Oil Aerosol Research Articles

Biophysical impact of lubricating base oil aerosols on natural pulmonary surfactant film

Lubricating base oils have been extensively employed for producing various industrial and consumer products. Therefore, their environmental and health impacts should be carefully evaluated. Although there have been many reports on pulmonary cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses of inhaled lubricating base oils, their potential influences on pulmonary surfactant (PS) films that play an essential role in maintaining respiratory mechanics and pulmonary immunity remains largely unknown. Here a systematic study on the interactions between an animal-derived natural PS and aerosols of water and representative mineral and vegetable base oils is performed using a novel biophysical assessing technique called constrained drop surfactometry capable of providing in vitro simulations of normal tidal breathing and physiologically relevant temperature and humidity in the lung. It was found that the mineral oil aerosols can impose strong inhibitions to the biophysical property of PS film, while the airborne vegetable oils and water show negligible adverse effects within the studied concentration range. The inhibitory effect is originated from the strong hydrophobicity of mineral oil, which makes it able to disrupt the interfacial molecular ordering of both phospholipid and protein compositions and consequently suppress the formation of condensed phase and multilayer scaffolds in a PS film. Environmental ImplicationUnderstanding the biophysical influence of airborne lubricating base oils on pulmonary surfactant (PS) films can provide new insights into the environmental impacts and health concerns of various industrial lubricant products. Here a comparative study on interactions between an animal-derived natural PS film and the aerosols of water and representative mineral and vegetable base oils under the true physiological conditions was conducted in situ using constrained drop surfactometry. We show that the most frequently used mineral base oil can cause strong inhibitions to the PS film by disrupting the molecular ordering of saturated phospholipids and surfactant-associated proteins at the interface.

Reduced-Order Model for Predicting the Performance of Small-Scale Unidirectional Cyclone Aerosol Separators

This paper presents a reduced-order model for the design of miniaturized unidirectional air cyclones serving as gas–liquid separators for the removal of oil aerosols from a gas stream. Conservation equations for mass, momentum and energy form the basis for predicting the pressure loss within the model; a modified residence-time model is employed for the separation behavior of oil droplets on the cyclone wall. CFD analysis results for one of the investigated geometries are also presented, serving to validate the velocity field employed within the simplified model and providing predictions for particle trajectories and overall separation efficiency. The numerical model is based on the incompressible RANS equations using the k-ω-SST turbulence model and a Lagrangian description of the dispersed phase (Discrete Particle Method, DPM) with a random-walk model for turbulent dispersion. Numerical solutions have been obtained using the commercial FV (Finite-Volume) solver ANSYS Fluent version 2022R1. Both models are benchmarked against experimental data obtained for a large number of cyclone geometries. Good agreement between experimental results, numerical results and results from the reduced-order model is found. The derived reduced-order model is suitable for rapid design of uniflow cyclones in the investigated configuration space.

Study of the operation of the gas cleaning installation ferrous metallurgy enter-prises

To assess the quality of the environment on the territory of the ferrous metallurgy enterprise, the operation of oil-containing waste processing tanks was monitored for six years, followed by purification from aromatic hydrocarbons and mineral oil aerosols. Air (gas) sampling was carried out to study the amount of pollutants. In the studied samples, increased concentrations of benzene, xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, mineral oil were found. Measurements of gas performance at the inlet and outlet of the gas cleaning plant were also performed. The temperature of the purified gas was measured; the consumption of water (solution) for irrigation was measured. The study period is from 2015 to 2020. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, a continuous release of pollutants into the atmosphere was found. To reduce the concentration of air pollutants, measures have been proposed to increase the efficiency of the gas cleaning plant.

