Minimizing Concentration Effects in Water-Based, Laminar-Flow Condensation Particle Counters

Concentration effects in water condensation systems, such as used in the water-based condensation particle counter, are explored through numeric modeling and direct measurements. Modeling shows that the condensation heat release and vapor depletion associated with particle activation and growth lowe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aerosol science and technology 2013-06, Vol.47 (6), p.645-654
Main Authors: Lewis, Gregory S., Hering, Susanne V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activation
Aerosols
Atmospheric aerosols
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Condensation
Condensing
Depletion
Droplets
Exact sciences and technology
General and physical chemistry
Heat
Mathematical models
Parallel plates
Radiation counters
Water
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Summary:Concentration effects in water condensation systems, such as used in the water-based condensation particle counter, are explored through numeric modeling and direct measurements. Modeling shows that the condensation heat release and vapor depletion associated with particle activation and growth lowers the peak supersaturation. At higher number concentrations, the diameter of the droplets formed is smaller, and the threshold particle size for activation is higher. This occurs in both cylindrical and parallel plate geometries. For water-based systems, we find that condensational heat release is more important than vapor depletion. We also find that concentration effects can be minimized through use of smaller tube diameters, or more closely spaced parallel plates. Experimental measurements of droplet diameter confirm modeling results. © 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research
ISSN:0278-6826
1521-7388
DOI:10.1080/02786826.2013.779629