Aerodynamic sampling of particles and vapors from surfaces for real-time analysis

Abstract

A non-contact aerodynamic sampling tool for collecting particles and vapors from the surfaces. Opposing planar jets or planar jet arrays are used to liberate material from surfaces so that particulate matter and vapors can be collected for analysis in real time. High-speed valves may be triggered to create pressure waveforms for high velocity pressurized planar jet bursts, or continuously operated opposing wall jets may be angularly directed toward a target surface, permitting sampling from large standoff distances. The wall jets traverse the surface and exhibit significant drag forces to lift particles into a suction intake. Unlike axisymmetric jets, the wall jets sustain the flow momentum over the target surface for a greater distance, dislodging particles submerged in the boundary layer and significantly improving particle resuspension and vapor collection. Real-time analysis and detection of target analytes are achieved by efficient sample liberation from the surface in the sampling tool and the efficient sample delivery to an analytical module.