Using portable particle sizing instrumentation to rapidly measure the penetration of fine and ultrafine particles in unoccupied residences

Abstract

Much of human exposure to particulate matter of outdoor origin occurs inside buildings, particularly in residences. The particle penetration factor through leaks in a building's exterior enclosure assembly is a key parameter that governs the infiltration of outdoor particles. However, experimental data for size-resolved particle penetration factors in real buildings, as well as penetration factors for fine particles less than 2.5 μm (PM ) and ultrafine particles less than 100 nm (UFPs), remain limited, in part because of previous limitations in instrumentation and experimental methods. Here, we report on the development and application of a modified test method that utilizes portable particle sizing instrumentation to measure size-resolved infiltration factors and envelope penetration factors for 0.01-2.5 μm particles, which are then used to estimate penetration factors for integral measures of UFPs and PM . Eleven replicate measurements were made in an unoccupied apartment unit in Chicago, IL to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the test procedure and solution methods. Mean estimates of size-resolved penetration factors ranged from 0.41 ± 0.14 to 0.73 ± 0.05 across the range of measured particle sizes, while mean estimates of penetration factors for integral measures of UFPs and PM were 0.67 ± 0.05 and 0.73 ± 0.05, respectively. Average relative uncertainties for all particle sizes/classes were less than 20%.

Effect of Flow Rate and Filter Efficiency on Indoor PM2.5 in Ventilation and Filtration Control

“…The arithmetic mean values (p = 0.7 and k = 0.4) of data were applied to the simulation model. These values were within the valid range compared to other studies [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Table 3.…”

“…The arithmetic mean values (p = 0.7 and k = 0.4) of data were applied to the simulation model. These values were within the valid range compared to other studies [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. In the graph of Equation (4) shown in Figure 5, the slope of the fitting line represents decay rate, the sum of λ and k. The deposition rate was calculated by subtracting λ (simultaneous measurement) from the decay rate, and then, using λ and k, the penetration coefficient was obtained using Equation (3).…”

“…Among the parameters, P and k vary greatly depending on particle size, building characteristics, and environmental conditions. P and k of PM2.5 were presented by several researchers [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]; however, P and k are also affected by building characteristics. The structure and envelop types of Korean housing is different from those of residential buildings tested in previous documents, and few studies have suggested P and k values of PM2.5 for houses in Korean [24].…”

Fine and ultrafine particle removal efficiency of new residential HVAC filters

“…TSI conductive tubing was used to connect the particle monitors to the upstream and downstream monitoring locations. An electronic switching value (Swagelok SS‐43GXS4‐42DCX), controlled by a three‐channel electronic timer (Sestos B3S‐2R‐24), was used to automatically alternate sampling between upstream and downstream . To elevate upstream concentrations of a wide range of particle sizes, particles were generated by burning incense and by operating a TSI particle generator (Model 8026) loaded with NaCl tablets mixed into tap water.…”

“…An electronic switching value (Swagelok SS-43GXS4-42DCX), controlled by a three-channel electronic timer (Sestos B3S-2R-24), was used to automatically alternate sampling between upstream and downstream. 56 To elevate upstream concentrations of a wide range of particle sizes, particles were generated by burning incense 13,44 and by operating a TSI particle generator (Model 8026) loaded with NaCl tablets mixed into tap water. Typical upstream PSDs resulting from these two generation methods are shown in the SI (Appendix A).…”