between the frame 120 and the front faceplate 110D.

[0139] The front chambers 160A, 160B extend from the left side panel 110E.

[0140] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the front chambers 160A, 160B extending from the left side panel 110E. The front chambers 160A, 160B include a rectangular box 162 and a lid 164. The lid 164 has a handle 166 to facilitate opening.

[0141] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a front chamber 160 and a tray 250 that can slide within the front chamber 160. The front chamber 160 includes a rectangular box 162 and a lid 164 pivotably attached to the box 162. The tray 250 includes a base 260, a first wall 270 attached to the base 260 at one end, and a second wall 280 attached to the base 260 at an opposite end. A pushing element (not shown), such as a lever, can be used to slide the tray 250 relative to the front chamber 160.

[0142] Figure 10is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device showing side panel 110E, front chamber 160, and tray 250 which can slide within front chamber 160. Panel 110E includes first wall 112 which defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. Panel 110E includes second wall 114 which defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. Front chamber cover 164 is shown open to allow access to the interior of front chamber box 162. Object 300 can be placed on tray 250 of base 260, and tray 250 can slide such that object 300 can be placed in communication with the internal volume of the test chamber. When tray 250 is slid to the right as depicted, second wall 280 of tray 250 sealingly engages second wall 114 of panel 110E. When tray 250 is slid to the left as depicted, first wall 270 of tray 250 sealingly engages first wall 112 of panel 110E. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device showing side panel 110E, front chamber 160, and tray 250 which can slide within front chamber 160. Panel 110E includes first wall 112 which defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. Panel 110E includes second wall 114 which defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. Front chamber cover 164 is shown open to allow access to the interior of front chamber box 162. Object 300 can be placed on tray 250 of base 260, and tray 250 can slide such that object 300 can be placed in communication with the internal volume of the test chamber. When tray 250 is slid to the right as depicted, second wall 280 of tray 250 sealingly engages second wall 114 of panel 110E. When tray 250 is slid to the left as depicted, first wall 270 of tray 250 sealingly engages first wall 112 of panel 110E. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device showing side panel 110E, front chamber 160, and tray 250 which can slide within front chamber 160. Panel 110E includes first wall 112 which defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. Panel 110E includes second wall 114 which defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. Front chamber cover 164 is shown open to allow access to the interior of front chamber box 162. Object 300 can be placed on tray 250 of base 260, and tray 250 can slide such that object 300 can be placed in communication with the internal volume of the test chamber. When tray 250 is slid to the right as depicted, second wall 280 of tray 250 sealingly engages second wall 114 of panel 110E. When tray 250 is slid to the left as depicted, first wall 270 of tray 250 sealingly engages first wall 112 of panel 110E.

[0143] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device showing side panel 110E, front chamber 160, and tray 250 which can slide within front chamber 160. Panel 110E includes first wall 112 which defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. Panel 110E includes second wall 114 which defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. Front chamber cover 164 is shown open to allow access to the interior of front chamber box 162. Object 300 can be placed on tray 250 of base 260, and tray 250 can slide such that object 300 can be placed in communication with the internal volume of the test chamber. When tray 250 is slid to the right as depicted, second wall 280 of tray 250 sealingly engages second wall 114 of panel 110E. When tray 250 is slid to the left as depicted, first wall 270 of tray 250 sealingly engages first wall 112 of panel 110E.

[0144] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device showing side panel 110E, front chamber 160, and tray 250 which can slide within front chamber 160. Panel 110E includes first wall 112 which defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. Panel 110E includes second wall 114 which defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. Front chamber cover 164 is shown open to allow access to the interior of front chamber box 162. Object 300 can be placed on tray 250 of base 260, and tray 250 can slide such that object 300 can be placed in communication with the internal volume of the test chamber. When tray 250 is slid to the right as depicted, second wall 280 of tray 250 sealingly engages second wall 114 of panel 110E. When tray 250 is slid to the left as depicted, first wall 270 of tray 250 sealingly engages first wall 112 of panel 110E.

[0145] Figure 13is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top panel 110A and the exposed panel port 190. The exposed panel port 190 extends across the first wall 112 and the second wall 114 of the panel 110A. The first wall 112 of the panel 110A defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. The second wall 114 of the panel 110A defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. The exposed panel port 190 includes a sidewall 192. A plug 195 is disposed in the exposed panel port 190. A sealing element 197, such as a fluoroelastomer strip or an O-ring, seals the plug 195 against the sidewall 192 of the exposed panel port 190.

[0146] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the side panel 110B and the fan 300. The panel 110B includes a first wall 112 and a second wall 114. The first wall 112 of the panel 110B defines a portion of the internal volume of the test chamber. The second wall 114 of the panel 110B defines a portion of the external surface of the test chamber. The fan 300 includes a blade 310 operably coupled to a motor 330. The motor 330 is positioned outside the test chamber and the blade 310 is inside the test chamber between the first wall 112 and a fan shroud 320, which is part of the housing of the fan 300. A support element 340 is connected to the shroud 320 to hold the fan 300 relative to the panel 110B.

[0147] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the test chamber 100 on the cart 600 and the hot air blower 500 and the manifold 550 on the shelf 610 of the cart 600. The hot air blower 500 is operably coupled to the manifold 550. A conduit 560 operably couples the panel inlet of each panel of the test chamber 100 to the manifold 550 so that heated air can move through the interstitial space of the panels to prevent condensation on the interior surface of the first wall of the panels when the test chamber is in use.

