Aerosol Test Chamber

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for studying aerosols, and in particular to an apparatus including a test chamber in which properties or characteristics of an aerosol may be studied. [Background technology]

[0002] Test chambers of various sizes are commercially available. Some known test chambers have a housing formed of glass walls. Glass housings allow for viewing of the test chamber, but tend to suffer from condensation on the inner surface of the glass walls during testing. Such condensation can interfere with the testing of aerosols by adsorbing the aerosols to the condensed water droplets.

[0003] Additionally, known test chambers typically have large doors that are opened to allow cleaning of the test chamber and to allow introduction of test articles, such as aerosol-generating articles, into the chamber. Opening such large doors during testing can disrupt the environment within the test chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for studying aerosols is provided. The apparatus comprises a test chamber including 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 includes a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space. The apparatus also 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 also comprises a fan and a trap port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume. The fan is disposed within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber and positioned and configured to mix air within the enclosed interior volume. The trap port extends through one of the one or more panels and includes a valve that allows sampling of the contents within the enclosed interior volume.

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

[0006] The device configured in the above manner may reduce or prevent condensation from forming on the first wall of the panel defining the test chamber. For example, heated air may flow through the gap space between the first wall and the second wall. The flow of heated air through the gap space may heat the first wall relative to the temperature of the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Such relative heating of the first wall may reduce or prevent condensation. The reduction or prevention of condensation in the enclosed interior volume may advantageously reduce or prevent sorption or reaction of the condensed water with the test aerosol or other components of the conditioned air in the enclosed interior volume. Thus, the accuracy and reliability of the test results may be improved.

[0007] Any suitable heated fluid medium may be passed through the gap space between the first and second walls 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 and second walls of the panel may be formed from any suitable material. It is preferred that at least the surface of the first wall defining the interior of the test chamber is inert. Any suitable inert material may be used. The inert material may form the bulk of the first wall or may be coated on the surface of the first wall. It is preferred that the surface of the first wall defining the interior of the test chamber is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic materials tend to be inert to aerosols.

[0009] Examples of suitable materials for forming the bulk of the first and second walls include glass, plastic, and metal materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials include polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and the like. Examples of suitable metal materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and the like. The materials may be essentially inert, or may be treated or coated to be inert. For example, a coating or treatment may be applied to the surface to make the surface inert. As an example, a metal such as aluminum may be anodized.

[0010] The first and second walls of the panel are preferably formed from a transparent material to allow viewing of the enclosed interior space. The entire panel or a portion of the panel may be transparent to allow viewing of the enclosed interior space. The entire panel or a majority of the panel is preferably transparent. Suitable transparent materials for forming the first and second walls of the panel include transparent plastic or glass. The first and second walls of the panel preferably comprise glass. In addition to being transparent and inert, glass is easily cleanable with detergent and water and tends to be scratch resistant.

[0011] The first and second walls may be of any suitable thickness. For example, the first and second walls may have a thickness of 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, such as 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters, or 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters. The thicknesses of the first and second walls may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the first and second walls comprise glass and have a thickness of 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters. The glass wall preferably has a thickness of 5 millimeters.

[0012] The first and second walls may be separated from one another to form a void space of any suitable thickness, for example, the void space may have a thickness of between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters, such as between 10 millimeters and 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 may be formed by a port. The port may be coupled to a conduit to convey air flowing 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 surrounding environment.

[0014] The test chamber may include two or more panels. For example, the test chamber may include a top panel, a bottom panel, and one or more sidewall panels. In some embodiments, 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 sidewall panels may be hingedly movable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the sidewall panels may enclose an interior volume of the test chamber. In the closed position, the sidewall panels preferably seal the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber from the outside environment. In the open position, the interior of the test chamber may be accessible. Thus, when the sidewall panels are in the open position, a user may access the interior of the test chamber, for example, to clean or maintain the interior of the test chamber.

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

[0017] The frame preferably sealingly engages the panels such that the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is airtight to the surrounding environment.

[0018] One or more sealing elements may be used to seal the panel to the frame. Any suitable sealing element may be used. For example, synthetic rubber or fluoropolymer elastomers such as Viton, strips or cords may be used to seal the edges of the panel to the frame. It is preferred that the sealing element is inert or that any portion of the sealing element that may communicate with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert.

[0019] The frame may comprise an inert material. Any portion of the frame that may be in communication with the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber is preferably inert. The frame, or portions of the frame, may be coated or treated to be inert. The frame may comprise a plastic, such as polycarbonate, or a metal material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. In some embodiments, the frame comprises anodized aluminum. Anodized aluminum may be inert to aerosols that may be tested or studied within the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber.

