An Aerosol Generation System for the Production of Respirable Grain Dust

Abstract

Abstract An acoustic aerosol generating system modeled after the Pitt-III generator (University of Pittsburgh) was tested for its ability to generate grain dust from commercially available feed oats. Dust formation occurred as the result of attrition between grain particles produced by an oscillating air wave within the generator column. The limits of aerosol concentration and mass flux production were recorded by systematic modulation of input energy, grain mass, and flow rate within the generator. When applying a 60-Hz alternating current to the generator, grain dust production was maximized when operating near 12 V and a grain mass of 160 g. Increased air flow through the generator initially increased the production rate, conceivably by increasing the air turbulence required to keep larger particles in suspension. Above 6 L/min, an increase in air flow decreased production by dilution. Application of a cyclone downstream from the generator effectively eliminated all but the inspirable fraction of grain...