Personal Nanoparticle Sampler with Cyclone Pre-classifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nanoparticle sampling equipment is large, heavy, and not suitable for personal use, as it operates at high flowrates and pressure drops, making it ineffective for accurately measuring worker exposure to nanoparticles in varying environments.

Innovation Solution

A personal nanoparticle sampler comprising a pre-classifier, nozzle, connector, and final filter pack, with a cyclone separator and polycarbonate track etch membrane, designed for low pressure drop and flowrate, allowing use with a portable personal pump to collect nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional nanoparticle sampling equipment is used, then nanoparticle collection is achieved, but the equipment is large and heavy making it unsuitable for personal use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment weightVSAvoidsampling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling device is divided into separate functional modules: a pre-classifier (cyclone separator) for removing larger particles, a nozzle for particle acceleration, and a final filter pack for nanoparticle collection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a lightweight overall device that maintains sampling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional nanoparticle sampling equipment is used, then nanoparticle collection is achieved, but the equipment operates at high flowrate and high pressure drop requiring fixed-location installation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsampling flowrate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device operates at low flowrates (0.5-5 L/min) compared to conventional equipment, with a pressure drop of only 1-5 mmH2O. This parameter change enables the use of small portable pumps that workers can carry, transforming the device from fixed-location to personal portable sampling while maintaining nanoparticle collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If high flowrate sampling is used, then sampling speed is improved, but pressure drop increases making personal use impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces the traditional high-flowrate mechanical sampling system with a low-flowrate system that uses a cyclone separator for pre-concentration and a nozzle for particle acceleration. This substitution maintains sampling effectiveness while reducing pressure drop to levels suitable for portable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate sampling of nanoparticles at low flowrates and pressure drops, allowing workers to carry the sampler and assess exposure to nanoparticles in different workplace areas, with a cut-off diameter of about 104 nm and efficient particle collection efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The pre-classifier can be a cyclone separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

The pre-classifier comprises a first chamber and an air inlet. The air inlet extends from the first chamber to the outside of the pre-classifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 3

The nozzle is connected to the pre-classifier, comprising a passage disposed in communication with the first chamber of the pre-classifier. The passage has a cross section gradually reducing in direction apart from the first chamber. The outlet has an airflow velocity of 85 m/sec～165 m/sec

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet flow: Jet

Implementation Method 4

The passage has a cross section gradually reducing in direction apart from the first chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 5

a particle-sizing filter mounted in the second chamber of the connector, and a final filter mounted in the third chamber of the final filter pack. Further, the particle-sizing filter can be a polycarbonate track etch membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 6

The outlet has an airflow velocity of 85 m/sec～165 m/sec, preferably within 110 m/sec～115 m/sec

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh velocity impact: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS8136416B2Personal nanoparticle sampler

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 INST OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH COUNCIL LABOR AFFAIRS EXECUTIVE YUAN

AI summary

A personal nanoparticle sampler is disclosed to include a pre-classifier, a nozzle, a connector and a final filter pack. The connector and the final filter pack respectively accommodate a particle-sizing filter and a final filter to collect nanoparticles smaller than a diameter. The pre-classifier removes large particles to avoid clogging of the connector. The nozzle raises the airflow velocity to reduce the cut-off diameter of the particle-sizing filter without increasing the total flowrate, allowing the personal nanoparticle sampler to be used with a personal sampling pump.