Colloid Particle Size-Mass Distribution Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing nanoparticle size and density distributions in colloidal suspensions are limited by sensitivity to sample purity, instability over time, and ineffective data inversion routines, particularly when dealing with heterogeneous systems and dissolved non-volatile residues during aerosolization.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a nanoparticle aerosolization device with an aerosol mass analyzer and a portable aerosol electrical mobility analyzer, utilizing online dilution and tandem size-mass measurement spectrometers to accurately quantify particle size and mass distributions, reducing residue contamination and enabling precise density information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aerosolization methods are used to measure nanoparticle size and mass distributions, then measurement capability is enabled, but dissolved non-volatile residues form discrete particles and coat aerosolized particles, adversely affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful dissolved non-volatile residues from the sample before aerosolization through online dilution with a volatile solvent. This prevents the residues from forming discrete particles and coating aerosolized particles, thereby eliminating the source of measurement interference while preserving the intact nanoparticle population for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary volatile solvent in the online dilution system that temporarily carries the dissolved non-volatile residues away from the nanoparticle population. The volatile solvent evaporates during aerosolization, leaving the nanoparticles clean and free from residue contamination, thus mediating between the sample and the measurement process.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If online dilution is applied to reduce residue effects, then residue contamination is reduced, but the time window for measurement is limited due to particle property changes from dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous online dilution immediately prior to aerosolization, maintaining a constant supply of diluted sample with minimized residue effects. This continuous process eliminates the need for batch processing and extends the effective measurement window by continuously refreshing the sample to prevent particle property changes while maintaining low residue contamination levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary online dilution of the sample immediately before aerosolization to pre-reduce residue contamination and stabilize particle properties. This preliminary action prepares the sample in its optimal state for measurement, creating a stable time window during which particle properties remain constant and measurements can be accurately performed.
3Loss of information
If tandem size-mass measurement systems are used, then density information and separation of similarly sized particles is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges size measurement and mass measurement capabilities into a single integrated aerosolization platform. By combining these measurement modalities in one system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to separate instruments while simultaneously enabling the calculation of density information from the correlated size and mass data of individual particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal aerosolization measurement system that performs multiple functions: size measurement, mass measurement, and density calculation. This multi-functional platform eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments, reducing device complexity while providing comprehensive particle characterization including density information for similarly sized particles with different densities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides reliable, accurate, and efficient analysis of nanoparticle size and density distributions, effectively distinguishing between similar-sized particles with different densities and reducing the impact of dissolved residues, facilitating broader industrial and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a nanoparticle aerosolization device, an aerosol mass analyzer, and a portable aerosol electrical mobility analyzer
Implementation Method 2
a portable aerosol electrical mobility analyzer
Implementation Method 3
measuring the mass distribution at various selected particle sizes using the respective spectrometers in tandem
Implementation Method 4
aerosol mass analyzer
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring particle mass distributions as a function of particle diameter. The system includes a nebulizer, a particle size classifier and a particle detector. The system may include a dilution module. It may also include a particle mass classifier. The system and method are useful for distinguishing particle populations of similar size and different densities as well as determining the interaction between materials (binding) in mixed colloid systems with varying material ratios. The system and method are also useful for determining particle density in both homogeneous and heterogeneous colloids.