Condensation nucleus counter and system comprising same

Abstract

The invention discloses a condensation nucleus counter. The condensation nucleus counter comprises: a saturator in which a first flow path for supplying steam to air flowing in from the outside is formed; a condenser in which a second flow path for condensing the air and steam flowing in from the first flow path is formed; and a detector for detecting droplets condensed in the condenser, in which a guide part for guiding the condensed liquid flowing downward along the inner side surface of the second flow path to flow into the saturator is formed in the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a condensation particle counter and a system including the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a condensation particle counter and a system including the same, which supply steam to air to form a saturated state, generate droplets having nanoparticles contained in the air as condensation nuclei by condensing the steam, and measure the number and size of the nanoparticles contained in the air by optically detecting the significantly grown droplets. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the most commonly used device for real-time measuring the concentration of nanoparticles is a condensation particle counter. The condensation particle counter makes a gas containing nanoparticles in a supersaturated state, generates droplets having the nanoparticles as condensation nuclei by condensing the supersaturated steam, and measures the number of nanoparticles by optically detecting the significantly grown droplets.

[0003] In order to continuously generate supersaturated steam, such a condensation particle counter needs to constantly maintain the amount of evaporation fluid in the saturator. If the amount of evaporation fluid evaporated by the saturator is the same as the amount of condensation liquid condensed by the condenser, the evaporation fluid flow rate inside the saturator is constantly maintained. However, if the amount of evaporation fluid evaporated by the saturator is greater than the amount of condensation liquid condensed by the condenser, the evaporation fluid flow rate in the saturator continuously increases. If this situation is continuously maintained, problems in system operation may occur because the amount of evaporation fluid in the saturator is above an appropriate reference. Therefore, it is necessary to discharge the evaporation fluid to the outside. On the contrary, if the amount of evaporation fluid evaporated in the saturator is less than the amount of condensation liquid condensed by the condenser, the amount of evaporation fluid inside the saturator decreases over time. In this case, in order to continuously operate the system, it is necessary to supply a predetermined amount of liquid from the outside.

[0004] On the other hand, the supersaturated steam is condensed by the condenser. During this process, condensation liquid is formed on the wall surface of the condenser, and the condensation liquid flows downward along the wall surface according to gravity and adheres to the end of the condenser. If the condensation liquid adhering to the end of the condenser is not quickly discharged to the outside, the size of the droplets will become larger, and as they rub against the inflowing air, the droplets will flow back into the condenser again. At this time, the droplets flow into the optical part installed above the condenser, and the optical part is wetted by the droplets, which may cause abnormalities in system operation.

[0005] Moreover, in order to saturate the air in the saturator, it is necessary to increase the contact area between the porous material where the liquid stays and the air. Therefore, when increasing the size of the porous material or when increasing the length, there will be a problem that the size of the saturator becomes larger.

[0006] In addition, existing condensation nucleus counters have the following limitations. That is, although they can measure the number of nanoparticles by optically detecting droplets, they cannot measure the size of nanoparticles surrounded by the condensate. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a condensation nucleus counter that can quickly discharge the generated condensate to the outside of the condenser during the condensation of steam in a supersaturated state.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a condensation nucleus counter that can constantly maintain the flow rate of the working fluid stored in the condenser.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a condensation nucleus counter that can not only provide a saturator with a small volume but also increase the contact area with air in the saturator.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a condensation nucleus counter that can measure the number and size of nanoparticles by optically detecting droplets.

[0012] Technical Solution for Solving the Problem

[0013] The condensation nucleus counter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a saturator having a first flow path for supplying steam to air flowing in from the outside; a condenser having a second flow path for condensing the air and steam flowing in from the first flow path; and a detector for detecting droplets condensed in the condenser. A guiding portion is formed in the second flow path for guiding the condensate flowing downward along the inner side surface of the second flow path into the saturator.

[0014] In addition, the condensation nucleus counting system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of condensation nucleus counters; and a control unit for individually controlling the condensation nucleus counters. Each condensation nucleus counter includes: a saturator that generates steam by internal heating and supplies the steam to air flowing in from the outside; and a condenser that condenses the air and steam flowing in from the saturator by internal cooling. The control unit makes the heating temperature of the saturator and the cooling temperature of the condenser different from each other by individually controlling the condensation nucleus counters.

[0015] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, as the condensate is guided to the discontinuous surface formed on the wall surface of the condenser, since the condensate is quickly discharged to the saturator along the discontinuous surface, it is possible to prevent the condensate from flowing into the detector through air flow.

[0017] Moreover, according to the present invention, since the water level of the working fluid in the storage tank is kept consistent with the water level of the working fluid in the saturation container, and the water level regulating block maintains the water level of the working fluid in the storage tank at a specified height, the water level of the working fluid in the saturation container can be constantly maintained.

[0018] Moreover, according to the present invention, since the sample air flows into the inner flow path after circulating multiple times around the absorption part along the outer flow path formed on the outer side surface of the absorption part, the contact area with air in the small-sized absorption part can be increased.

