Apparatus for rapid measurement of aerosol bulk chemical composition

An apparatus for continuous on-line measurement of chemical composition of aerosol particles which comprises:

• an enhanced particle size magnifier including:
• a mixing chamber having a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet, said first inlet adapted to receive steam, said second inlet adapted to receive sample air carrying aerosol particles;
• a growth chamber disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with said mixing chamber for activation of said aerosol particles, said growth chamber having means for controlling the temperature of said growth chamber and means for draining excess liquid;
• and
• a collection device for said activated aerosol particles disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with said growth chamber, said collection device having a nozzle means and a housing encapsulating said nozzle means, said housing having an impaction surface opposite said nozzle means, means for drawing sample air in communication with said housing, means adapted to receive carrier water and drain means;
• said means for drawing sample air connected to a vacuum source for directing said sample air carrying said activated aerosol particles through said nozzle means to form a jet stream;
• said jet stream impinging said activated aerosol particles upon said impaction surface;
• said means adapted to receive carrier water for flushing said impinged activated aerosol particles from said impaction surface into a liquid stream for transport to analysis.