Topical Micro-Emulsion of 5-Fluorouracil by a Twin Screw Processor-Based Novel Continuous Manufacturing Process for the Treatment of Skin Cancer: Preparation and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a BCS class III drug, has low oral bioavailability and is cytotoxic in nature causing severe systemic side effects when administered through the intravenous route. Topical drug delivery could potentially mitigate the systemic side-effects. Microemulsions (MEs) would be an apt solution due to enhanced partitioning of the drug to the skin. However, conventional methods for preparing MEs are inefficient since they are not continuous and are very tedious and time-consuming processes hence revealing the need for the development of continuous manufacturing technology. In our study, 5-FU MEs were prepared using a continuous manufacturing Twin Screw Process (TSP) and its efficiency in the treatment of skin cancer was evaluated. Water-in-oil MEs were prepared using isopropyl myristate as the oil phase and Aerosol OT and Tween 80 as the surfactants. The average particle size was observed to be 178 nm. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to confirm the size and shape of the MEs. FTIR study proved no physical or chemical interaction between the excipients and the drug. In vitro drug release using vertical diffusion cells and ex vivo skin permeation studies showed that the drug was released sustainably and permeated across the skin, respectively. In in vitro cytotoxicity studies, 5-FU MEs were accessed in HaCat and A431 cell lines to determine percentage cell viability and IC50. Skin irritation and histopathological examination implied that the 5-FU MEs did not cause any significant irritation to the skin. In vivo pharmacodynamics studies in rats suggested that the optimised formulation was effective in treating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Therefore, 5-FU MEs efficiently overcame the various drawbacks faced during oral and intravenous drug delivery. Also, TSP proved to be a technique that overcomes the various problems associated with the conventional methods of preparing MEs.

A dual-modification strategy for the preparation of super-amphiphobic nanofibrous membranes for high-efficiency oil aerosol separation

This study presents a highly effective FOTS-TiO2@SiO2 Nano fibrous membrane (NFM) with super-amphiphobic properties for oil aerosol purification. The membrane was fabricated by modifying the surface roughness of electrospun SiO2 NFM with a uniform array of TiO2 nanocones, followed by surface energy modification using 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrimethoxysilane (FOTS). The NFM exhibited exceptional contact angles towards both water (167.9°) and n-hexadecane (154.7°) as well as extremely low oil adhesion (38.7 μN). At a gas velocity of 3.2 m/min, the NFM demonstrated excellent oil aerosol separation performance, with a filtration efficiency of 99.87 % and a resistance of 10.0 kPa. The amphiphobic NFM also exhibited a good regeneration ability, with higher efficiency than SiO2 NFM after three rounds of filtration. These results suggest that the FOTS-TiO2@SiO2 NFM has promising potential for cleaning oil-bearing gas.

Pressure Drop Dynamics during Filtration of Mixture Aerosol Containing Water, Oil, and Soot Particles on Nonwoven Filters.

The pressure drop dynamics during the filtration of three-component mixture aerosols are investigated and compared with two and single-component aerosols. The main area of interest is the effect of the addition of a small quantity of liquid (oil) and solid (soot) particles during the filtration of aerosol containing water mist. In addition, calculations of the change in filter mass during oil aerosol filtration have been carried out and compared with the experimental results. The new, improved filtration efficiency model takes into account a better coefficient fitting in the filtration mechanism equations. The limitations in the change in fibre diameter and packing density resulting from the filter loading have been implemented in the model. Additionally, the calculation model employs the fibre size distribution representation via multiple average fibre diameters. The changes in fibre diameter are dependent on each fibre's calculated filtration efficiency. The improved filtration model has been utilised to predict the mass change of the filters during the filtration of pure and mixture aerosols. The pressure drop calculation model based on changes in filter mass has been formulated. The model is then utilised to calculate pressure drop changes resulting from the filtration of the oil aerosol and water and oil mixture aerosol.

Numerical and experimental study on temperature and heat transfer characteristics in centrifugal compressor diffuser