[0019] Moreover, according to the present invention, different saturations can be set inside multiple condensers, so each detector can only detect particles above a specific size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A diagram showing a condensation nucleus counter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A diagram showing the outer side surface of an absorption part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 For showing Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the absorption part;

[0023] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the absorption part according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a condensation tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a second flow path;

[0026] Figure 7 For showing Figure 5 The arrangement of the condensation tube and the absorption part;

[0027] Figure 8 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensation tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensation tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensation tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensation tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12A diagram showing the absorption section and the condensation tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 A diagram showing the working fluid supply device and the absorption section according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14 A diagram showing the working fluid supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 A top view showing the condensation nucleus counting system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 16 For showing based on Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the condensation nucleus counting system along line A - A';

[0036] Figure 17 For showing Figure 15 A diagram of a plurality of condensation nucleus counters;

[0037] Figure 18 A graph showing the Kelvin equation;

[0038] Figure 19 For showing the use of Figure 15 A graph of measuring nanoparticles in the air by size using the condensation nucleus counting system. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and can also be implemented by other embodiments. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein are only used to ensure that the disclosure is complete so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can fully understand the idea of the present invention.

[0040] In this specification, when it is stated that a certain structural element is located on another structural element, it means that the structural element can be directly formed on the other structural element, or it can also mean that a third structural element is interposed between the two. And in multiple drawings, the thickness of the film and the region may be enlarged for effective explanation of the technical content.

[0041] Also, in multiple embodiments of this specification, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used to describe multiple structural elements. However, such terms do not limit the multiple structural elements. Such terms are only used to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements. Therefore, the first structural element mentioned in one embodiment of the present invention may also be referred to as the second structural element in another embodiment of the present invention. Each of the embodiments illustratively described herein also includes its complementary embodiments. Also, in this specification, "and / or" means including at least one of the multiple structural elements listed before and after.

[0042] In this specification, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. Also, terms such as "include" or "have" are used to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, structural elements, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as excluding the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, structural elements, or combinations thereof. Also, in this specification, "connection" includes the meaning of indirectly connecting or directly connecting multiple structural elements.

[0043] Also, in the following process of describing the present invention, when it is determined that specific descriptions of well-known functions or structures may unnecessarily confuse the gist of the present invention, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0044] Figure 1 Figure showing a condensation nucleus counter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Refer to Figure 1 , the condensation nucleus counter 10 supplies steam to the air to form a saturated state, generates droplets with the nanoparticles contained in the air as condensation nuclei by condensing the steam, and as the significantly growing droplets are optically detected, the number and size of the nanoparticles contained in the air can be measured.

[0046] The condensation nucleus counter 10 includes a saturator 100, a condenser 200, a detector 300, and a working fluid supply 400.

[0047] The saturator 100 supplies steam to the inflowing air to make the air in a saturated state. The saturator 100 includes a saturation container 110, an absorption part 130, and a heater 150.

[0048] The saturation container 110 has a specified size and a storage space is formed inside. The working fluid 21 is filled to a specified height in the storage space. The working fluid 21 can be water or alcohol. According to an embodiment, the working fluid can be water. An air inlet 112 is formed at the upper end of the saturation container 110. The air inlet 112 refers to the passage through which air flows in from the outside.

[0049] The absorption part 130 is located inside the saturation container 110. The absorption part 130 is generally cylindrical in shape, and its outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the saturation container 110. The absorption part 130 is made of a porous material. According to an embodiment, the absorption part 130 may be made of non-woven fabric. The lower region 130 of the absorption part 130 extends downward by a predetermined length and is immersed in the working fluid 21. Thus, the working fluid 21 penetrates and impregnates inside the absorption part 130.

[0050] Figure 2 FIG. showing the outer side surface of the absorption part according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 To show Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the absorption part.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2 And Figure 3 , a first flow path 131 is formed in the absorption part 130. The first flow path 131 refers to the path through which the external air flowing in from the air inlet 112 moves to the condenser 200. The first flow path 131 is designed to have a relatively wide contact area so that steam can be sufficiently supplied during the movement of the air.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first flow path 131 includes an outer side flow path 132, an inner side flow path 133, a first connection flow path 134, and a second connection flow path 135.

[0053] The outer side flow path 132 is formed on the outer side surface of the absorption part 130 and is formed in a ring shape along the periphery of the absorption part 130. The outer side flow path 132 is recessed from the outer side surface of the absorption part 130 by a predetermined depth and may have a hemispherical cross-section.

[0054] A plurality of such outer side flow paths 132 are formed from the upper end to the lower end of the absorption part 130 and are arranged at a predetermined interval. According to an embodiment, three outer side flow paths 132 are formed in the absorption part 130.

[0055] The inner side flow path 133 is formed inside the absorption part 130. The inner side flow path 133 is formed in the central region of the absorption part 130 and is formed along the length direction of the absorption part 130.

[0056] The first connection flow path 134 is formed on the outer side surface of the absorption part 130. It connects adjacent outer side flow paths 132. A plurality of first connection flow paths 134 are formed. Different outer side flow paths 132 are connected. The first connection flow paths 134 are offset from each other and do not lie on the same straight line in the vertical direction.

[0057] The second connection flow path 135 connects the lowermost outer side flow path 132 formed in the outer side flow path 132 to the inner side flow path 133.

