TSI Instruments 3082, Operation And Service Manual

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C H A P T E R 1
P r o d u c t O v e r v i e w
This chapter contains an introduction to the Electrostatic Classifier
Model 3082 and provides a brief explanation of how the instrument operates.
P r o d u c t D e s c r i p t i o n
The Electrostatic Classifier Model 3082 can be used with a Long, Nano, or
1nm-Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA). The DMAs are particle size
selectors allowing you to generate a monodisperse aerosol stream with
particles of known size from a polydisperse aerosol input. The classifier
produces particles in the size range of 2 to 1000 nm depending upon the
DMA used.
The classifier is most often used in one of the following ways:

In an aerosol generation system to produce particles of uniform size
from a polydisperse source. The Long DMA can classify particles in the
range of 10 to 1000 nm; the Nano DMA can classify particles in the
range of 2 to 150 nm; the 1nm-DMA can classify particles in the range
of 1 to 50 nm.

In a submicrometer-particle sizing system where the classifier
separates particles by size for high-resolution measurements of
particle-size distribution. When used as part of a Scanning Mobility
Particle Sizer (SMPS) spectrometer, monodisperse aerosol leaving the
classifier passes to a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) which
measures particle concentration. The SMPS spectrometer scans
quickly through a portion of the size range from 1 to 1000 nm (the size
range depends upon the SMPS spectrometer configuration) to give a
precise measurement of aerosol size distribution. Operation as an
SMPS spectrometer can be controlled either directly from the front
panel display of Model 3082 or by TSI Aerosol Instrument Manager
Software (Model 3938) on a connected PC.
Advantages of the classifier include the following:

Choice of three interchangeable DMAs and the flexibility to use
customized DMAs.

Choice of three interchangeable neutralizers (two radioactive, one
X-ray).

Choice of three interchangeable inlet impactors.

For the Nano DMA and 1nm-DMA, minimal diffusional broadening and
particle loss.

Recirculating flow for precise match of sheath and excess flows.

Accurate microprocessor-controlled volumetric flow.