[0020] The test chamber may include a door to allow access to the enclosed interior volume. The door may be formed in or include one of the panels. The door preferably provides access to the interior of the test chamber so that the interior may be cleaned or maintained. The door preferably seals when closed. For example, when the door is closed, the enclosed interior volume may be sealed or airtight to the ambient atmosphere.

[0021] A sidewall panel that is hingedly movable from an open position to a closed position may be attached to the frame by a hinge. One or more sealing elements may be used to seal the movable panel relative to the frame when the sidewall panel is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the sidewall panel is configured to be magnetically maintained in the closed position. In some embodiments, the panel is configured to be maintained in the closed position via a latch.

[0022] The test chamber may be of any suitable shape. One or more panels may be configured and arranged to achieve the appropriate shape of the test chamber. In some embodiments, the test chamber is rectangular. It is preferred that the enclosed interior volume and exterior shape of the test chamber is rectangular.

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

[0024] The chamber inlet port may be structured to extend through a first and second wall of a first panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port does not flow through a void space of the panel. The chamber outlet port may be structured to extend through a first and second wall of a second panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet and outlet ports of the inlet port does not flow through a sealed void space of the panel. Such an arrangement allows conditioned air to enter the enclosed interior volume of the chamber without being contaminated.

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

[0026] The first and second panels may be substantially parallel to each other. The first and second panels are preferably substantially parallel to each other and arranged such that the airflow from the chamber inlet port to the chamber outlet port is substantially perpendicular to the airflow generated by the fan. Such a configuration may help the airflow from the fan to mix with the conditioned air flowing through the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber from the chamber inlet port to the chamber outlet port. In other words, the fan may be positioned within the chamber to induce an airflow generally parallel to the top and bottom panels. The first panel through which the chamber inlet port extends may be the bottom panel, and the second panel through which the chamber outlet port extends may be the top panel. The conditioned air may flow within the enclosed interior volume generally from bottom to top, and the fan induces the air flowing generally perpendicular to the flow from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet, so that the conditioned air may mix with, for example, an aerosol being tested within the test chamber.

[0027] The chamber inlet port is preferably connected to a conduit for conveying the conditioned air from the humidifier to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The flow rate of the conditioned air through the chamber inlet port into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber can be adjusted to control the pressure within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

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

[0029] The pressure within the enclosed interior volume may 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 may be controlled by setting parameters of the humidifier. The parameters may be set manually or the setting of the parameters may be automated. For example, the humidifier may be operably coupled to a controller. The controller may be coupled to a pressure sensor. The controller may vary the flow rate from the humidifier to the humidifier based on the sensed pressure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the pressure within 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 may be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, 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 rate into and out of the enclosed internal volume is automatically controlled. The chamber outlet port may be operably coupled to a valve. The valve may be operably coupled to a motor configured to open and close the valve. The motor may be operably coupled to a controller configured to cause the motor to open and close the valve. The inlet chamber port may be operably coupled to a humidifier. The humidifier may be coupled to a controller. The controller may be configured to control the flow rate of conditioned air into the enclosed internal volume through the chamber inlet port. The device may comprise a pressure sensor positioned and adapted to measure pressure within the enclosed internal volume. The pressure sensor may be operably coupled to the controller. The controller may be configured to vary the flow rate from the humidifier and the release rate of air through the valve as a result of data provided by the pressure sensor.

[0032] The chamber inlet and outlet ports may be sealed to the panel through which they extend through the use of sealing elements, for example, the ports may be sealed to the panel with O-rings.

[0033] The device may include an antechamber extending from one of the one or more panels. The antechamber may define a sealed antechamber port extending through a first and second wall of the panel. The device may further include a tray disposed within the antechamber. The tray may include a first wall and a second wall. The tray may be slidable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the first wall may seal the antechamber port from the interior of the test chamber. In the second position, the second wall may seal the antechamber from the exterior of the test chamber. The antechamber may 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 may 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 may only be exposed to the exterior environment while the tray is slid from the first position to the second position.

[0034] The antechamber preferably includes a pivotable lid movable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the lid may prevent access to the interior of the antechamber. When the lid is in the open position, a user may access the interior of the antechamber. The lid may help reduce environmental disruption within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. For example, the lid may be closed when the tray slides from the second position to the first position, or from the first position to the second position. Thus, when the lid is closed, the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber may only be exposed to the volume of outside air within 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 ambient environment.

