Orthogonal optimization design of structural parameters for bioaerosol sampler using computational fluid dynamics simulation and field experiments

Aerosol-to-hydrosol biological samplers have a low particle collection rate and aerosol-to-liquid efficiency owing to their airflow rate and geometry. The study develops a method to optimize the design of an aerosol-to-hydrosol bioaerosol sampler for better particle-collection efficiency. Four important performance parameters-particle size, nozzle angle, liquid container shape, and distance between nozzle and liquid surface-were optimized using the orthogonal design method. These parameters, along with the particle-capturing characteristics, were predicted using an approach based on computational fluid dynamics. Subsequently, this approach was used to test the bioaerosol's capture efficiency. A prototype based on the optimized geometrical design was 3D-printed and tested in a field experiment. The most optimal parameters were particle size = 10 mu m; inverted cone shape; liquid-level-nozzle distance = 10 mm; and angle = 45 degrees. Copyright (c) 2020 American Association for Aerosol Research