Lubrication oil aerosol deposit and coking in the compressor diffuser is a typical issue for the high power density internal combustion engine (ICE) using the closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) system. The aerosol coking significantly negatively influences the compressor's performance, leading to a penalty on ICE performance. The severity of the coking effect is highly dependent on temperature. In order to predict occurrence of coking and to clarify how to avoid aerosol coking in the compressor, the temperature distribution and heat transfer characteristics are investigated in this study. An experimental investigation on the diffuser temperature distribution at shroud side was carried out first. Numerical simulations that consider the heat transfer between the solid domain and the fluid domain are conducted, aiming at analyzing the temperature distribution of inner surface. The detailed simulation model of small high-pressure-ratio compressor for predicting coking risk is established. Furthermore, the simulation model is validated by the experimental results. The results indicate that the shroud side of the diffuser sees the highest temperature level in the diffuser. Under typical operation conditions, the temperature at the diffuser wall exceeds the threshold coking temperature of lubrication oil aerosol, this location most likely to have severe coking issues. Thus, the location of the shroud plate is the primary region that needs to be cooled down to mitigate the coking issue. Meanwhile, the intensity of heat transfer between the fluid and solid domain in the diffuser region degrades significantly along the flow direction and sees an 80% drop from diffuser inlet to outlet, indicating the requirements for further enhancement of heat transfer in diffuser shroud side along streamwise.

Thermal-resist hydro-charged air filters (HCAFs) with charge stability for long-term efficient fine particle removal

Fibrous air filters are widely equipped air freshening material in individual protective masks and air purifiers to regulate air quality and protect people from health hazards. To further improve filtration without increasing airflow resistance, electret technology is commonly used in combination with fibrous air filters due to electrostatic attraction caused by the charges on the fiber. However, constructing fibrous air filters with both charge stability and excellent filtration performance that could be used for long-term particle removal remains a challenge. Herein, hydro-charged air filters (HCAFs) that can be used in long-term high-efficiency removal of sodium chloride and paraffin oil aerosol particles is presented. Specifically, numerious positive and negative charges were dispersed in the HCAFs after hydro charging treatment, resulting in significantly enhanced filtration efficiency of 99.84 % (99.16 %) for sodium chloride (paraffin oil) aerosol particles. More importantly, the filtration efficiency of HCAFs for sodium chloride (paraffin oil) aerosol particles only had a decrement of 2.3 % and 0.35 % (6.1 % and 2.5 %) after 130 ℃ heat treatment and standing for two years, indicating that HCAFs possess charge stability and thermal resistance that can be used for long-term filtration. The successful fabrication of HCAFs shows a great promise for hydro charge technology and provides a new guideline for next-generation commercial air filters.

MTMS-based aerogel structure deposition on polypropylene fibrous filter – Surface layer effect and distribution control for improvement of oil aerosol separation properties

Polypropylene non-woven material with fibres surface modified with methyltrimetoxysilane(MTMS)-based aerogel structure exhibits increased affinity to oil and highly developed collector area, which translates to enhanced oil mist filtration performance, crucial in automotive, commercial and home appliances. This article indicates the filtration improvement ability's dependence on the aerogel structure's deposition and morphology, as previous work raised some critical questions related to surface vs volume deposition's contribution to filtration properties. Modified and native materials were studied on a filtration test bench and via a systematic wettability investigation. The amount of aerogel structure deposit is correlated to the MTMS concentration, and its distribution relay on condensation kinetics, controlled by the catalyst addition rate during the sol-gel process. Though beneficial for separation efficiency improvement, the aerogel structure deposition in filter volume is accompanied by a surface foil layer formation that needs to be removed as it causes up to 200 Pa airflow resistance. The controlled aerogel structure deposition method gave satisfactory results, increasing separation efficiency for most penetrating droplets four times and increasing filter Quality Factor. Modified material is competitive in terms of separation efficiency and airflow resistance with those obtained in the other related works on the subject, giving a post-production method for oil aerosol filter enhancement.

Экспериментально-аналитические исследования особенностей горения масел органического происхождения в состоянии аэрозоля

The analysis of fire hazard of the technological process of vegetable oil production, which is caused by the circulation of flammable, combustible solid and li quid substances and materials in it, is carried out. Liquid oil aerosols are a high fire hazard when they are released from the process equipment under pressure and at elevated temperatures. When a combustion source occurs in them, a sequential burnout occurs (by analogy with gas combustible mixtures), creating an explosive load. The peculiarities of the combustion of oil aerosols, which are characterized by relatively light gasification (fog formation) and the absence of the need for pre-heating to flash point, are investigated. Extinguishing foams, powders, and aerosol emissions can be used as extinguishing agents for spills of organic oils.

