Aerosol Sampling

Wetted-Wall Cyclone (WWC) Sampling Systems

Three autonomous scaled systems:
- 100 L/min
- 400 L/min
- 1250 L/min
Concentration Factor: ∼ 10 ^ 6
Cut Point: ∼ 1 µm AD
Low Cut Point (LCP): < 500 nm AD

Low Cutpoint LCP-WWC- How It Works

Collection of aerosol particles starts with particle laden air being drawn into the Air Inlet.
Atomized collection fluid is injected into the air stream.
The Collection fluid and particles impact on a tangential collection surface, entraining the particles in liquid.
Air shear continuously transports the fluid from the collection surface toward the exhaust. The liquid sample is skimmed off and continuously extracted at thesample outlet.
The air flow then exits the exhaust.

High collection efficiency for Polystyrene Latex beads (PSL) and bioaerosols (virus, bacteria, fungi)

Sampling in Mass Transit Center

WWC and dry filter sampler collocated
Sampled over 3 days
Collected samples 3x/day

4 logs more bacterial colonies from WWC versus dry filter collector.

Sampling in Poultry Facility

WWC and dry filter sampler collocated
Sampled over 5 days
Collected samples 3x/day

PCR for pathogens
Staph A, B, and C
Salmonella
Campylobacter

Dramatic increase in pathogen level detected after hosing floor.

Sampling at Corn Harvesting and Processing

WWC to sample for the fungus Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), in cornfields and in a corn “Shelling Room” at Texas A&M. A. flavus produces the harmful aflatoxin.