Evaporation of Water from Particles in the Aerodynamic Lens Inlet: An Experimental Study

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 2006 · Analytical Chemistry, 78(19):6942-6947

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac061184o· OSTI ID:894464

Zelenyuk, Alla; Imre, Dan G; Cuadra-Rodriguez, Luis A

The extremely high particle transmission efficiency of aerodynamic lens inlets resulted in their wide use in aerosol mass spectrometers. One of the consequences of a transport of particles from high ambient pressure into the vacuum is that it is accompanied by a rapid drop in relative humidity (RH). Since many atmospheric particles exist in the form of hygroscopic water droplets, a drop in RH may result in a significant loss of water and even a change in phase. To predict how much water will be evaporated is not feasible. Because water loss can effect in addition to particle size, its transmission efficiency, ionization probability and mass spectrum it is imperative to provide definitive experimental data that can serve to guide the field to a reasonable and uniform sampling approach. In this study we present the results of a number of carefully conducted measurements that provide the first experimentally determined benchmark of water evaporation from a range of particles, during their transport through an aerodynamic lens inlet. We conclude that the only sure way to avoid ambiguities during measurements of aerodynamic diameter in instruments that utilize low pressure aerodynamic lens inlets is to dry the particles prior to sampling.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 894464
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-50637; 17498; KC0302020
• Journal Information: Analytical Chemistry, 78(19):6942-6947, Journal Name: Analytical Chemistry, 78(19):6942-6947
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
AERODYNAMICS
AEROSOLS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
EVAPORATION
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
HUMIDITY
MASS SPECTROMETERS
PARTICLE SIZE
SAMPLING
WATER