[0058] The external air flowing in from the air inlet 112 makes a first cycle around the absorption part 130 along the outer flow path 132 formed at the uppermost end. According to an embodiment, a part of the external air circulates along one side direction of the absorption part 130 via the outer flow path 132, and the remaining part circulates along the other side direction of the absorption part 130 via the outer flow path 132. The air circulating on both sides converges at the upper part of the first connection flow path 134 and moves to the outer flow path 132 formed in the middle through the first connection flow path 134. After the air makes a second cycle in the absorption part 130 along the said path via the outer flow path 132 formed in the middle, it moves to the outer flow path 132 formed at the lowermost end through the connected first connection flow path 134. After the air makes a third cycle in the absorption part 130 via the outer flow path 132 formed at the lowermost end, it moves to the inner flow path 133 through the second connection flow path 135. The air moves from the lower end to the upper end of the inner flow path 133 and then moves to the condenser 200.

[0059] Differently, the outer flow path 132 is formed in a spiral shape on the outer side surface of the absorption part 130 and can be connected to the inner flow path 133 through the second connection flow path 135. The external air flowing in from the air inlet 112 makes multiple cycles around the absorption part 130 along the spiral flow path and then moves to the inner flow path 133 through the second connection flow path 135. According to the design of the first flow path 131, the moving length of the air is lengthened, and the contact area with the absorption part 130 can be increased.

[0060] The heater 150 surrounds the saturation container 110 outside the saturation container 110 and heats the inside of the saturation container 110 to a specified temperature. Through the heating of the heater 150, the internal temperature of the saturation container 110 is maintained at 35°C to 60°C. As the inside of the saturation container 110 is maintained at the said temperature, the working fluid 21 permeating in the absorption part 130 evaporates. The steam generated due to the evaporation of the working fluid 21 is mixed with the air flowing along the first flow path 131. As described above, in the absorption part 130, since the moving length of the air is relatively long, the steam can be sufficiently supplied. The air becomes saturated due to the supply of the steam. The saturated air moves to the condenser 200 through the inner flow path 133.

[0061] The condenser 200 is located above the saturator 100 and condenses the saturated air supplied through the first flow path 131. The condenser 200 includes a condensation tube 210 and a cooler 250.

[0062] The condensation tube 210 has a specified length, and its length direction is set in the vertical direction. A second flow path 211 is formed inside the condensation tube 210.

[0063] The cooler 250 is disposed outside the condensation pipe 210 and is used to lower the internal temperature of the condensation pipe 210. By adjusting the temperature of the cooler 250, the inside of the condensation pipe 210 is maintained at a temperature lower than that of the saturator 100. According to an embodiment, the internal temperature of the condensation pipe 210 is maintained at 3°C to 10°C.

[0064] As the saturated air moves along the second flow path 211, it becomes supersaturated due to the temperature decrease. The supersaturated vapor condenses with the particles contained in the air as condensation nuclei and grows into droplets. The droplets move to the detector 300 through the flow of air.

[0065] The detector 300 optically detects the droplets and calculates the number of nanoparticles contained in the air. The detector 300 includes a housing 310, a light source 320, a light detector 330, a signal analysis unit 340, and a plurality of lenses 351, 352.

[0066] The housing 310 forms a space inside, has an inlet 311 formed on the lower surface, and an exhaust port 312 formed on the upper surface. In addition to the inlet 311 and the outlet 312, openings such as a light inlet 313 and a light detection port 314 are formed in the housing 310. The housing 310 is connected to the condensation pipe 210 such that air and droplets flow in through the inlet 311. The air and droplets flowing into the inside of the housing 310 are discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 312. Lenses 351, 352 are provided at each opening.

[0067] The light source 320 is located on one side of the housing 310 and irradiates light into the housing 310 through the opening. The light irradiated from the light source 320 is condensed by the lens 351 formed on one side, passes through the internal space of the housing 310, is condensed by the lens 352 formed on the other side, and then is detected by the detector 330. During the passage through the internal space of the housing 310, the light signal is scattered by the droplets, and the scattered light is condensed by the lens 352 and then detected by the light detector 330. The signal analysis unit 340 calculates the number of droplets by analyzing the scattered light signal in the signal detected by the light detector 330.

[0068] The working fluid feeder 400 adjusts the water level of the working fluid 21 filled in the saturation container 110.

[0069] The working fluid feeder 400 includes a storage tank 410, a first connection pipe 420, a second connection pipe 430, a water level adjustment block 440, a support plate 450, and an air movement pipe 460.

[0070] The storage tank 410 has a specified size and forms a storage space capable of storing the working fluid 22 inside. The working fluid 22 is stored in the storage tank 410 at a specified water level.

[0071] An inlet 412 is formed on one side of the storage tank 410, and an exhaust port 413 is formed on the other side facing this. The formation positions of the inlet 412 and the outlet 413 are higher than the water level of the working fluid 22.

[0072] A viewing window 415 is formed on one side of the storage tank 410. An operator can confirm the liquid level height of the working fluid in the storage tank 410 through the viewing window 415. If the flow rate of the working fluid 22 stored in the storage tank 410 is insufficient, the operator can supplement the working fluid. Also, a water level measurement sensor (not shown) may be formed inside the storage tank 410. The water level measurement sensor detects the liquid level height of the working fluid 22 in the storage tank 410. The information measured by the water level measurement sensor can be provided to the operator through notification or the like.

