Volatility-resolved chemical characterization of airborne particles
US11733148B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2015/1022
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for evaluating the chemical composition of airborne particles by sequentially collecting and analyzing airborne particles in-situ. The method includes: collecting particles; enlarging the particles through water condensation; accelerating the enlarged particles onto a surface to collect enlarged particles; and analyzing the enlarged particles by: isolating the surface; passing a carrier gas over the surface; heating the surface to thermally desorb collected particles into the carrier gas; transporting this evolved vapor into detectors; and assaying the evolved vapor as a function of a desorption temperature. The apparatus includes: a sample flow inlet; a condensational growth tube; a collection and thermal desorption (CTD) cell; a carrier gas source; a heater coupled to the CTD; one or more gas detectors; and a controller configured to operate valves, the heater, the growth tube, and the CTD cell in at least an in-situ sequential collection mode and analysis mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.