Condensation particle counter and system including same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensation particle counters face issues with condensate accumulation, fluctuating fluid flow rates, and limited contact area, leading to operational disruptions and inability to measure particle size accurately.
Innovation Solution
The invention includes a condensation particle counter with a saturator and condenser design that quickly discharges condensate, maintains fluid flow rate, and increases air contact area using a guiding portion to prevent condensate ingress into the detector, while allowing for size and number measurement of nano-particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the porous material is increased in size and length for expanded contact area, then the contact area between liquid-containing porous material and air is expanded, but the size of the saturator is required to be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the saturator structure from a conventional linear arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by placing the porous material in a hanging state. This dimensional change allows the vapor to contact the porous material from multiple directions (upward, downward, and lateral flow paths), significantly increasing the effective contact area without proportionally increasing the saturator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a porous material through which vapor can pass in multiple directions. The porous structure provides extensive internal surface area for vapor-liquid contact, enabling efficient saturation without requiring a large external volume. The vapor flows through the porous material via multiple pathways (outer flow path, inner flow path, and connection flow paths), maximizing contact efficiency.
2Reliability
If condensate is not quickly discharged from the condenser, then the droplets may be pushed back into the condenser due to friction with introduced air, but the system becomes more complex with additional discharge mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the condensate discharge outlet at the same vertical level as the air inlet, creating an equipotential discharge system. This level alignment allows condensate to flow out naturally under gravity without requiring additional pumping or complex discharge mechanisms. The guiding portion on the condenser inner surface directs condensate to this discharge outlet, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensate discharge system operates autonomously by utilizing gravity and the guiding portion structure. The guiding portion naturally directs condensate flow toward the discharge outlet, and the equipotential positioning ensures continuous drainage without external intervention. This self-service mechanism prevents droplet accumulation and backflow into the condenser without adding complex active discharge components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the amount of evaporated fluid in the saturator is not maintained constant, then the flow rate of evaporated fluid becomes inconsistent, but continuous monitoring and control systems increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the condensate discharge from the condenser directly returns to the saturator, creating a self-regulating system. When the evaporated fluid level in the saturator decreases, the condensate discharge automatically replenishes it, maintaining a constant fluid level and consistent flow rate without requiring external monitoring or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The saturator maintains constant evaporated fluid levels through self-service replenishment via condensate return. The system automatically balances fluid levels by returning condensed vapor to the saturator, eliminating the need for external fluid level monitoring or manual intervention. This self-regulating mechanism ensures consistent flow rate while maintaining system simplicity.
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
This design stabilizes fluid flow, prevents condensate interference, and enables accurate measurement of nano-particle size and number, enhancing system operation and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a saturator for heating an inside thereof to generate vapor and supplying the vapor to air introduced from an outside
Implementation Method 2
a condenser for cooling an inside thereof to condense the air and the vapor introduced from the saturator
Data Source
AI summary
A condensation particle counter includes: a saturator formed therein with a first flow path for supplying vapor to air introduced from an outside; a condenser formed therein with a second flow path in which the air and the vapor introduced from the first flow path are condensed; and a detector for detecting droplets condensed in the condenser, wherein the second flow path is provided with a guiding portion for guiding condensate flowing downward along an inner surface of the second flow path to flow into the saturator.