A field comparison of dust deposit gauge performance at two sites in Yorkshire, 1987–1989

Abstract

General dissatisfaction with the efficiency of the standard dust deposits gauges currently in use has led recently to the development of alternative designs. One such gauge based on an inverted Frisbee, and developed by Warren Spring Laboratory, Stevenage, showed promise in wind tunnel studies. This paper describes field trials of two types of inverted Frisbee gauge (the wet Frisbee and the dry Frisbee) which were operated alongside the British Standard and the proposed ISO standard dust deposit gauges. Continuous monitoring was carried out at two sites in North Yorkshire for 2 years. Undissolved particulate matter from each gauge was weighed and a sub-sample characterized by microscopic examination of individual particles ⩾50 μm in diameter, in order to identify possible sources of the dust. Wet Frisbee gauges collected and/or retained significantly more dust than either the British Standard gauges or the ISO gauges. The dry Frisbee gauge also proved to be efficient and, having practical advantages over the wet Frisbee, is recommended as a possible alternative to both the British Standard and the proposed ISO standard dust deposit gauges.