REMOVAL OF PARTICLES AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ON MINIATURIZED IMPACTORS

Resumo

The aim of this work was the simulation, production and characterization of miniaturized impactors for using in the removal of particles and organic compounds. The structures were simulated using FEMLAB 3.2B in order to understand the flow mechanisms. Miniaturized impactors (approximately 5 cm length, 2 cm wide and 500μm depth) were machined in acrylic using mechanical lathe and tested for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds and retention of particles in nitrogen flow or removal of viscous fluids in water flow. In nitrogen flow, adsorption of organic compounds is possible up to 380 mg of n-hexane. Moreover, 50μm and 13μm particles were easily retained at the inlet, with virtually 100% efficiency; however, 35nm particles can flow throughout the whole structure. In aqueous flow, viscous fluid, such as polydimethylsiloxane, 350 cST, showed retention even in dispersion 10% in weight whereas particles are not trapped. The simulated results showed good agreement with experimental measurements. These miniaturized impactors can be easily disassembled and are useful in sample pretreatment for chemical analysis, such as retention of small particles or microorganisms.