[0073] The first connecting pipe 420 connects the storage tank 410 and the saturation container 110. One end of the first connecting pipe 420 is connected to the lower end of the storage tank 410, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the saturation container 110. The first connecting pipe 420 is a passage that allows the working fluids 21 and 22 stored in the storage tank 410 and the saturation container 110 to move between the storage tank 410 and the saturation container 110. Thus, the working fluid 22 in the storage tank 410 and the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 are maintained at the same water level. As the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 is evaporated by steam, when the flow rate of the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 decreases, the working fluid 22 in the storage tank 410 moves into the saturation container 110 through the first connecting pipe 420. Thus, the working fluid 21 can be supplemented into the saturation container 110.

[0074] At a position higher than the first connecting pipe 420, the second connecting pipe 430 connects the storage tank 410 and the saturation container 110. According to the embodiment, the second connecting pipe 430 connects the upper space of the working fluid 21 stored in the saturation container 110 and the upper space of the working fluid 22 stored in the storage tank 410.

[0075] The air flowing into the condensation nucleus counter 10 contains water vapor. Depending on the situation, the amount of condensate condensed by the condenser 200 may be greater than the amount of the working fluid 21 evaporated by the evaporator 100. Therefore, when the condensation nucleus counter 10 operates, the condensate is supplied to the saturation container 110 through the absorption part 130. As the flow rate of the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 increases, the water level will rise. When the water level of the working fluid 21 rises, the air staying in the upper space of the working fluid 21 moves into the storage tank 410 through the second connecting pipe 430 and is discharged to the outside through the ventilation port 451. Thus, the water level of the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 can be stably raised.

[0076] The water level regulating block 440 has a specified size and is located inside the storage tank 410. Specifically, the water level regulating block 440 is located in the upper region inside the storage tank 410, and a partial region can be immersed in the working fluid 22. The water level regulating block 440 is made of a porous material. According to an embodiment, the water level regulating block 440 can be made of the same material as the absorption part 130. The water level regulating block 440 absorbs the working fluid 22 stored in the storage tank 410.

[0077] An internal flow path 441 is formed inside the water level regulating block 440. The internal flow path 441 is formed in a direction from one side surface of the storage tank 410 where the inlet 412 is formed along toward the other side surface of the storage tank 410 where the exhaust port 413 is formed. The internal flow path 441 refers to a passage that enables the air flowing in through the inlet 412 to move toward the exhaust port 413 side. A plurality of internal flow paths 441 can be formed.

[0078] The support plate 450 is located inside the storage tank 410 and is used to support the water level regulating block 440. The support plate 450 is a thin plate and has an area corresponding to the internal space of the storage tank 410. The support plate 450 is located at a specified height from the liquid level of the working fluid 22. An air vent 451 is formed in the support plate 450. The air vent 451 refers to a passage that enables the air staying between the liquid level of the working fluid 22 and the support plate 450 to move toward the exhaust port 413 side. As the flow rate of the working fluid 22 stored in the storage tank 410 increases and the water level of the working fluid 22 rises, the air staying between the liquid level of the working fluid 22 and the support plate 450 is discharged to the outside through the air vent 451. Thereby, the water level of the working fluid 22 can rise stably.

[0079] Differently from the present invention, in the case where the air vent 451 is not formed in the support plate 450, the rise of the water level of the working fluid 22 will be restricted. Specifically, due to the rise of the water level of the working fluid 22, if the space between the liquid level of the working fluid 22 and the support plate 450 becomes narrow, the water level of the working fluid 22 cannot rise further due to the increase in internal pressure.

[0080] The air moving pipe 460 connects the exhaust port 312 of the housing 310 with the inlet 412 of the storage tank 410. The air moving pipe 460 refers to a passage that enables the air discharged from the housing 310 to move toward the inside of the storage tank 410. A flow meter 461 and a pump 462 can be formed in the air moving pipe 460. The flow meter 461 is used to measure the air flow rate moving through the air moving pipe 460, and the pump 462 provides the power for the air to move through the air moving pipe 460.

[0081] The air supplied to the inside of the storage tank 410 through the air moving pipe 460 passes through the internal flow path 441 of the water level regulating block 440 and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 413.

[0082] By the operation of the condensation nucleus counter 10, if the flow rate of the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 is increased and the water level is raised, a part of the working fluid 21 flows into the storage tank 410 through the first connecting pipe 420. Thus, the flow rate of the working fluid 22 in the storage tank 410 is increased and the water level rises. The water level of the working fluid 22 in the storage tank 410 rises to the same height as the water level of the working fluid 22 in the saturation container 11.

[0083] If the water level of the working fluid 22 in the storage tank 410 rises, the lower region of the water level regulating block 440 is immersed in the working fluid 22, and the working fluid 22 is absorbed by the water level regulating block 440. The working fluid 22 absorbed by the water level regulating block 440 is evaporated by the air flowing through the internal flow path 441 and discharged to the outside through the discharge port 413. This process continues until the lower region of the water level regulating block 440 is no longer immersed in the working fluid 22. Thus, the water level of the working fluid 22 can be adjusted to a height at which the lower region of the water level regulating block 440 is no longer immersed in the working fluid.

