STTR Phase I: A Fast Scanning Aerosol Thermal Measurement to Classify Volatile Compounds

Droplet Measurement Technologies, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will design and construct a basic fast response scanning thermo system. Laboratory and ambient air measurements will demonstrate the advantage of the fast response thermo system to classify volatile compounds on single aerosol particles. The innovative design will provide for scans from 50 to 800 degrees centigrade in less than 30 seconds. The capabilities of any instrument that measures particle properties, nephelometers, optical particle counters, aerosol mass spectrometers or differential mobility analyzers will be significantly enhanced with this method of characterizing aerosol populations with thermograms of their volatility. Very simple experiments can be performed with this thermographic technique that will yield useful data on classes of volatile compounds found in aerosols. The capability of providing detailed thermographic analysis of aerosol volatility rapidly will have widespread, scientific and commercial benefits in areas of environmental monitoring, studies of the health impact of aerosols, combustion research and emissions inspections.