Thermal Precipitator for Continuous Aerosol Sampling

Thermal precipitation is attractive for airborne particle collection because of the high collection efficiencies which may be attained and the convenient examination of the deposit. Most thermal precipitators, however, have very low sampling capacities or flow rates. To take fullest advantage of the desirable features of thermal precipitation, a new precipitator was designed and constructed. It operated continuously, and deposited particles upon a moving tape or substrate. Complete collection of particles resolvable with an electron microscope was attained in a 3-in. diameter precipitating zone at a flow rate of 1 l/min.