[0084] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the absorption part showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Refer to Figure 4 , the inner flow path 133 can be a plurality of micro flow paths. The air flowing into the second connecting flow path 135 flows into the second flow path 1211 through the micro flow paths 133. With the formation of the micro flow paths 133, the contact area with the air can be further widened.

[0086] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a condensation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 A perspective view showing the second flow path, Figure 7 Shown as Figure 5 A diagram showing the arrangement of the condensation pipe and the absorption part of

[0087] Refer to Figures 5 to 7 , on the inner side surfaces 212, 213 of the condensation pipe 210 in which the second flow path 211 is formed, guiding parts 217 are formed. During the process of condensing the saturated air in the second flow path 211, condensate is formed on the inner side surface 212 of the second flow path 211, and the condensate flows downward along the inner side surface of the second flow path 211 due to its weight. The guiding parts 217 guide the condensate flowing downward along the inner side surface of the second flow path 211 to quickly flow into the absorption part 130.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the second flow path 211 includes a first inner side surface 212 and a second inner side surface 213. The first inner side surface 212 has a cylindrical shape C1. The second inner side surface 213 is formed at a lower portion of the first inner side surface 212 and constitutes a lower end region of the second flow path 211.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the second inner side surface 213 may be a region of a conical shape C2.

[0090] In order to form the first inner side surface 212 and the second inner side surface 213, a processing operation of the cylindrical shape C1 and a processing operation of the conical shape C2 may be performed on the condensation tube 210.

[0091] In this case, the central axis 212a of the cylindrical shape C1 and the central axis 213a of the conical shape C2 are not located on the same straight line and may be separated by a predetermined distance. Moreover, the bottom surface of the conical shape C2 may have a larger diameter than the bottom surface of the cylindrical shape C1 (d2 > d1). Accordingly, the distance between the second inner side surface 213 and the central axis 213a of the second inner side surface 213 gradually increases along the lower end of the second flow path 211.

[0092] Through the processing of the conical shape, one side of the second inner side surface 213 is an inclined surface 214 that is inclined at a predetermined angle. Moreover, the second inner side surface 213 is asymmetric with respect to the central axis 212a of the second inner side surface 213.

[0093] The boundary line 217 where the first inner side surface 212 and the second inner side surface 213 are in contact is a curve. The boundary line 217 slopes downward along the periphery of the first inner side surface 212 from the upper end of the inclined surface 214. Based on the boundary line 217, the first inner side surface 212 and the second inner side surface 213 form a discontinuous surface.

[0094] The absorption part 130 is located at a lower portion of the condensation tube 210, and the central axis 133a of the inner flow path 133 and the central axis 212a of the first inner side surface 212 are located on the same straight line. The inner flow path 133 has the same inner diameter as the first inner side surface 212. Accordingly, a step 137 of the absorption part 130 where the inner flow path 133 is positioned and formed is formed on the inclined surface 214, and a step 138 of the absorption part 130 is placed at the lower end of the boundary line 217.

[0095] The condensate liquid 41 formed on the first inner side surface 212 flows downward along the first inner side surface 212 and is gathered at the lower end of the boundary line 217 through the guidance of the boundary line 217. Moreover, the condensate liquid 41 is quickly absorbed by the absorption part 130 through the step 138 of the absorption part 130. In this way, the boundary line 217 where the first inner side surface 212 and the second inner side surface 213 are in contact serves as a guiding part and can guide the condensate liquid 41 to quickly flow into the absorption part 130.

[0096] Differently from the present invention, when the absorption part 130 cannot quickly absorb the condensate and maintains the aggregated state for a specified time, the size of the droplets becomes larger due to the continuous inflow of the condensate. Moreover, as friction is generated with the air flowing in through the inner flow path 133, the droplets flow into the interior of the housing 310 again through the second flow path 211. The droplets flowing into the interior of the housing 310 become a reason for hindering the operation of the detector 300 due to being aggregated on the lenses 351 and 352.

[0097] The present invention can prevent the phenomenon that the condensate flows into the detector 300 by forming the guiding part 217.

[0098] Figure 8 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensate pipe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Refer to Figure 8 , the condensate pipe 210 is the same as the condensate pipe 210 described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The condensate pipe 210 is placed at the upper end of the absorption part 130 in a manner of being displaced by a specified distance, such that the central axis 212a of the first inner surface 212 and the central axis 133a of the inner flow path 133 are not on the same straight line. The lower end of the inclined surface 214 is in contact with the step 137 of the absorption part 130.

[0100] The condensate 41 formed on the first inner surface 212 flows downward along the first inner surface 212 and is gathered at the lower end of the boundary line 217 through the guidance of the boundary line 217. Compared with the step 138 of Figure 7 , since the step 138 of the absorption part 130 is placed at the lower end of the boundary line 217 with a wider area, the absorption part 130 can absorb the condensate 41 more quickly.

[0101] Figure 9 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensate pipe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Refer to Figure 9 , the inner surface 212 of the second flow path 211 is in a cylindrical shape, and the lower end of the condensate pipe 210 is cut at an inclined angle. Thus, the lower surface of the condensate pipe 210 is an inclined surface 218 inclined at a specified angle.

