Condensation particle counter false count performance

US10914667B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TSI Group Co., Ltd. · US

Inventors

• Sreenath Avula · Arden Hills, US
• Richard Remiarz · Vadnais Heights, US
• George John Chancellor · Litchfield, US
• Tyler Anderson · Roseville, US
• Daniel C. Bjorkquist · Shoreview, US
• Robert Caldow · Roseville, US
• Sean Morell · Saint Paul, US
• Frederick R. Quant · Shoreview, US
• Susanne Vera Hering · Berkeley, US
• Gregory Stephen Lewis · Alameda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 25, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 9, 2021
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N15/075
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various embodiments include methods and systems for reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into multiple wicks used for transporting separate portions of an aerosol sample flow, with the wicks extending from a wick stand on a first end to a flow joiner on a second end, combining particles from the separate portions of the aerosol sample flow into a single aerosol stream within the flow joiner prior to transporting the combined aerosol sample stream into a particle detection chamber within the CPC, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water in a collection reservoir, and after receiving a signal corresponding to the excess volume of water, draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed.