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Development of a Smart Air Sampler System--Research International, Inc., 18706 142nd Avenue, Northeast, Woodinville, WA 98072-8523; 425-486-7831
Mr. Eric W. Saaski, Principal Investigator
Ms. Joyce M. Brien, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82655
Amount: $749,722
A need exists for lightweight, low power, portable air samplers capable of sampling airborne biowarfare agents and concentrating them in liquid phase for subsequent assay analysis. The sampler should also reject particles outside the respirable size range, avoiding sampling particles that may be potential assay interferents. Several dual-stage air samplers designed to meet these goals are being examined. The first stage involves a pre-concentrator, which provides a low-end particle cut, while the second stage concentrates the respirable particles in liquid phase. During Phase I, several dual-stage sampler designs were explored. A prototype system was built and tested using an impaction-based, pre-concentrator in conjunction with an existing wetted-wall cyclone. Extensive testing of the wetted-wall cyclone was carried out as well, in order to determine sample efficiency for particles of various types and diameters. In Phase II, the prototype, dual-stage sampler will be further improved based on results obtained from Phase I testing and theoretical modeling. The sampler will be manufactured to mil-spec standards and will be capable of sub-zero temperature operation.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by he awardee: This dual-use technology should not only be applicable to the world-wide monitoring of nuclear, biological, and chemical activity, but also should be directly applicable to spot monitoring such airborne pathogens as mycobacterium tuberculosis in medical facilities, hotels, office buildings, and malls.