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Model 3480 Electrospray Aerosol Generator
A p p l i c a t i o n s
The successful use of the electrospray method to generate
monodisperse aerosol has been documented in many publications.
Although the basic principles are well understood, many of the
details explaining how different operating parameters affect the
electrospray method remain to be discovered. Known applications
for this instrument include:
Studies of nano-aerosols
Instrument calibration
Dispersion of nanometer-sized powders for nano-powder sizing
Aerosol analysis in the macromolecular and submicrometer
range
Research involving parameters that influence the electrospray
method
H o w t h e E l e c t r o s p r a y O p e r a t e s
A sample solution is stored in a cone-shaped vial, enclosed in a
cylindrical pressure chamber. The chamber accommodates a
capillary and a high-voltage, platinum wire, both of which are
immersed in the solution. A differential pressure causes the
solution to be pushed through the capillary.
An electrical field pulls the charged solution out of the capillary
exit, forming droplets that are mixed with clean air and CO
2
. This
produces a sheath flow, which transports the droplets to the
Electrospray chamber. The highly charged droplets are neutralized
by a radioactive ionizer (Polonium-210), and the liquid is
evaporated before the aerosol exits the instrument.