Filtration of Submicron Soot Particles, Oil Droplets, and their Mixtures on Single- and Multi-layer Fibrous Filters

The dynamics of filtration efficiency and pressure drop during the simultaneous filtration of soot and oil aerosols on single- and multi-layer filters were investigated, and the determined filtration efficiency was compared with the theoretical efficiency obtained via the classical filtration theory. Additionally, the influence of liquid-phase aerosols on the morphology of the formed deposits was investigated. It was concluded that the addition of oil aerosols decreased the filtration efficiency and lowered the pressure drop increase rate for multi-layer filters. Additionally, for the filtration of aerosols containing soot and high oil concentrations, once maximum filtration efficiency was reached, an efficiency decrease occurred. The system imperfection factor was proposed as a mean to predict the efficiency of multi-layer filters. The modified version of the single fibre efficiency method was used to calculate filter mass change with reasonable accuracy.

Mixture Aerosols Filtration on Filters with Wide Fibre Diameter Distribution - Comparison with Theoretical and Empirical Models

A methodology for calculating aerosol filtration efficiency using non-woven filters with polydispersity distribution of fibre diameters was formulated. In order to verify the results of the calculations experimentally, filters made of polypropylene non-woven fabric were used to filter solid (soot) and liquid (oil) aerosols and their mixtures with different concentrations. In order to increase the accuracy of the calculations, the division of the diameter distribution into several (1–100) ranges of values was considered. The influence of the number of these intervals for theoretical and empirical equations available in the literature was investigated. This effect was found to be significant, and replacing one diameter value representing all the fibres in the filter with twenty diameter ranges, each representing only a fraction of the total fibres, is sufficient to minimize the error due to the underrepresentation of the actual fibre distribution in the filter. Calculation of the mean particle size after the filter was performed using a set of theoretical and empirical equations. The calculations take into account the change in packing density, flow velocity and fibre diameter over time as a result of filling the filter with particles deposited on it. The obtained results were compared with the measurement results. It has been found that such changes in the monofilament performance model are insufficient to properly describe the effects inside the filter.

Пожарная опасность производства и хранения растительных масел

The analysis of the fire hazard of the technological process of vegetable oil production, which is caused by the circulation of flammable, combustible solid and liquid substances and materials in it, is carried out. Liquid oil aerosols pose a high fire hazard when they are released from process equipment under pressure and at elevated temperatures. When a combustion source occurs in them, a sequential burnout occurs (by analogy with gas combustible mixtures), creating an explosive load. Extinguishing foams, powders can be used as extinguishing agents for spills of organic oils, and when aerosols are released from technological equipment, volumetric fire extinguishing agents – sprayed water, general purpose powders, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.

Investigations into the efficacy of a novel extubation-aerosol shield: a cough model study

SummaryBackgroundPhysicians have had to perform numerous extubation procedures during the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic. Future pandemics caused by unknown pathogen may also present a risk of exposure to infectious droplets and aerosols.AimThis study evaluated the ability of a newly developed aerosol barrier, “Extubation-Aerosol (EA)-Shield” to provide maximum protection from aerosol exposure during extubation via an aerosolised particle count and high-quality visualisation assessments.MethodsWe employed a cough model having parameters similar to humans and used micron oil aerosol as well as titanium dioxide as aerosol tracers. Aerosol barrier techniques employing a face mask (group M) and EA-Shield (group H) were compared.FindingsThe primary outcome was the difference in the number of particles contacting the physician's face before and after extubation. The maximum distances of aerosol dispersal after extubation were measured as the secondary outcomes. All aerosolised particles of the two tracers were significantly smaller in group H than in group M (p < 0.05). In addition, the sagittal and axial maximum distances and sagittal areas of aerosol dispersal for 3, 5, and 10 s after extubation were significantly smaller in group H than in group M (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis model indicates that EA-Shield could be highly effective in reducing aerosol exposure during extubation. Therefore, we recommend using it as an aerosol barrier when an infectious aerosol risk is suspected.

