Apparatus to collect, classify, concentrate, and characterize gas-borne particles

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2002

OSTI ID:874418

Rader, Daniel J ^[1]; Torczynski, John R ^[1]; Wally, Karl ^[2]; Brockmann, John E ^[1]

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1. Albuquerque, NM
2. Lafayette, CA

An aerosol lab-on-a-chip (ALOC) integrates one or more of a variety of aerosol collection, classification, concentration (enrichment), and characterization processes onto a single substrate or layered stack of such substrates. By taking advantage of modern micro-machining capabilities, an entire suite of discrete laboratory aerosol handling and characterization techniques can be combined in a single portable device that can provide a wealth of data on the aerosol being sampled. The ALOC offers parallel characterization techniques and close proximity of the various characterization modules helps ensure that the same aerosol is available to all devices (dramatically reducing sampling and transport errors). Micro-machine fabrication of the ALOC significantly reduces unit costs relative to existing technology, and enables the fabrication of small, portable ALOC devices, as well as the potential for rugged design to allow operation in harsh environments. Miniaturization also offers the potential of working with smaller particle sizes and lower pressure drops (leading to reduction of power consumption).

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: Sandia Corporation (Livermore, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6386015
• OSTI ID: 874418
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

apparatus
collect
classify
concentrate
characterize
gas-borne
particles
aerosol
lab-on-a-chip
aloc
integrates
variety
collection
classification
concentration
enrichment
characterization
processes
single
substrate
layered
stack
substrates
taking
advantage
modern
micro-machining
capabilities
entire
suite
discrete
laboratory
handling
techniques
combined
portable
device
provide
wealth
data
sampled
offers
parallel
close
proximity
modules
helps
ensure
available
devices
dramatically
reducing
sampling
transport
errors
micro-machine
fabrication
significantly
reduces
unit
costs
existing
technology
enables
potential
rugged
design
allow
operation
harsh
environments
miniaturization
particle
sizes
pressure
drops
leading
reduction
power
consumption
particle size
power consumption
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