[0035] The device may comprise two or more antechambers. Preferably, the device comprises two antechambers. When the device has two or more antechambers, two or more objects may be introduced and placed in communication with the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber at the same time. Additionally or alternatively, one object may be introduced into one chamber while another object is removed from another chamber.

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

[0037] The device may include a trap port extending through one of the one or more panels. The trap port may include a valve to allow sampling of contents within the enclosed interior volume. The valve may be opened to extract a sample and closed to enclose the interior volume of the test chamber.

[0038] The device may include two or more trap ports. The trap ports may be positioned at various locations around the test chamber. Positioning the trap ports at various different locations around the test chamber allows samples to be extracted at different locations from the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Samples extracted at different locations may be compared to determine whether the test aerosol and the conditioned air flowing from the chamber inlet port are homogenously mixed and distributed throughout the enclosed interior volume.

[0039] The device may include any suitable number of trap ports. In some embodiments, the device includes 5 or more trap ports, such as 10 or more trap ports. In some embodiments, the device includes 50 or fewer trap ports, such as 20 or fewer trap ports. For example, the device may include between 5 and 50 trap ports, such as between 10 and 20 trap ports.

[0040] The device may include trap ports extending through two or more panels. The device may include two or more trap ports extending through a particular panel. In some embodiments, the device includes multiple trap ports extending through a first panel and multiple trap ports extending through one or more additional panels. For example, the device may include multiple trap ports extending through a top panel, multiple trap ports extending through a front panel, and multiple trap ports extending through a rear panel. For example, the device may include 5 to 15 trap ports (e.g., 8 trap ports) extending through a top panel, may include 2 to 5 trap ports (e.g., 3 trap ports) extending through a front panel, and may include 2 to 5 trap ports (e.g., 3 trap ports) extending through a rear panel. In some embodiments, one of the panels, such as the front panel through which the trap ports extend, also serves as a door to access the interior volume of the test chamber.

[0041] The trap port may be sealed to the panel through which it extends through the use of a sealing element, for example, the trap port may be sealed to the panel with an O-ring.

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

[0043] The apparatus may include an exposed panel port through which at least a portion of the exposed panel may be inserted into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The exposed panel may be chemically or physically reactive with the aerosol within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The exposed panel port may be configured to allow the exposed panel to be inserted into or removed from the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber without substantially disrupting the environment within the enclosed interior volume. Thus, the exposed panel may be inserted into or removed from the enclosed interior volume during testing without substantially disrupting the environment.

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

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

[0046] Removal of the plug from the exposed panel port to insert the exposed panel does not result in substantial contamination of the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber with ambient air if the enclosed interior volume is maintained at a relative positive pressure.

[0047] The device may include more than one exposed panel port, for example the device may include 2, 3, 4 or 5 exposed panel ports, preferably the device includes 2 or at least 2 exposed panel ports.

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

[0049] The device may be included in a system. The system may include an air moving device 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 may be formed by a frame configured to hold the panels. The air moving device flows air through a gap space between a first wall and a second wall of the one or more panels of the test chamber. The temperature of the air moving through the gap space is preferably higher than the temperature of the air in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The movement of air through the gap space between the first wall and the second wall of the panels may prevent or reduce condensation on a surface of the first wall defining the interior of the test chamber. The air moving device may include a blower 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 embodiments, the test chamber includes two or more panels. In such embodiments, the system may include a manifold operably coupled to each panel inlet, each panel outlet, or each panel inlet and each panel outlet. The manifold may be operably coupled to an air movement device such that the air movement device and the manifold flow air through the void space of each panel.

[0051] The system may include a heating element configured to heat air entering the panel inlet. Movement of air through the gap space between the first and second walls of the panel may prevent or reduce condensation on a surface of the first wall defining the interior of the test chamber, particularly when the temperature of the air in the gap space is higher than the temperature in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. The heater may be advantageously used to heat the air entering the panel inlet to a temperature that exceeds the temperature in the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

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

[0053] The system may include one or more temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of one or more of (i) the conditioned air entering the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, (ii) the air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, or (iii) the air exiting the enclosed interior volume. The system may include one or more temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of one or more of the air entering the panel inlet, the panel void space, or the panel outlet. The temperature sensors may be operably coupled to a controller. The controller may adjust the relative temperature of the air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber and the temperature within the panel void space based on data provided from the one or more temperature sensors.

[0054] In some embodiments, the air moving device comprises a hot air blower operably coupled to the panel inlet. Any suitable hot air blower may be used.

