Real-time Measurements of the Particle Geometric Surface Area by the Weighted-sum Method on a University Campus

• Published in: Aerosol and air quality research Vol. 20; no. 7; pp. 1569 - 1581
• Main Authors: Cao, Leo N. Y., Pui, David Y. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.07.2020; Taiwan Association of Aerosol Research; Springer
• Subjects: 3-D printers; 3D printing emission; Aerosols; College campuses; Correlation coefficient; Correlation coefficients; Emissions; Geometric surface area; Hydraulic jet cutting; Labeling; Laser beam welding; Machining; Nanoparticles; Occupational exposure; Particle size; Printing; Real time; Sanding; Special Issue on 2019 Asian Aerosol Conference (AAC); Surface area; Three dimensional printing; Time measurement; Weighted sum; Welding; Geometric surface area; Weighted sum; Occupational exposure; Real-time; 3D printing emission
• ISSN: 1680-8584; 2071-1409
• DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2019.12.0621

This study conducted field measurements of the particle geometric surface area (GSA) and number concentrations on a university campus via two real-time approaches: applying the weighted-sum (WS) method and using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The measurements were conducted on 4 subjects: laser printing, 3D printing, machining (waterjet cutting, sanding, and welding), and environmental aerosols. The highest emissions were found with 3D printing and welding; these concentrations were measured in the printer’s enclosure and when the local exhaust ventilation was on, respectively. In general, the two methods agreed well with each other, with an overall Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85, although the concentrations constantly fluctuated over a wide range, from 20 to 4 × 10 4 μm 2 cm −3 . Since the GSA concentrations reported in this study are the first measurements for some scenarios, our results can serve as a reference for further research as well as for individuals in the vicinity of these emissions.