Measuring Charge Of An Aerosol

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on measuring the electrical charge of a sodium chloride aerosol generated by a compressed air nebulizer. The user seeks a portable alternative to the Faraday cup method for measurement and inquires about achieving electrical equilibrium with a Boltzmann distribution. A suggested approach involves utilizing a chamber where aerosol particles drift and applying an electrostatic force to balance gravity, similar to the oil drop experiment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aerosol generation techniques, specifically using a compressed air nebulizer.
  • Familiarity with electrical charge measurement methods, including the Faraday cup.
  • Knowledge of electrostatics and the principles of force balance in charged particles.
  • Concept of Boltzmann distribution in relation to electrical equilibrium.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research portable electrostatic measurement devices for aerosol charge assessment.
  • Study the oil drop experiment to understand charge-to-mass ratio calculations.
  • Explore methods for achieving and verifying electrical equilibrium in aerosols.
  • Investigate the effects of particle size and flow rate on aerosol charge measurements.
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in aerosol science, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in the measurement and analysis of aerosol properties and behaviors.

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Hi,
I was wondering how I would go about measuring the electrical charge of an aerosol (A sodium chloride aerosol generated using a compressed air type nebulizer and dried using compressed at approximately 100 l/min flow) I have seen Faraday cup used for such measurement but was hoping for something portable and easy to use. Also how would I go about proving that it is in electrical equilibrium (The spec I have been given states that the aerosol needs to be neutralised to an electrical equilibirum with a Boltzmann distribution).
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Regards

Alex
 
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I don't have much experience, but this sounds similar to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_drop_experiment" : let the aerosol particles drift into a chamber, than apply an electrostatic force against gravity using charged plates until the forces cancel and the particle sits stationary. The higher the charge to mass ratio of the particle, the smaller electric field you need to counter gravity.
 
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