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

[0056] The system may include a controller operably coupled to the humidifier, the controller may be configured and adapted to control the humidifier to control one or more of a 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 may further include an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be configured to introduce an aerosol into the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber. The aerosol generator may be positioned within the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may be held on a tray within the antechamber. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is operably coupled to the dilution valve to introduce the aerosol into the enclosed internal volume of the dilution valve.

[0058] Any suitable aerosol-generating device may be used to generate the aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices include combustible cigarettes, non-heating, combustion-based aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated sufficiently to release one or more components of the substrate into an aerosol, but not heated sufficiently to combust the substrate, aerosol-generating articles in which a liquid aerosol-generating substrate is vaporized or atomized (or vaporized and atomized) to generate an aerosol, and the like.

[0059] The systems and devices described herein may be used in any suitable manner. The systems and devices are preferably used to study aerosols. The devices and systems described herein may be used to study any suitable aspect of aerosols. For example, (i) chemical release of materials may be studied, (ii) sensory properties such as olfactory properties may be studied, and (iii) atmospheric and environmental effects may be studied. In some embodiments, properties of secondary aerosols, or tertiary (or secondary and tertiary) aerosols may be studied. The devices and systems may be used to evaluate the ability of one or more sensors to detect one or more compounds associated with aerosols in a controlled environment.

[0060] According to various aspects of the invention, a method for studying aerosols includes flowing air into a gap space defined between a first wall and a second wall of one or more panels of an apparatus for studying aerosols. The method also includes introducing conditioned air or compressed gas into an enclosed 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 enclosed interior volume of the test chamber and mixing the aerosol with the conditioned air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via a fan. The method further includes sampling the mixed aerosol and the conditioned air. The mixed air and the conditioned air may be sampled via a trap port. If the apparatus includes an antechamber, the mixed air and the conditioned air may be sampled via the antechamber. If the apparatus includes an exposed panel port, the mixed air and the conditioned air may be sampled via an exposed panel held by the exposed panel port. The exposed panel may be removed via the exposed panel port.

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

[0062] Sampling through one or more of the trap port, the antechamber, and the exposure panel preferably results in minimal disruption of the environment within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber.

[0063] The method may further include testing characteristics of the sampled mixed aerosol and the conditioned air.

[0064] The devices, systems, and methods described herein provide a controlled environment within the enclosed internal 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 internal 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 internal volume of the test chamber can be different from the ambient environment.

[0065] The devices, systems, and methods described herein are designed to reduce or prevent condensation on surfaces that define the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. By reducing condensation, the effects of unintended sorption of aerosols to condensed moisture are minimized. Thus, the accuracy and reliability of testing aerosols within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber may be enhanced.

[0066] The devices, systems, and methods described herein preferably allow for visualization of the test as it occurs. For example, one or more panels forming the test chamber may be transparent. Visualization allows for identification of potential problems, such as inadvertent extinguishing of a flammable aerosol-generating article. Visualization also allows for the use of the test chamber for demonstration purposes.

[0067] The devices, systems, and methods described herein preferably provide the ability to introduce objects into or remove objects from the enclosed interior volume of a test chamber with minimal disruption to the environment within the enclosed interior volume. For example, the device may include one or more antechambers for the introduction or removal of objects, such as aerosol-generating articles. As another example, an exposed panel may be inserted or removed through an exposed panel port with minimal disruption to the environment within the enclosed interior volume. For example, the use of antechambers or exposed panel ports may be less disruptive to the atmosphere than opening a large door to gain access to the enclosed interior volume to introduce objects. Additionally or alternatively, the use of antechambers described herein may limit the introduction of material surfaces, such as gloves, that may absorb or emit compounds that may interfere with testing performed within the test chamber.

[0068] The devices, systems, and methods are preferably configured to test aerosols in a regulated environment. The test chamber may be sealed to provide an airtight enclosed internal volume. Alternatively or additionally, the test chamber may be maintained at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. It is not necessary to completely seal the test chamber, since by maintaining a relative positive pressure in the enclosed internal volume, air will tend to flow out of the test chamber through leaks as opposed to flowing into the chamber. The enclosed internal volume may be maintained at a relative positive pressure by controlling the flow rate of air through the chamber inlet and chamber outlet ports. Leaks from the interior of the test chamber are preferably kept to a minimum or do not occur. The enclosed internal volume is preferably airtight during testing.

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

[0070] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may, under certain circumstances, offer certain advantages. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Moreover, 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 present disclosure, including the claims.

