Abstract
A three stage impactor with the cutoff diameters of 1, 2.5, and 10$\mu\textrm{m}$ in aerodynamic diameter was developed and tested. The gravimetric method and the particle counting method were utilized to evaluate the collection performance of each stage. A vibrating orifice aerosol generator was employed to generate monodisperse test aerosols larger that 2$\mu\textrm{m}$ in diameter. Polystyrene latex (PSL) particles smaller than 2$\mu\textrm{m}$ in diameter were generated by an atomizer and the particle number concentration was measured by an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer Spectrometer. The experimental cutoff diameters obtained from the particle collection efficiency curves are in good agreement with the designed values. The square roots of Stokes number at 50% collection efficiency for stage 1, 2, and 3 are 0.42, 0.48, and 0.45, respectively. Effects of the particle bounce and the impaction plate on the collection efficiency were investigated. The collection efficiency curves including effect of the particle bounce were also compared with those of the MOUDI cascade impactor.
