A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters
Abstract The determination of accumulated mass on filter-based aerosol samples is the basis for many forms of scientific research and regulatory monitoring of air quality. However, gravimetric analysis of air sampling filters is tedious, time-intensive, and prone to human error. This work describes...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2021-08-01
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| Series: | Aerosol and Air Quality Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.210037 |
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| author | Christian L’Orange Gabe Neymark Ellison Carter John Volckens |
| author_facet | Christian L’Orange Gabe Neymark Ellison Carter John Volckens |
| author_sort | Christian L’Orange |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The determination of accumulated mass on filter-based aerosol samples is the basis for many forms of scientific research and regulatory monitoring of air quality. However, gravimetric analysis of air sampling filters is tedious, time-intensive, and prone to human error. This work describes the development of an Automated Air Analysis Facility (AIRLIFT) for high-throughput gravimetric mass and optical black carbon measurements of filter-based aerosol samples. The AIRLIFT consists of a sealed environmental enclosure, a 6-axis articulating robotic arm, a programmable control system, a filter weighing apparatus, and an optical system for the determination of aerosol black carbon via light attenuation. The system actively monitors microbalance stability and chamber relative humidity. Digital imaging and QR code scanning support sample tracking and data logging. Performance metrics for temperature and humidity control and weight stability were found to meet or exceed minimum requirements set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The AIRLIFT is capable of analyzing approximately 260 filters per day while reducing the required personnel time by a factor of ~4. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d3d243086abe45dc90be9408288cd8a2 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1680-8584 2071-1409 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2021-08-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Aerosol and Air Quality Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-d3d243086abe45dc90be9408288cd8a22025-02-09T12:20:34ZengSpringerAerosol and Air Quality Research1680-85842071-14092021-08-01211111410.4209/aaqr.210037A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling FiltersChristian L’Orange0Gabe Neymark1Ellison Carter2John Volckens3Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State UniversityMechanical Engineering, Colorado State UniversityCivil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State UniversityMechanical Engineering, Colorado State UniversityAbstract The determination of accumulated mass on filter-based aerosol samples is the basis for many forms of scientific research and regulatory monitoring of air quality. However, gravimetric analysis of air sampling filters is tedious, time-intensive, and prone to human error. This work describes the development of an Automated Air Analysis Facility (AIRLIFT) for high-throughput gravimetric mass and optical black carbon measurements of filter-based aerosol samples. The AIRLIFT consists of a sealed environmental enclosure, a 6-axis articulating robotic arm, a programmable control system, a filter weighing apparatus, and an optical system for the determination of aerosol black carbon via light attenuation. The system actively monitors microbalance stability and chamber relative humidity. Digital imaging and QR code scanning support sample tracking and data logging. Performance metrics for temperature and humidity control and weight stability were found to meet or exceed minimum requirements set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The AIRLIFT is capable of analyzing approximately 260 filters per day while reducing the required personnel time by a factor of ~4.https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.210037Particulate matterGravimetric analysisAir pollutionBlack carbonPM2.5 |
| spellingShingle | Christian L’Orange Gabe Neymark Ellison Carter John Volckens A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters Aerosol and Air Quality Research Particulate matter Gravimetric analysis Air pollution Black carbon PM2.5 |
| title | A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters |
| title_full | A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters |
| title_fullStr | A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters |
| title_full_unstemmed | A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters |
| title_short | A High-throughput, Robotic System for Analysis of Aerosol Sampling Filters |
| title_sort | high throughput robotic system for analysis of aerosol sampling filters |
| topic | Particulate matter Gravimetric analysis Air pollution Black carbon PM2.5 |
| url | https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.210037 |
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