[0103] One side of the upper end of the absorption part 130 protrudes by a specified height, and the upper surface of the protruding area is an inclined surface 139 corresponding to the lower surface 218 of the condensate pipe 210. The inclined surface 218 of the condensate pipe 210 is placed on the inclined surface 139 of the absorption part 130. The condensate pipe 210 is placed at the upper end of the absorption part 130 such that the central axis 211a of the second flow path 211 and the central axis 133a of the first flow path 133 are on the same line.

[0104] The condensate liquid 41 formed on the inner side of the condensation tube 210 flows downward due to its weight and accumulates on the inclined surface 215 of the condensation tube 210, and then flows along the inclined surface 215. During this process, the condensate liquid 41 is quickly absorbed by the inclined surface 139 of the absorption part 130. In this regard, the inclined surface 218 of the condensation tube 210 serves as a guiding part, enabling the condensate liquid 41 to quickly flow into the absorption part 130.

[0105] Figure 10 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensation tube of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Refer to Figure 10 , in the lower region of the condensation tube 210, an inner groove 231 is formed on its inner side surface. The inner groove 231 is formed with a predetermined length along the length direction of the second flow path 211 and extends to the lower end of the condensation tube 210. The inner groove 231 is formed with a predetermined depth along the radial direction of the condensation tube 210. A plurality of inner grooves 213 are formed at intervals along the inner side surface periphery of the second flow path 211. According to the embodiment, four inner grooves 231 can be formed in the condensation tube 210. The intervals between the inner grooves 231 can be the same.

[0107] The condensation tube 210 is placed at the upper end of the absorption part 130 so that the central axis 211a of the second flow path 211 and the central axis 133a of the first flow path 133 are on the same line. Thus, at the lower part of the inner groove 213, the upper ends 137, 138 of the absorption part 130 where the first flow path 133 is located are formed.

[0108] The condensate liquid formed on the inner side surface of the condensation tube 210 flows downward due to its weight and accumulates in the inner groove 231, flows along the inner groove 231, and is quickly absorbed by the upper end of the absorption part 130. In this regard, the inner groove 231 formed in the condensation tube 210 serves as a guiding part to guide the condensate liquid to quickly flow into the absorption part 130.

[0109] Figure 11 A diagram showing the absorption part and the condensation tube of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Refer to Figure 11 , a step 137 is formed at the upper end of the absorption part 130. The step 137 protrudes from the upper surface of the absorption part 130 by a predetermined height and forms an annular shape. The outer diameter of the step 137 has a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the second flow path 211. The step 137 is inserted inside the second flow path 211.

[0111] The condensate liquid formed on the inner side surface of the condensation tube 210 flows downward due to gravity and accumulates on the step 137 of the absorption part 130, and is quickly absorbed by the absorption part 130 through the step 137. In this regard, the step 137 of the absorption part 130 serves as a guiding part to guide the condensate liquid to quickly flow into the absorption part 130.

[0112] Figure 12 A diagram showing the absorption section and the condensation tube according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to Figure 12 , fibers 233 are attached to the lower region of the second flow path 211. The fibers 233 have a specified length, the upper region is attached to the inner side surface of the second flow path 211, and the lower region can be attached to the inner side surface of the inner flow path 133. According to still another embodiment, a plurality of fibers 233 may be formed.

[0114] The condensate formed on the inner side surface of the condensation tube 210 flows downward due to gravity and is absorbed by the fibers 233. The condensate is absorbed by the inner side surface of the absorption section 130 through the fibers 233.

[0115] In this way, the fibers 233 serve as a guiding portion to guide the condensate to flow quickly into the absorption section 130.

[0116] Figure 13 A diagram showing a working fluid supply device and an absorption section according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to Figure 13 , different from the working fluid supply device 400 shown in Figure 1 , the working fluid supply device 400a does not have a second connection tube 430.

[0118] An exhaust hole 141 is formed in the lower region of the absorption section 130. The exhaust hole 141 connects the external space of the absorption section 130 to the inner flow path 133.

[0119] The condensate condensed in the condensation tube 210 is supplied into the saturation container 110. If the water level of the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 rises, the air staying in the upper space of the working fluid 21 moves to the inner flow path 133 through the exhaust hole 141. Thereby, the water level of the working fluid 21 in the saturation container 110 can rise stably.

[0120] Figure 14 A diagram showing a working fluid supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to Figure 14 , the working fluid supply device 400b does not have a support plate ( Figure 1The water level adjustment block 440 has a cross-sectional area corresponding to the storage space of the storage tank 410. The water level adjustment block 440 can be supported by a support shoulder 416 formed on the inner side surface of the storage tank 410. An air vent 445 is formed in the water level adjustment block 440. The air vent 445 connects the space between the water level adjustment block 440 and the working fluid 22 to the internal flow path 441. When the water level of the working fluid 22 rises, the air in the space between the water level adjustment block 440 and the working fluid 22 can be discharged to the outside through the air vent 445. Thus, the water level of the working fluid 22 can rise stably.

[0122] Figure 15 The top view showing the condensation nucleus counting system according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 16 Based on Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the condensation nucleus counting system along the A-A' line Figure 17 Showing Figure 15 The diagram of multiple condensation nucleus counters

[0123] Referring to Figures 15 to 17 The condensation nucleus counting system 1000 can accurately measure the size of nanoparticles contained in the air through the condensation nucleus counters (1300a to 1300d). The condensation nucleus counting system 1000 includes a chamber 1100, condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d, a working fluid supply device (not shown), an air supply pipe 1400, and a control unit (not shown).

