Apparatus for rapid measurement of aerosol bulk chemical composition

An enhanced 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 sample air carrying aerosol particles said second inlet adopted to receive steam, said steam inlet positioned at about a 90° angle with said sample air inlet, said steam inlet having a steam outlet positioned such that the steam and the sample air flow in the same direction;
• a growth chamber for growth and activation of said aerosol particles, said growth chamber having walls and being disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with said mixing chamber;
• 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;
• and
• analytical means for measuring chemical composition of said activated aerosol particles disposed downstream and in fluid communication with said collection device;
• 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 impaction surface having a groove along its perimeter, said groove adapted to receive wicking fibers;
• 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 said analytical means.