Grantee Research Project Results
A Carrier for Quantitative Shipment of Coarse Particle Filter Samples
EPA Contract Number: EPD04013Title: A Carrier for Quantitative Shipment of Coarse Particle Filter Samples
Investigators: Hering, Susanne
Small Business: Aerosol Dynamics Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004
Project Amount: $69,250
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Particulate Matter , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics
Description:
Concern for the potential health effects of inhaled particulates led to a federal standard governing coarse particles, or PM10, for particles below 10 µm and subsequently to a fine particle (PM2.5) standard in 1997, for particles below 2.5 µm. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) retained the PM10 standard because all particles below 10 µm can penetrate into the pulmonary region. Because of the overlap between these two standards, EPA currently is conducting research that could lead to an independent coarse particle standard, which would cover the size range from 2.5 µm to 10 µm. Coarse particle filters require analyses by gravimetry and chemistry. Inherent with this sampling method is the need for transporting filters from field sites to centralized laboratory facilities for analyses. Substantial particle losses during transport have been documented, and the adoption of a coarse particulate standard will increase concern over this serious source of error.
The goal of this Phase I research project is to develop a coarse particle filter transporter, the Electrostatic Particle Clamp, which clamps particles onto the filter by applying a diverging electrostatic field. The electric field induces an electric dipole in each of the particles on the filter while the divergence of that field results in a net force on the particle. With the proper geometry, the resulting electrical force clamps the particles to the filter, reducing or eliminating losses. The exploratory measurements, performed by Aerosol Dynamics, Inc., indicate the feasibility of this approach. It should be emphasized that no charge or any other physical or chemical change is made to the collected particles by this device. Specialized filters are not required, so filter media developed over decades for specialized sampling may be employed. The result of this work will be the development of a coarse particle transport device that will prevent the loss of particles from conventional filters during shipments.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, coarse particle filter sample, particulate matter, PM2.5, PM10, inhaled particulates, coarse particles, fine particles, Electrostatic Particle Clamp, diverging electrostatic field, filter media, EPA., RESEARCH, RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Air, particulate matter, Air Quality, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Monitoring, Monitoring, aerosol particles, chemical characteristics, particle sampler, air sampling, monitoring stations, microsensor, atmospheric chemistry, aersol particles, modeling studies, particulate matter mass, ambient emissions, aerosol analyzers, particle transport, air quality models, continuous emissions monitoring, electrostatic particle filter, human health effects, atmospheric measurements, modelingProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.