[0148] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the components of the system on the cart 600. The test chamber 100 is placed on the top of the cart 100. Components such as the humidifier 400, the hot air blower 500, and the manifold 550 are placed on the shelf 610 of the cart 600. The cart 600 includes wheels and is configured to be pushed or pulled by a user so that the system is portable.

[0149] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the system. The system includes the test chamber 100 having a closed internal volume 130, a chamber inlet port 180, and a chamber outlet port 145 including a valve. The system also includes a motor 800, a pressure sensor 900, a humidifier 400, a hot air blower 500, and a controller 700. The controller 700 is operably coupled to the motor 800, the pressure sensor 900, the humidifier 400, and the hot air blower 500. The valve of the chamber outlet port 145 is operably coupled to the motor 800.

[0150] The hot air blower 500 is coupled to a panel inlet of the panel of the test chamber 100 to flow heated air through the interstitial space of the panel to reduce or prevent condensation on the interior surfaces of the test chamber 100. The panel inlet is formed through the frame. The controller 700 is configured to control the temperature of the air blown by the hot air blower 500. The temperature of the air blown by the hot air blower 500 can be greater than the temperature of the air provided by the humidifier 400.

[0151] The humidifier 400 is operably coupled to the chamber inlet port 180 and is configured to provide conditioned air to the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100 via the chamber inlet 180. The controller is configured to control the temperature, humidity, and flow rate of the conditioned air provided by the humidifier 400.

[0152] The pressure sensor 900 senses the pressure in the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100. The pressure sensor 900 can send data regarding the pressure to the controller 700. The controller 700 can adjust the flow rate of the conditioned air from the humidifier 400 to adjust the pressure within the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100 based on the data regarding the pressure received from the sensor 900. The controller 700 can cause the motor 800 to adjust the valve of the chamber outlet port 145 to adjust the pressure within the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100 based on the data regarding the pressure received from the sensor 900.

[0153] Figure 17 The system of the test chamber 100 further includes a dilution valve 499 operably coupled to the chamber inlet port 180. The dilution valve 499 can allow aerosols, gases, or other components to mix with the conditioned air directed through the chamber inlet port 499. The dilution valve 499 can mix aerosols, gases, or other components with the conditioned air before entering the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100. The provision of the dilution valve 499 can advantageously enable the test chamber 100 to simulate a wide range of specific environmental scenarios for aerosol research.

[0154] For purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges, whether or not recited herein specifically. Accordingly, in this context, a number A is understood to mean A ± 2% of A. Within this context, a number A can be considered to include values within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In certain instances in the appended claims, the number A can deviate from the percentage recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges, whether or not recited herein specifically.

Claims

1. An apparatus for studying aerosols, comprising: a test chamber comprising one or more panels defining an enclosed interior volume, each of the one or more panels having a first wall having a surface defining an interior of the test chamber; and having a second wall defining an exterior of the test chamber, wherein a void space is defined between the first wall and the second wall, wherein each of the panels comprises a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space, wherein air flowing through the void space has a higher temperature than a temperature in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; a frame configured to hold the one or more panels, wherein one or both of the panel inlet and the panel outlet are defined through the frame; a chamber inlet port extending through one of the one or more panels and defining an air inlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; a chamber outlet port extending through one of the one or more panels and defining an air outlet conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; a fan disposed in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, the fan positioned and configured to mix air in the enclosed interior volume; and a capture port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume, the capture port extending through one of the one or more panels and comprising a valve to allow sampling of contents in the enclosed interior volume.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber inlet port is configured to extend through the first wall and the second wall of a first panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port does not flow through the void space of the panel, and wherein the chamber outlet port is configured to extend through the first wall and the second wall of a second panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port and the outlet port does not flow through the void space of the panel.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first panel and the second panel are substantially parallel to each other.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an antechamber extending from one of the one or more panels, the antechamber defining a sealed antechamber port extending through the first wall and the second wall of the panel; and a tray disposed in the antechamber, the tray being slidable from a first position to a second position, the tray comprising a first wall and a second wall, wherein in the first position, the first wall of the tray seals the antechamber port from the interior of the test chamber, and wherein in the second position, the second wall of the tray seals the antechamber port from the exterior of the test chamber. ​ 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the front chamber comprises a pivotable lid that is movable from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the lid prevents access to the front chamber, and wherein in the open position the lid provides access to the front chamber.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capture port is one of a plurality of capture ports positioned at various locations around the test chamber.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a surface of the first wall defining the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dilution valve operably coupled to the chamber inlet port.

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims 1-8, comprising an exposure panel port through which at least a portion of an exposure panel can be inserted into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

10. A system for studying aerosols, the system comprising: the apparatus of any one of the preceding claims; an air moving apparatus operably coupled to one or both of a panel inlet and a panel outlet of one or more panels of the test chamber, wherein the air moving apparatus is configured to flow air through the interstitial space between the first wall and the second wall of the one or more panels of the test chamber.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the test chamber comprises more than one panel, and wherein the system further comprises a manifold operably coupled to each panel inlet, each panel outlet, or each panel inlet and each panel outlet, wherein the manifold is operably coupled to the air moving apparatus such that the air moving apparatus and the manifold flow air through the interstitial space of each panel.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a heater positioned and adapted to heat air entering the panel inlet.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising a heater positioned and adapted to heat air entering the panel inlet.

14. The system of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a humidifier operably coupled to the chamber inlet port, the humidifier configured to provide conditioned air to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

15. The system of claim 14, comprising a controller operably coupled to the humidifier, wherein the controller is configured and adapted to control the humidifier to control one or more of an air flow rate, a temperature, and a humidity of the conditioned air provided by the humidifier to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

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