[0124] The chamber 1100 has a specified shape and a receiving space is formed inside. According to an embodiment, the chamber 1100 is cylindrical. An insulating material 1200 is formed in the internal space of the chamber 1100. The insulating material 1200 can minimize the heat exchange between the inside and outside of the chamber 1100.

[0125] The condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d are located inside the chamber 1100 and are surrounded by the insulating material 1200. The condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d are multiple. The condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d are separated from the central axis of the chamber 1100 by a specified distance. According to an embodiment, the condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d are located at the same distance from the central axis of the chamber 1100. The condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d are arranged at specified intervals along the circumference of the central axis of the chamber 1100. According to an embodiment, adjacent condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d can be arranged at the same angle with respect to the central axis of the chamber 1100. According to an embodiment, four condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d are provided in the chamber and can be arranged at an angle of 90° with respect to the central axis of the chamber 1100.

[0126] Each of the condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d includes saturators 1310a to 1310d, condensers 1320a to 1320d, and detectors 1330a to 1330d. The saturators 1310a to 1310d, the condensers 1320a to 1320d, and the detectors 1330a to 1330d are the same as any of the structures described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 Therefore, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0127] The working fluid supplier is connected to each of the condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d to supply the working fluid to the saturators 1310a to 1310d. The working fluid supplier may be the same as one of the working fluid suppliers described with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 described.

[0128] The air supply pipe 1400 has a predetermined length and is branched into a plurality of branch pipelines 1420a to 1420d with the branch point 1410 as a fulcrum. Each of the branch pipelines 1420a to 1420d is individually connected to the saturators 1310a to 1310d of the condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d to supply external air into the saturators 1310a to 1310d. The lengths of the branch pipelines 1420a to 1420d from the branch point 140 to the saturators 1310a to 1310d are the same. According to the embodiment, four branch pipelines 1420a to 1420d are formed in the air supply pipe 1400, the branch point 1410 is located on the central axis of the chamber 1100, and each of the branch pipelines 1420a to 1420d is individually connected to the saturators 1310a to 1310d. The external air flowing through the air supply pipe 1400 flows into the saturators 1310a to 1310d at the same distance with the branch point 1410 as a reference.

[0129] The control unit individually controls the heating temperatures of the saturators 1310a to 1310d of the condensation nucleus counters 1300a to 1300d to be different from each other, and can control the cooling temperatures of the condensers 1320a to 1320d to be different from each other. The control unit can control the heating temperatures of the saturators 1310a to 1310d to be different from each other within the temperature range of 35°C to 60°C. And, the control unit can control the cooling temperatures of the condensers 1320a to 1320d to be different from each other within the temperature range of 3°C to 10°C.

[0130] According to the embodiment, the first saturator 1310a is heated to the first heating temperature T s1 , the second saturator 1310b is heated to the second heating temperature T s2 , and the third saturator 1310c is heated to the third heating temperature T s3, the fourth saturator 1310d can be heated to the fourth heating temperature T s4 . Moreover, the first condenser 1320a is cooled to the first cooling temperature T c1 , the second condenser 1320b is cooled to the second cooling temperature T c2 , the third condenser 1320c is cooled to the third cooling temperature T c3 , the fourth condenser 1320d can be cooled to the fourth cooling temperature T c4 .

[0131] As described above, since the temperatures of the saturators 1310a to 1310d and the condensers 1320a to 1320d are independently controlled, the saturation levels in the saturators 1310a to 1310d and the condensers 1320a to 1320d can be set differently. Thus, each of the detectors 1330a to 1330d can detect only particles larger than a specific size.

[0132] The condensed droplets each include a condensation nucleus, that is, each includes a nanoparticle. In this case, the Kelvin equation shown in Equation 1 below can be used to determine whether the nanoparticle functions as a condensation nucleus.

[0133] Equation 1

[0134]

[0135] Where : The vapor pressure at a position far from the particle : The vapor pressure at the particle surface : The saturation ratio : The surface tension of the liquid : The molecular weight of the liquid molecules : The diameter of the nanoparticle : The density of the liquid : The gas constant : The absolute temperature.

[0136] From Equation 1, it can be seen that the size at which the nanoparticle can function as a condensation nucleus varies with the saturation of the vapor. Equation 1 can be represented by the curve shown in Figure 18 .

[0137] Refer to Figure 18, at a specific particle size (i.e., x = constant), if the S value (saturation) of the steam in the condenser lies on the Kelvin equation curve, the specific particle can grow continuously by condensation. Conversely, if the S value lies below the Kelvin curve, the particle cannot act as a condensation nucleus. Therefore, when using a specific particle as a condensation nucleus according to the S value to grow droplets, if the droplets are detected by an optical method, only particles larger than a specific size can be measured.

[0138] The present invention utilizes the above principle to set different saturations for each of the condensers 1320a to 1320d respectively, so that each condenser grows only particles larger than a different size into droplets, and the size of the nanoparticles can be accurately measured by a detector.