Multiscale super-amphiphobic ceramic membrane for oil aerosol removal

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS)-grafted TiO2/SiC membrane with multiscale super-amphiphobic property was prepared by solvothermal growth followed by dipping treatment. TiO2 nanocones grown on silicon carbide (SiC) help to ameliorate the surface structure and chemical properties for grafting FOTS. The resulted membrane exhibits super-amphiphobicity with water and oil (n-hexadecane) contact angles of 171.9° and 151.2°, respectively. The static oil adsorption capacity of the membrane is lower than 5%, indicating excellent oil repelling performance. Such an amphiphobic ceramic membrane can be used in long-term oil filtration with comparative low and stable pressure drop (11 kPa) and high rejection rate (98.24%). This work represents a new approach to achieve a super-amphiphobic surface on a solid ceramic membrane, opening a new avenue for the application of oil aerosol removal.

Major Constituents of Cannabis Vape Oil Liquid, Vapor and Aerosol in California Vape Oil Cartridge Samples.

During the E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak of August 2019 to February 2020, the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Laboratory Branch received numerous cannabis vape oil cartridge investigation samples from throughout the state. Many of these products were directly linked to patients; others were collected as part of investigations. We determined the major ingredients and additives in twelve unused cannabis vape oil cartridge samples obtained before (n = 2) and during the EVALI outbreak (n = 10) in California from September 2018 to December 2019. We tested for major constituents in vape oil liquid, vape oil vapor, and vape oil aerosol phases. A nontargeted Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry direct injection screening method was developed for vape oils, a headspace heating module used for vape oil vapors and a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) vaping rig for aerosols generated by vaping. We have identified more than 100 terpenes and natural extracts, 19 cannabinoids, and other potential toxic additives such as Vitamin E Acetate, Polyethylene Glycols, and Medium Chain Triglycerides. We determined more terpenes and minor cannabinoids can be produced via vaporizing and aerosolizing the vape oil. Delta9-THC and potential toxic additives were found at lower levels in the vapor and aerosol than in the vape liquid.

Evaluation of total inward leakage for NIOSH-approved elastomeric half-facepiece, full-facepiece, and powered air-purifying respirators using sodium chloride and corn oil aerosols

Recently, total inward leakage (TIL) for filtering facepiece and elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHRs) was measured according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) test method standard 16900-1:2014 that showed larger TIL for corn oil aerosol than for NaCl aerosol. Comparison of TIL measured for different aerosols for higher protection level respirators is lacking. The objective of this study was to determine TIL for EHRs, full-facepiece respirators, and loose-fitting and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) using NaCl and corn oil aerosols to compare. TIL was measured for two models each of EHRs, full-facepiece respirators, and loose-fitting and tight-fitting PAPRs. After fit testing with a PortaCount (TSI, St. Paul, MN) using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protocol, eight subjects were tested in the NaCl aerosol chamber first and then in the corn oil aerosol chamber, while another eight subjects tested in the reverse order. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. TIL was measured as a ratio of mass-based aerosol concentrations inside the mask to the test chamber while the subjects performed ISO 16900-1-defined exercises using continuous sampling methods. The concentration of corn oil aerosol was measured with one light scattering photometer, alternately, and NaCl aerosol was measured using two flame photometers. Results showed the geometric mean TIL for EHR was significantly (p < 0.05) larger for corn oil aerosol than for NaCl aerosol. EHR models equipped with P100 filters showed relatively smaller TIL values than the same models with N95 filters showing that TIL was inversely related to filter efficiency. Interestingly, TIL was significantly (p < 0.05) larger for NaCl aerosol than for corn oil aerosol for PAPRs, but not for full-facepiece respirators. TIL was inversely related to fit factors of respirator types. Overall, filter efficiency and faceseal leakage determine TIL. The relative trends in TIL for the two aerosols’ test methods differ between respirator types indicating that generalization of TIL for respirator types may not be appropriate when using different test agents.

