Particle collection apparatus and method

A system for collecting particles from a source of gas and particles, the system comprising:

• a housing defining an enclosed chamber, the housing having a circular inlet opening providing fluid communication between the source of gas and particles and the chamber, and an outlet opening providing fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the housing;
• means for producing a fluid flow, the outlet opening adapted to be connected to the fluid flow producing means for drawing gas and particles from the source and through the housing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening;
• and
• a collecting member disposed in the chamber in the housing between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, the collecting member having an upper surface, at least a portion of the upper surface coated with an adhesive and positioned adjacent to the inlet opening so that the distance between the inlet opening and the adhesive-coated surface of the collection member is less than about 0.08 inches and the ratio of the distance between the inlet opening and the adhesive-coated surface to the diameter of the inlet opening is less than about 1,
• such that, when gas and particles are drawn from the source and through the housing, the inlet opening directs the gas and particles at the adhesive-coated surface of the collecting member for capturing particles on the surface of the collecting member.