Efficiency of Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) and Modified Wilson and Cook (MWAC) samplers to collect PM10, PM2.5 and PM1

MENDEZ M J; FUNK R; BUSCHIAZZO DANIEL EDUARDO

Aeolian Research

ELSEVIER

Año: 2016 vol. 21 p. 37 - 44

The internal efficiency of Big Spring Number height (BSNE) and Modified Wilson & Cooke (MWAC) samplers for trapping PM10, PM2.5 and PM1were tested in a wind tunnel, at two wind speeds (3.0 and 6.8 m s-1) in the saltation zone (SAZ) and the suspension zone (SAZ). PM concentrations measured in the inlet and the outlet of both samplers were correlated and the slopes of fitting equations were used for calculating sampling efficiencies. Results showed that BSNE efficiencies ranged from 12 to 32% for PM10, from 0 to 19% for PM2.5 and from 0 to 12% for PM1. The BSNE´s efficiency decreased with decreasing particle sizes in SAZ and SUZ at both wind speeds as a consequence of the very low deposition velocity of the finest size particles. The BSNE´s efficiency increased with the wind speed for the three analyzed sized particles in both measurement positions. The MWAC´s efficiency ranged from 1 to 20% for PM10, from 0 to 15% for PM2.5 and from 0 to16% for PM1. The MWAC efficiency was 0 % for PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 in the SUZ at 3 m s-1 and for PM2.5 and PM1 in the SUZ at 6.8 m s-1. These results provide evidence that the collector´s efficiency for trap PM10 change with the wind speed and collectors positions. Results also show that BSNEs and MWACs have the potential to be used in PM10 emission studies but more studies are needed in order to understand and improve their efficiency.