[0071] As used herein, "providing" in the context of providing a device or system means manufacturing the device or system, purchasing the device or system, or otherwise acquiring the device or system.

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

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

[0074] By "inert" it is meant that the inert material does not substantially react chemically or physically with the components being tested, such as aerosols, and that the inert material does not substantially emit substances that may affect the test results by contaminating the components being tested. Similarly, an inert material may not substantially absorb the components being tested.

[0075] "Sorption" refers to one or both of absorption and adsorption. Absorption is the phenomenon or process by which molecules are taken up in the 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-repellent properties. A surface may be considered hydrophobic if it exhibits a water contact angle of greater than 90 degrees. A "water contact angle" is the angle traditionally measured through a liquid where the liquid / vapor interface meets a solid surface. Water contact angles quantify the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid via Young's equation. Contact angles may be measured by using a contact angle goniometer, which uses a microscope objective to view the angle directly. Contact angles may be observed through a microscope objective or may be determined by viewing a drop of water deposited on the surface.

[0077] As used herein, "aerosol" means a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or droplets may include one or more volatile flavor compounds. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include a vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature. The aerosol may include a vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature, in combination with solid particles, in combination with liquid droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets.

[0078] A "controller" as used herein 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 may include one or more of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. A controller may include a memory that includes instructions that cause one or more components of a circuit to perform the functions or aspects of the controller. The functionality attributed to a controller in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware. A controller may include a microprocessor.

[0079] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, the following non-limiting examples are provided in a non-exhaustive manner. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein. EXAMPLES

