Virtual Impactor Aerosol Concentration for Inline Particle Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently collecting and concentrating airborne particulate materials, particularly biological samples, for subsequent analysis, especially in distributed environments, and lack the capability for in-line analysis and automation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple inertial classifiers, preferably virtual impactors, arranged in series to segregate particles by size, with a pre-filter module discarding larger particles and a concentrator module concentrating target particles into a smaller volume, allowing for efficient collection and potential in-line analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple inertial classifiers are arranged in series to concentrate target particles, then collection efficiency and concentration of target particles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple inertial classifiers arranged in series, each performing a specific size-based separation function. This segmentation allows progressive concentration of target particles through multiple stages, achieving high collection efficiency while maintaining modular device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the particle concentration process from a single-stage to multi-stage configuration, adding temporal and spatial dimensions to the separation process. This dimensional expansion enables progressive particle concentration through sequential classification stages
2Manufacturing precision
If batch processing methodology is used for sample collection and analysis, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from batch processing to continuous flow processing, where particles are continuously separated and concentrated through the series of inertial classifiers. This continuous operation maintains analytical precision while significantly improving sample throughput and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial classifiers perform preliminary concentration of target particles before final analysis, pre-processing the sample in a continuous manner. This preliminary action enables subsequent analysis to be performed more efficiently on pre-concentrated samples
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 achieves high collection efficiency and concentration of target particles, enabling effective sampling and analysis, particularly suitable for biological samples, with potential for in-line genetic material analysis and sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
a first inertial classifier configured to receive and inlet gas flow comprising particulate material and configured to divide the inlet flow into a first outlet flow into which particles smaller than a predetermined cut point size tend to segregate differentially and a second outlet flow into which particles larger than a predetermined cut point size tend to segregate differentially
Data Source
AI summary
A particle concentrator system for the concentration of particulate material is described. The particle concentrator system comprises a prefilter module comprising a first inertial classifier configured to retain a flow in which particles smaller than a predetermined cut point size tend to segregate differentially; and a concentrator module comprising at least one second inertial classifier, and optionally more than one fluidly in series, configured to retain a flow in which particles larger than a predetermined cut point size tend to segregate differentially. The inertial classifiers are preferably virtual impactors. A gas sampler system, a gas sampler, concentrator and collection system, a method for the collection of a sample of aerosolised particulate material using such systems are also described.