Project Title:

A Real-Time, Particle Fall-Out Monitor

13.01-6239
NAS10-11651
A Real-Time, Particle Fall-Out Monitor
Femtometrics
	1721 Whittier Avenue, Suite A
	Costa Mesa, CA 92627
		W. D. Bowers
(714-722-6239)

Abstract:

	This project investigates an advanced approach for the measurement of particle fall-out
contamination in real time: the elutriator, quartz-crystal microbalance (EQCM). It
will replace tedious, time-consuming methods that involve collection and manual counting
of fall-out particles captured in filters or plates. The EQCM instrument will separate
airborne particles according to specific, selected cut-off sizes; collect and weigh
the particles in real time on a sensitive microbalance; and retain the collected
particles for post analysis by optical or electron microscopy. The high mass-sensitivity
of the EQCM allows detection of a single, 25-micron particle of mass density 2 g/cm3.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: This particle fallout monitor would be valuable
to the aerospace and microelectronic industries to monitor critical surfaces for
contamination. The textile industry could also use it to monitor the levels of respirable
particles.