[0080] Example 1 An apparatus for studying aerosols, comprising: (i) a test chamber including 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 a second wall defining an exterior of the test chamber, a void space being defined between the first wall and the second wall, each of the panels including a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space; and (ii) a chamber inlet defining an air inlet conduit extending through one of the one or more panels and in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. (iii) a chamber exit port extending through one of the one or more panels and defining an air exit conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (iv) a fan disposed within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, the fan positioned and configured to mix air within the enclosed interior volume; and (v) a trap port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume, the trap port extending through one of the one or more panels and including a valve to enable sampling of contents within the enclosed interior volume. Example 2 The apparatus of example 1, wherein the chamber inlet port is structured to extend through the first and second walls of a first panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet port does not flow through any void space of the panels, and the chamber outlet port is structured to extend through the first and second walls of a second panel of the one or more panels such that air flowing through the inlet and outlet ports does not flow through any void space of the panels. Example 3 The apparatus of example 2, wherein the first panel and the second panel are substantially parallel to one another. Example 4 4. The apparatus of example 3, wherein the airflow from the chamber inlet port to the chamber outlet port is substantially perpendicular to the airflow generated by the fan. Example 5 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 4, further comprising: (i) an antechamber extending from one of the one or more panels and defining a sealed antechamber port extending through first and second walls of the panel; and (ii) a tray disposed within the antechamber, the tray being slidable from a first position to a second position and including a first wall and a second wall, wherein in the first position, the first wall seals the antechamber port from the interior of the test chamber and wherein in the second position, the second wall seals the antechamber port from the exterior of the test chamber. Example 6 The apparatus of Example 5, wherein the antechamber includes a pivotable lid movable from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the lid prevents access to the antechamber and wherein in the open position the lid provides access to the antechamber. Example 7 The device of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the one or more panels include a top panel, a bottom panel, and one or more sidewall panels. Example 8 The device of Example 7, wherein one of the one or more side wall panels is hinged from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the interior of the test chamber is enclosed and in the open position, the interior of the test chamber is accessible. Example 9 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising a frame, the frame configured to hold one or more panels. Example 10 The apparatus of example 9, wherein the frame comprises anodized aluminum. Example 11 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the trapping port is one of a plurality of trapping ports positioned at various locations around the test chamber. Example 12 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein a surface of a first wall defining an enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert. Example 13 The device of any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein a surface of a first wall defining an interior of the test chamber is hydrophobic. Example 14 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the first wall comprises glass. Example 15 The device of any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein one or more panels are transparent. Example 16 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising a dilution valve operably connected to the chamber inlet port. Example 17 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein at least a portion of the exposed panel comprises an exposed panel port through which the exposed panel can be inserted into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Example 18 A system comprising: (i) an apparatus as described in any one of Examples 1-17; and (ii) an air moving device 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 device is configured to flow air through a gap space between a first wall and a second wall of the one or more panels of the test chamber. Example 19 The system of Example 18, wherein the test chamber includes two or more panels, and the system further includes a manifold operably connected to each panel inlet, each panel outlet, or each panel inlet and each panel outlet, the manifold operably connected to an air movement device such that the air movement device and the manifold flow air through the void space of each panel. Example 20 The system of example 18 or example 19, further comprising a heater positioned and adapted to heat air entering the panel inlet. Example 21 The system of any one of Examples 18 to 20, further comprising a humidifier operably connected to the chamber inlet port, the humidifier configured to provide conditioned air to the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Example 22 The system of Example 21, further comprising a controller operably coupled to the humidifier, the controller configured and adapted to control the humidifier to control one or more of the air flow rate, temperature, and humidity of the conditioned air provided by the humidifier to the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber. Example 23 The system of Example 22, comprising a valve operably connected to the chamber outlet port, wherein the controller is operably connected to the valve and configured and adapted to open and close the valve to regulate the pressure within the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber. Example 24 The system of Examples 18-23, further comprising an aerosol generator configured to introduce an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Example 25 The system of example 24, wherein the aerosol generating device is positioned within an enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Example 26 The system according to Example 25, which is dependent on the apparatus according to Example 5, wherein the aerosol generating device is held by a tray. Example 27 The system of Example 24, dependent on the apparatus of Example 16, wherein the aerosol generating device is operably connected to the dilution valve and introduces the aerosol into the enclosed internal volume of the test chamber via the dilution valve. Example 28 18. A method for studying aerosols comprising: (i) providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1-17; (ii) flowing air into a gap space defined between a first wall and a second wall of one or more panels; (iii) introducing conditioned air into an enclosed interior volume of a test chamber via an inlet port, the conditioned air having a defined temperature and humidity and being introduced at a defined flow rate; (iv) introducing an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (v) mixing the aerosol and 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 a trap port. Example 29 A method for studying aerosols, comprising: (i) providing an apparatus according to Example 5 or Example 6; (ii) flowing air into a void space defined between a first wall and a second wall of one or more panels; (iii) introducing conditioned air into an enclosed interior volume of a test chamber via an inlet port, the conditioned air having a defined temperature and humidity and being introduced at a defined flow rate; (iv) introducing an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (v) mixing the aerosol and 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 an antechamber. Example 30 A method for studying an aerosol, comprising: (i) providing an apparatus according to Example 17; (ii) flowing air into a void space defined between a first wall and a second wall of one or more panels; (ii) introducing conditioned air into an enclosed interior volume of a test chamber via an inlet port, the conditioned air having a defined temperature and humidity and introduced at a flow rate at the defined temperature; (v) introducing an aerosol into the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; (v) mixing the aerosol and the conditioned air within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber via a fan; and (vi) sampling the mixed aerosol and conditioned air through an exposed panel held by an exposed panel port. Example 31 The method of any one of Examples 28-30, wherein the air flowing through the void space has a higher temperature than the temperature of the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. Example 32 The method of example 31, wherein the temperature of the air flowing through the void space is related to the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air entering the chamber inlet port. Example 33 The method of any one of Examples 28 to 32, further comprising testing the characteristics of the sampled mixed aerosol and conditioned air.

[0081] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the test chamber. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the panels and frame of the test chamber. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top plan view of the panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom plan view of the panel. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of the apparatus including the test chamber. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom plan view of the apparatus including the test chamber. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the test chamber showing the panels partially opened. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a side panel of the test chamber and an antechamber extending from the side panel. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the antechamber and the tray. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing the panels and antechamber. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom panel showing the chamber inlet port and humidifier. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top panel showing the chamber exit port and trap port. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top panel and exposed panel ports. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a side panel and a fan. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the test chamber on the cart and the hot air blower and manifold on the cart shelf. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the components of the system on a cart. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of the system components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0083] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a test chamber 100. The test chamber 100 includes a frame 120 configured to hold a number of panels (panels 110A and 110B are labeled). The test chamber 100 includes a top panel 110A, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a left panel, and a right panel 110B. The panels define an enclosed interior volume 130 in which an aerosol may be tested. The panels 110A, 110B are transparent to allow viewing of the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100.

[0084] The test chamber 100 has a length L, a width W, and a height H. By way of example, the length L may be 1000 millimeters, the width W may be 500 millimeters, and the height H may be 450 millimeters.

