High Efficiency, Dual-Mode Air Sampler

A compact aerosol sampler is proposed that uses novel centripetal virtual impactor principles to segregate the collected particulates into large (>10 microns) and respirable (0.5 ¿ 10 microns) ¿bins¿. The approach integrates the key components into a single, monolithic, injection-molded structure that is low in cost and easily scaleable from the baseline 100 LPM sampling rate. The flow rates of the two secondary channels are only 5% of the primary airflow. The segregated and concentrated particulates from each channel may be captured into either a dry (filter) matrix or a wet (aqueous) matrix. System modeling indicates the device will only consume about 5 watts and the project manufacturing cost is $500. Such an air sampler is needed for the detection and identification of biological materials in a number of arenas. Foremost is the need to protect infrastructure and populations from bioterrorism. Additional markets are air quality monitoring of public spaces, hospitals, ¿sick building¿ syndrome and agricultural facilities such as brooder houses.