Toxicological assessment of e‐cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) cartridges and constituents

Rationale Definitive causative agents of the outbreak associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) are unknown. Patients diagnosed with EVALI have used vape products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and vitamin E acetate (VEA). Hypothesis We hypothesized that inhalation of these EVALI vape cartridges and their constituents induce pulmonary toxicity, mediated by oxidative damage and inflammatory responses, leading to acute lung injury, and alters SARS-CoV-2 related proteins. Methods Vaping products were recovered from hospitalized patients at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Cartridge constituents were characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Comparative toxicity of exposure to common vape cartridge components such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, VEA, and patient-derived cartridge aerosols was assessed by in vitro and in vivo models. Lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and monocytes (Mono-Mac-6). Cells were exposed to MCT, VEA, and cartridge aerosols and the elicited inflammatory response, barrier function, and lipid-laden index were determined. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to MCT, VEA, and vape cartridge aerosols for three days (1 hr/day). The immune response was determined by differential cell counts, cytokine milieu, and lipidomics analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung surfactant protein (SP-A), SARS-CoV-2 proteins (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) were quantified in the lung homogenates. Results Constituents identified patient-derived vaping products included reactive hydrocarbons and various forms of cannabinoids. VEA and cartridge aerosols induced significantly increased IL-6 and IL-8 responses in lung epithelial cells and monocytes. MCT, VEA, and cartridge aerosols induced barrier dysfunction. Increased lipid-laden indices were observed in MM6 cells. In mice, acute exposure to cartridge aerosols caused a significant infiltration of leukocytes in BALF and increased IL-6, eotaxin, and G-CSF in the BALF. Lipidomics analysis showed significantly increased eicosanoid inflammatory mediators and leukotrienes. Reduced levels of SP-A levels were seen in lung homogenates. Exposure to cartridge aerosols showed the most significant effects and toxicity compared to MCT and VEA. SARS-CoV-2 related proteins were not affected. Conclusion Acute exposure to vape cartridges induces cytotoxicity, barrier dysfunction, and elicit an inflammatory response in lung cells and mice, which are potential predictive toxicological markers of EVALI. Toxicity of vape cartridges was independent of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. This study provides important identification of potential chemical constituents, toxicological responses, and potential biomarkers of EVALI.

Multi-Layered, Corona Charged Melt Blown Nonwovens as High Performance PM0.3 Air Filters.

Particulate matter (PM) and airborne viruses bring adverse influence on human health. As the most feasible way to prevent inhalation of these pollutants, face masks with excellent filtration efficiency and low press drop are in urgent demand. In this study, we report a novel methodology for producing high performance air filter by combining melt blown technique with corona charging treatment. Changing the crystal structure of polypropylene by adding magnesium stearate can avoid charge escape and ensure the stability of filtration performances. Particularly, the influence of fiber diameter, pore size, porosity, and charge storage on the filtration performances of the filter are thoroughly investigated. The filtration performances of the materials, including the loading test performance are also studied. The melt blown materials formed by four layers presented a significant filtration efficiency of 97.96%, a low pressure drop of 84.28 Pa, and a high quality factor (QF) of 0.046 Pa−1 for paraffin oil aerosol particles. Meanwhile, a robust filtration efficiency of 99.03%, a low pressure drop of 82.32 Pa, and an excellent QF of 0.056 Pa−1 for NaCl aerosol particles could be easily achieved. The multi-layered melt blown filtration material developed here would be potentially applied in the field of protective masks.

Transient plasma-enhanced remediation of nanoscale particulate matter in restaurant smoke emissions via electrostatic precipitation

It is now recognized that nanoscale particulate matter (PM) represents a substantial health hazard for our society, including PM from restaurant smoke. In this study, we explored the use of a transient pulsed plasma in conjunction with an applied DC bias to treat oil aerosols that closely resemble restaurant (i.e., charbroiler) smoke emissions. For polyaromatic olefin PAO-4 and soybean oil, we found that a three-order-of-magnitude reduction in particulates (i.e., 99.9% remediation) could be achieved with this system. Here, the plasma discharge was produced in a 4-in.-diameter cylindrical reactor with a 5–10ns high voltage (30 kV) pulse generator together with applied DC bias voltages up to 10kV. The distribution of nanoparticle sizes was measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) with diameter centered around 225nm. Here, the main mechanism of remediation occurs in a two-step process in which the oil nanoparticles are first ionized by the free electrons and free radicals in the plasma and then the charged particles are swept out to the sidewalls of the reactor by the applied DC potential. We believe this general approach opens up new degrees of freedom in the design of electrostatic oil aerosol pollution control devices.