[0085] FIG. 2 illustrates a section of a frame 120 and a portion of a panel (with panel 110B labeled). Panel 110B includes a first wall 112 that defines a portion of the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber. 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 may be transparent and formed of glass. The first wall 112 and the second wall 114 may have a thickness of 5 mm. A void space 116 is defined between the first wall 112 and the second wall 114 of panel 110B. Heated air may flow through the void space 116 during use of the test chamber. Frame 120 may include grooves to receive the first wall 112 and the second wall 114 of panel 110B to hold the walls 112, 114. A sealing element (not shown), such as a Viton strip, may seal the walls 112, 114 within the grooves of frame 120.

[0086] 3 is a schematic example of a top plan view of panel 110B. Panel 110B includes a panel inlet 113 formed through frame 120. Panel inlet 113 may be operatively coupled to a hot air blower to allow heated air to flow through a gap space between a first wall and a second wall of panel 110B.

[0087] 4 is a schematic example of a bottom plan view of panel 110B. Panel 110B includes a panel outlet 115 formed through frame 120. Panel outlet 115 may be vented directly to the ambient atmosphere.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of the apparatus including the test chamber, showing the top panel 110A, antechambers 160A, 160B extending from the side panels of the test chamber, multiple trap ports (trap port 150A is labeled), chamber exit port 140, and two exposed panel ports 170.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom plan view of the apparatus including the test chamber, showing the bottom panel 110C, antechambers 160A, 160B extending from the side panels of the test chamber, and chamber inlet port 180.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the test chamber 100 showing the front panel 110D partially opened. The front panel 110D opens to allow access to the interior volume of the test chamber 100. When the front panel 110D is opened, the interior of the test chamber 100 may be cleaned and components such as the fan 300 may be serviced. The front panel 110D is connected to the frame 120 by a hinge 200. The front panel 110D includes a handle 210 to facilitate opening. When closed, the front panel 110D may be secured to the frame 120 via magnetic forces. A sealing element (not shown) may be disposed between the frame 120 and the front panel 110D when the front panel 110D is closed.

[0091] Antechambers 160A, 160B extend from the left panel 110E.

[0092] 8 shows a perspective view of the antechambers 160A, 160B extending from the left panel 110E. The antechambers 160A, 160B include a rectangular box 162 and a lid 164. The lid 164 has a handle 166 to facilitate opening.

[0093] 9 is a schematic perspective view of the antechamber 160 and a tray 250 slidable within the antechamber 160. The antechamber 160 includes a rectangular box 162 and a lid 164 pivotally 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 opposing end. A pushing element (not shown), such as a rod, may be used to slide the tray 250 relative to the antechamber 160.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus showing the side panel 110E, the antechamber 160, and the tray 250 that is slidable within the antechamber 160. The panel 110E includes a first wall 112 that defines a portion of the interior volume of the test chamber. The panel 110E includes a second wall 114 that defines a portion of the exterior surface of the test chamber. The antechamber lid 164 is shown open to allow access to the interior of the antechamber box 162. An object 300 may be placed on the tray 250 of the base 260, and the tray 250 may be slid so that the object 300 may be placed in communication with the interior volume of the test chamber. When the tray 250 is slid all the way to the right in the orientation shown in FIG. 10, the second wall 280 of the tray 250 sealingly engages the second wall 114 of the panel 110E. When the tray 250 is slid fully to the left in the orientation shown in FIG. 10, the first wall 270 of the tray 250 sealingly engages the first wall 112 of the panel 110E.

[0095] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom panel 110C showing the chamber inlet port 180 and the humidifier 400. The chamber inlet port 180 extends across the first wall 112 and the second wall 114 of the panel 110C. The first wall 112 of the panel 110C defines a portion of the interior volume of the test chamber. The second wall 114 of the panel 110C defines a portion of the exterior surface of the test chamber. The chamber inlet port 180 is operably coupled to the humidifier 400 via a conduit.

[0096] 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top panel 110A showing the chamber exit port 140 and the trap port 150. The chamber exit port 180 and the trap port 150 extend 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 interior volume of the test chamber. The second wall 114 of the panel 110A defines a portion of the exterior surface of the test chamber. The trap port 150 includes a valve 155 that can be opened to extract an air sample from the interior volume of the test chamber and closed to enclose the interior volume of the test chamber. The chamber exit port 140 may also include or be operably coupled to a valve (not shown).

[0097] 13 is 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 interior volume of the test chamber. The second wall 114 of the panel 110A defines a portion of the exterior surface of the test chamber. The exposed panel port 190 includes a sidewall 192. A plug 195 is disposed within the exposed panel port 190. A sealing element 197, such as a Viton strip or an O-ring, seals the plug 195 against the sidewall 192 of the exposed panel port 190.

