Does filtration efficiency affect measurements of particle chemical composition?
- Univ. of Tarapaca, Arica (Chile)
Most experimentalists accept an uncertainty of 4--6% in the determination of aerosol mass concentration. However, in some combustion processes sulfur and other elements are present in significant amounts as particles of very small size. A direct method to measure filtration efficiency was developed and used for the determination of the efficiency of a Nuclepore filter. This needs two equivalent filtration systems operated in sequence. The amount of particulate matter collected on each system is measured and introduced in a simple formula. The particulate masses deposited on the filters in each system were measured as total mass, by balance gravimetry, and as individual elemental masses, by PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission). With this very general method it was possible to determine the efficiencies of a 0.4 {micro}m Nuclepore filter operated with a stacked filter unit for particles less than 2.5 {micro}m in total mass and elemental masses. The experiment showed that the efficiency of this filter is very poor for some specific elements, like sulfur, that are concentrated in very small particles.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 642354
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Engineering Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 124; ISSN 0733-9372; ISSN JOEEDU
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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