Development of PM0.1 personal sampler for evaluation of personal exposure to aerosol nanoparticles

Abstract

A PM0.1 sampler for the evaluation of the personal exposure to nanoparticles was designed based on a novel approach to a layered mesh inertial filter. Applications to practical environments would include roadsi des and highly contaminated workplaces. The separation performances of PM0.1 sampler consisting of a layered mesh ine rtial filter and pre-separators for the removal of coarse particles were evaluated. The influence of particle loading on the pressure drop and separation performance, which is important from a practical standpoint, was also discussed. The novel personal sampler recorded a cutoff size of 100 nm with a small pressure drop of ~5 kPa. Through the combination of a la yered mesh inertial filter for the PM0.1 and pre-cut impactors for the removal of huge or coagulated particles (PM1.4-TSP) along with a pre-cut inertial filter using webbed SUS fibers for the removal of fine particles (PM0.5-PM1.4), the present PM0.1 inlet for the personal sampler was practical for the chemical analysis of collected particles. This sampler was pro ven effective even under the limitations of a small-capacity portable battery pump, which was rated at less than the min imum change for separation performance. The novel PM0.1 personal sampler is compact and lightweight (under 1 kg pump), which is important for the practical application of a personal sampler.