[0098] 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of side panel 110B and fan 300. Panel 110B includes a first wall 112 and a second wall 114. The first wall 112 of panel 110B defines a portion of the interior volume of the test chamber. The second wall 114 of panel 110B defines a portion of the exterior surface of the test chamber. Fan 300 includes blades 310 operably coupled to a motor 330. Motor 330 is positioned outside the test chamber, and blades 310 are within the test chamber between first wall 112 and a fan shield 320 that is part of the housing of fan 300. Support element 340 is connected to shield 320 to hold fan 300 against panel 110B.

[0099] 15 is a schematic perspective view of test chamber 100 on cart 600 and hot air blower 500 and manifold 550 on shelf 610 of cart 600. Hot air blower 500 is operably connected to manifold 550. Conduits 560 operably connect the panel inlets of each panel of test chamber 100 to manifold 550 such that heated air travels through the void spaces of the panels to prevent condensation on the interior surface of the first wall of the panels when the test chamber is in use.

[0100] 16 is a schematic perspective view of the components of the system on a cart 600. The test chamber 100 is placed on top of the cart 100. Components such as the humidifier 400, heated air blower 500 and manifold 550 are placed on a 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.

[0101] 17 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the system. The system includes a test chamber 100 having an enclosed interior 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.

[0102] The hot air blower 500 is coupled to a panel inlet of a panel of the test chamber 100, and heated air flows through the void 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 may be greater than the temperature of the air provided by the humidifier 400.

[0103] 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.

[0104] The pressure sensor 900 senses the pressure within the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100. The pressure sensor 900 may transmit data regarding the pressure to the controller 700. The controller 700 may adjust the flow rate of 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 may 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.

[0105] The system of FIG. 17 also includes a dilution valve 499 operably coupled to the chamber inlet port 180. The dilution valve 499 may allow the aerosol, gas, or other constituents to mix with the conditioned air directed through the chamber inlet port 499. The dilution valve 499 may mix the aerosol, gas, or other constituents with the conditioned air prior to entering the enclosed interior volume 130 of the test chamber 100. The provision of the dilution valve 499 may advantageously enable the test chamber 100 to simulate a wide range of specific environmental conditions for aerosol studies.

[0106] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all instances as being modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±2%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that in some cases, as used in the appended claims, the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 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 has a first wall having a surface that defines an interior of the test chamber and a second wall that defines an exterior of the test chamber; a void space is defined between the first wall and the second wall; each of the panels includes a panel inlet in communication with the void space and a panel outlet in communication with the void space; a test chamber, wherein air flowing through the void space has a temperature greater than a temperature of an 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; and 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 exit port extending through one of the one or more panels and defining an air exit conduit in communication with the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber; a fan disposed within the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber, the fan positioned and configured to mix air within the enclosed interior volume; a trap port for sampling contents from the enclosed interior volume, the trap port extending through one of the one or more panels and including a valve to enable sampling of the contents within the enclosed interior volume.

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

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first and second panels are substantially parallel to one another.

4. an antechamber extending from one of the one or more panels, the antechamber defining a sealed antechamber port extending through the first and second walls of the panel; a tray disposed within the antechamber, the tray being slidable from a first position to a second position; the tray includes a first wall and a second wall; in the first position, the first wall seals the antechamber port from the interior of the test chamber; 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tray, wherein in the second position, the second wall seals the antechamber port from the exterior of the test chamber.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the antechamber includes a pivotable lid movable from an open position to a closed position, the lid preventing access to the antechamber in the closed position, and the lid providing access to the antechamber in the open position.

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

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the first wall defining the enclosed interior volume of the test chamber is inert.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a dilution valve operably connected to the chamber inlet port.

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

10. 1. A system comprising: An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, an air moving device operably coupled to one or both of the panel inlet and the panel outlet of the one or more panels of the test chamber, the air moving device configured to flow air through the gap space between the first wall and the second wall of the one or more panels of the test chamber.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the test chamber includes two or more panels, the system further comprising a manifold operably connected to each panel inlet, each panel outlet, or each panel inlet and each panel outlet, the manifold operably connected to the air movement device such that the air movement device and the manifold flow air through the void space of each panel.

12. 12. The system of claim 10 or 11, further comprising a heater positioned and adapted to heat air entering the panel inlet.

13. 13. The system of any one of claims 10-12, 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.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a controller operably coupled to the humidifier, the controller 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.

Images