[0139] Moreover, as the external air supplied through an air supply pipe 1400 is separated and flows into each of the branch pipelines 1420a to 1420d, it is supplied to the saturators 1310a to 1310d at the same distance from the branch point 1410. Therefore, the loss of the nanoparticles contained in the external air can be minimized, and the loss rates of the four saturators 1310a to 1310d are the same.

[0140] Figure 19 To show the Figure 15 condensation nucleus counting system for measuring the nanoparticles in the air according to size. The horizontal axis represents the size of the measured particles (particle diameter), and the vertical axis represents the measurement efficiency (counting efficiency).

[0141] Referring to Figure 19 , each of the detectors 1330a to 1330d measures only nanoparticles larger than a different size, and the size of the measured nanoparticles can be accurately calculated.

[0142] Moreover, in the condensation nucleus counting system 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention, the measurement speed of the nanoparticle size distribution is 0.1 second. Compared with the existing condensation nucleus counters that use 1 minute to 2 minutes in the process of measuring the nanoparticle size distribution, the measurement speed can be significantly improved.

[0143] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments and should be interpreted based on the appended claims for the invention. And it should be understood that those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A condensation nucleus counter, characterized in that: include: A saturator having a first flow path formed therein for supplying steam to air flowing in from the outside; a condenser formed with a second flow path for condensing the air and steam flowing in from the first flow path; as well as a detector for detecting droplets condensed in the condenser, The second flow path has a guide portion formed therein for guiding the condensate flowing downward along the inner side surface of the second flow path to flow into the saturator.

2. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side surface of the second flow path includes: A first inner side surface is cylindrical; and A second inner side surface is located between the first inner side surface and the first flow path and forms a curved surface different from the first inner side surface. The guide portion includes a boundary line between the first inner side surface and the second inner side surface.

3. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The boundary line is a curve that slopes downward from one side of the second inner side toward the other side.

4. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 2, characterized in that: A central axis of the first inner side surface and a central axis of the second inner side surface are separated by a predetermined distance and are offset from each other.

5. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second inner side surfaces are asymmetrical with respect to a central axis of the second inner side surface.

6. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 2, characterized in that: As moving toward the lower end of the second flow path, the distance between the second inner side surface and the central axis of the second inner side surface gradually increases.

7. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 2, characterized in that: A step of the saturator is formed at a lower portion of the second inner side surface.

8. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide portion is an inner groove formed from a lower region of the second flow path along a length direction of the second flow path, The inner groove extends to a lower end of the second flow path.

9. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide portion is a step of the saturator inserted into the lower end of the second flow path.

10. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide portion is a fiber that connects an inner side surface of the first flow path and an inner side surface of the second flow path.

11. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The saturator comprises: a saturation container having a space formed therein for storing a working fluid; an absorption part, made of a porous material, located inside the saturation container, and formed with the first flow path; and a heating part, formed outside the saturation container, for heating the saturation container, The first flow path comprises: An outer flow path is formed on an outer side surface of the absorbing portion along the periphery of the absorbing portion; An inner flow path formed in a central region of the absorbent portion along a length direction of the absorbent portion; and The flow path is connected so that the outer flow path is connected to the inner flow path.

12. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 11, characterized in that: The outer flow path is annular and is formed in plurality at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent portion. The first flow path further includes a connecting flow path so as to connect a plurality of the outer flow paths.

13. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 12, characterized in that: The lower area of ​​the absorption part is immersed in the working fluid, A vent hole is formed in a lower region of the absorbent portion so that the inner flow path is connected to the outside.

14. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 11, characterized in that: include: A storage tank storing a working fluid therein and having an inlet and an exhaust port formed at a position higher than the working fluid; a first connecting pipe, providing a flow path for the working fluid to move between the storage tank and the saturation container; a water level regulating block, located in the storage tank and made of a porous material capable of absorbing the working fluid; and The air supply pipe supplies the air exhausted from the detector to the inlet.

15. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 14, characterized in that: The water level regulating block has an internal flow path formed therein, which communicates with the inlet and the exhaust port.

16. The condensation nucleus counter according to claim 15, characterized in that: A vent is formed in the water level regulating block so that a lower space of the water level regulating block is connected to the internal flow path.

17. A condensation nucleus counting system, characterized in that: include: Multiple condensation nucleus counters; as well as A control unit, used to independently control the condensation nucleus counter, The condensation nucleus counters respectively include: a saturator that generates steam by internal heating and supplies the steam to air flowing in from the outside; as well as The condenser condenses the air and steam flowing from the saturator by internal cooling. The control unit controls the condensation nucleus counter individually so that the heating temperature of the saturator and the cooling temperature of the condenser are different from each other.

18. The condensation nucleus counting system according to claim 17, characterized in that: It also includes an air supply pipe for supplying external air, which is formed with a plurality of branch lines branching from a branch point, each of which is separately connected to the saturator. The lengths of the branch lines from the branch points to the saturator are the same.

19. The condensation nucleus counting system according to claim 17, characterized in that: It also includes a chamber, in which a heat insulating material is formed, and a plurality of condensation nucleus counters are formed between the heat insulating materials. The plurality of condensation nucleus counters are located at positions with the same distance from the central axis of the chamber.

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