Lower Detection Limit of an Optical Particle Counter in the measurement of particle size distributions

Abstract

AbstractAn Optical Particle Counter with optically defined measuring volume was investigated with regard to an application in the range of fine particles (f.i. water droplets less then 1.5 μm in diameter). Because of a problematic detection behaviour in the examined size range caused by the analogue signal processor, it was necessary to explore signals generated by the measurement system. In view of the results obtained an alternative signal evaluation method was developed on basis of a digital system. The high flexibility of software systems in signal processing rendered possible on the one hand a clear definition of the lower detection limit of the instrument. On the other hand it was possible to lower the detection limit and herewith the size of particles to be resolved. A practical application for the new evaluation technique is given by the measurement of fractional efficiency curves of technical separators and classifiers, which clearly shows the advantages of the system presented. Most recent investigations are concerned with the maximum number concentration detectable with the Optical Particle Counter, which could be increased up to five times.