FLUIDIZED BED AEROSOL GENERATOR

The Fluidized Bed Aerosol Generator (FBAG) has been a useful method of generating aerosols from powders or dusts. Observations of particle deposition patterns in inhalation exposure systems with and without a Kr aerosol discharge device suggested that the aerosolized particles may carry a large number of electrostatic charges. Measurements of average charge carried by aerosols generated from an FBAG were performed for a variety of aerosolized materials. It was found that average charge per particle was higher for insulators than for metals and increased with increasing fluidization airflow for most materials. Also, the charge level was found to be changed with the length of operating time.

Dusts and powders are among the common sources of air pollutants in workplace environments. To study potential health hazards from inhaling these pollutants, an aerosol generation system for dispersing these dusts or powders is required. The fluidized bed aerosol generator (FBAG) uses a flow of air through a bed of powder to aerosolize fine particles. In this process, the particles are vigorously agitated in the FBAG prior to release into the mainstream. During this process, contact charging mechanisms between aerosolized material and bed material or bed housing wall will act to place electrostatic charges on the aerosolized efficiency in the respiratory tracts when inhaled.Therefore, it is important to know the charge level carried by aerosols for inhalation experiments.

In-Tox Products has two sizes of the FBAG available. A 1” and a 2” model FBAG are the standard sizes kept in stock. These models are available in Brass or Stainless Steel. The FBAG comes mounted on a base with a cabinet that contains the controls for the system.