High Efficiency Cyclone Separator for Sub-micron Particle Concentration

The Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler and Analyzer (RASA) is a completely automated monitoring system that detects airborne radioactive particles and is one of the detection systems used in the U.S. and global International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) to detect nuclear detonations. To improve performance, Mainstream proposes to develop a high-efficiency cyclone separator for sub-micron particles yielding a minimum 9x increase in particle concentration. This increase in concentration will allow for a reduction in collection time and/or increase in detection sensitivity. For Phase II, we will refine the CFD model further and test bench-scale prototypes of the cyclone geometries with the bench-scale system demonstrated in Phase I. Electrostatic precipitation integration will be developed further and down-selected to maximize collector efficiency while minimizing pressure drop and thus power requirements of the system. In addition, we will fabricate and demonstrate the entire system design including prime air mover, sub-micron collector, and downstream components. The goal of the Phase II is to deliver a prototype replacement for the RASA collector with the capability to operate in a maintenance-free open configuration for real-time, in-line continuous monitoring of radionuclide particles in the air.