Sample Provision For Biological Aerosol Detection.
Abstract
The results described in this report conclude a seven month effort to fabricate, design, test, and deliver a miniaturized version of the Large Volume Air Sampler and a compatible fractionating unit. The sampler is capable, on a per minute basis, of efficiently and continually collecting the particulate matter from 1000 liters of air and concentrating it into 1 ml of liquid. The Fractionator receives the liquid output from the sampler and removes most of the non-microbiological particulate matter while retaining a major fraction of the biological particulates. The sampler and fractionator are integral units and can be operated conjunctively or independently. Studies were made to determine the optimum configuration for maximum collection efficiency consistent with reasonable size, weight and power requirements. Aerosols containing particles of known size were generated to test the collection efficiency of the sampler for particles over a wide size range. Various types of probes were tested to determine the best configuration for picking up the liquid without the aid of a pump from the edge of the rotating collector disk and delivering it outside the sampler for analysis. The process time of the sampler, the time period between which an air-borne particle enters the sampler and when it is delivered in the liquid outside the sampler, is on the order of one minute. The fractionator processing cup was designed to process liquid at the flow rate of 1 ml/min. Tests were conducted to determine its separation capabilities for particles more dense than and less dense than the liquid (glycerin). Retention of biological matter was determined by testing with Bg. The method of liquid removal after processing was investigated; the final configuration is such that the process time for the fractionator is on the order of one minute.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1965
- Accession Number
- ADA307766
Entities
People
- Leonard Graf