The use of ultrasonic standing waves to enhance optical particle sizing equipment

Fluid dynamics modelling augmented with routines to simulate acoustic forces on aerosol particles has been used to investigate the potential of combining ultrasonic standing wave fields with optical particle analysis equipment. Simulations of particle dynamics in airstreams incorporating acoustic forces predict that particles in the 1-10 microns diameter range may be effectively focused to the velocity nodes of the standing wave field. Particles move to the velocity nodes within tens of milliseconds for acoustic frequencies of 10-100 kHz and at an acoustic energy density of 100 Jm-3. Larger particles are predicted to move to the velocity antinodes within similar times; however, there is a crossover region at approximately 15-20 microns particle diameter where longer times are predicted due to the competing forces driving particles to the vibration node and antinode. With sufficient transverse flow velocities the models predict that disturbances due to acoustic streaming can be overcome and a useful degree of focusing achieved for the aerosol particles. Results from a model demonstrating sampling and acoustic focusing of 3-9 microns aerosol particles to a 200 microns wide analysis area are presented.