System for aerosol sampling during mechanical load
Inventors
Montgomery, Rosemary A. • Cheng, Meng-Dawn • Sasikumar, Yadukrishnan • Bevard, Bruce B.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12111237-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-08
Expiration Date
2041-09-08
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Abstract
A system for sampling aerosols, for purpose of predictive analyses, from fractured test specimens is provided. The system includes a test enclosure, a load apparatus, and an aerosol sampling pack in fluid communication with the test enclosure. The test enclosure is sized to partially or completely receive the test specimen therein, and the load apparatus is configured to impart a mechanical load (e.g., tension, bending, torsion, shear forces, or compression) on the test specimen. The aerosol sampling pack receives solid aerosols that are generated upon fracture of the test specimen.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for sampling aerosols generated from fractured test specimens for the purpose of predictive analyses. The system comprises a test enclosure that partially or completely receives the test specimen, a load apparatus to impart mechanical loads such as tension, bending, torsion, shear, or compression, and an aerosol sampling pack in fluid communication with the test enclosure. The aerosol sampling pack collects solid aerosols released when the test specimen fractures.
Problems addressed by the invention include the lack of effective systems for predicting aerosol exposure resulting from the fracture of materials like spent nuclear fuel rods, concrete, asbestos, coal, and ceramics under mechanical loads. Existing devices such as cascade impactors and cyclone separators are used for personal exposure monitoring and are not suitable for predictive analyses of aerosol release in scenarios involving mechanical fracture of specimens.
The present invention overcomes these deficiencies by providing an enclosure and mechanical load application system specifically configured for controlled fracture and subsequent aerosol sampling. Embodiments include both partial enclosures with external safety systems and complete enclosures with integrated safety features such as viewing windows, modular sensor assemblies, and wash systems, ensuring flexibility and safety during operation. The invention collects aerosols in a targeted particle diameter range to facilitate analysis and prediction of respirable and otherwise relevant fractions.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims, each describing systems for sampling aerosols released from fractured rod-shaped test specimens, focusing on particular arrangements and features.
Test enclosure with mechanical-test apparatus for aerosol sampling
The system comprises: - A test enclosure designed to at least partially receive a rod-shaped test specimen that releases solid aerosols when fractured, with a base portion (including a tray, sidewalls with notches, slots for support pins, and an access opening for a sampler conduit) and a lid portion (with openings for load pins). - A mechanical-test apparatus configured to apply a mechanical load to the specimen while it is within the test enclosure, using a fixed cross-head (support pins through tray slots) and a movable cross-head (load pins through lid openings). - One or more sampling packs for detecting solid aerosols released by the specimen, connected via sampler conduit. - A pump to draw aerosols through the conduit to the sampling packs. - The test enclosure is adapted to receive a specimen horizontally through sidewall notches, securing it for bending loads under the action of the load pins.
System with test enclosure, load apparatus, and aerosol sampling pack
This system features: - A test enclosure with lid and base portions. The base has a tray, upwardly extending sidewalls with side openings for horizontal insertion of the rod-shaped test specimen, lateral slots, and an access opening for a sampler conduit; the lid fits over the base and includes openings for load pins. - A load apparatus to apply a mechanical bending load while the specimen is supported within the enclosure. The fixed cross-head supports the enclosure and provides support pins through tray slots; the movable cross-head aligns load pins with lid openings. - An aerosol sampling pack connected via sampler conduit, enabling detection of solids released upon fracture. - The configuration allows the specimen to be held and loaded for fracture, directing aerosols for collection and analysis.
The claims distinctly protect systems utilizing an enclosure and mechanical loading arrangement for controlled fracture and directed aerosol sampling of rod-shaped test specimens, with features ensuring effective collection and analysis of aerosols generated during mechanical testing.
Stated Advantages
Enables predictive analysis of aerosol release from fractured specimens, overcoming the limitations of existing personal exposure sampling devices.
Allows targeted sampling of solid phase aerosols within prescribed particle size ranges released during mechanical fracture.
Provides a system adaptable for a variety of materials and load scenarios, including spent nuclear fuel, concrete, asbestos, coal, and ceramics.
Facilitates estimation of the respirable fraction of aerosols generated during industrial, construction, or laboratory processes.
Offers options for both partial and complete enclosures, addressing different safety requirements and operational settings.
Documented Applications
Sampling aerosols released from fractured fuel rods to estimate the quantity of radioactive aerosols that could be released during transportation accidents.
Defining the respirable fraction of aerosols resulting from manufacturing processes such as forging.
Assessing aerosol generation during housing industry tasks including remediation or replacement of insulation or piping components.
Studying aerosols created when breaking down cardboard for recycling.
Use by industrial laboratories specializing in aerosol collection and characterization, such as for characterization of aerosols from medical inhalers.
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