TS 15. Filtration and Aerosol Sampling

Presented by: Bill Lindsley

Location: Mesilla

Abstract: Filtration is the most widely used method for collecting aerosol samples. This tutorial will present an overview of aerosol filtration theory and the implications of the different aerosol collection mechanisms. The tutorial will then discuss some of the practical aspects of collecting aerosol samples by filtration. Topics will include common types of filters; selecting a filter for aerosol sampling; the meaning of filter pore size; losses due to wall deposition and sampling lines; cassette leakage; electrostatic concerns; size-selective sampling; sampling pump considerations; filter sampling for bioaerosols; workplace aerosol sampling; stationary vs. personal aerosol sampling; recovery of aerosol samples from filters; and sources of aerosol sampling protocols and information.

Presenter Bio: Bill Lindsley received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and his PhD in Bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego. He is currently a research biomedical engineer at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Lindsley studies the role of infectious aerosols in the transmission of diseases. He designed the NIOSH two-stage cyclone aerosol sampler which has been used to sample the air for airborne influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 virus, and other pathogens. His group has collected coughed and exhaled aerosols from influenza patients and examined the amount of virus contained in these samples. Dr. Lindsley also designed the NIOSH respiratory aerosol simulator, which is used to study how well face masks and other face coverings block aerosols produced by coughing and breathing from being expelled into the environment and how well different measures like face masks, room ventilation and portable air cleaners reduce exposure to these aerosols.: Filtration is the most widely used method for collecting aerosol samples. This tutorial will present an overview of aerosol filtration theory and the implications of the different aerosol collection mechanisms. The tutorial will then discuss some of the practical aspects of collecting aerosol samples by filtration. Topics will include common types of filters; selecting a filter for aerosol sampling; the meaning of filter pore size; losses due to wall deposition and sampling lines; cassette leakage; electrostatic concerns; size-selective sampling; sampling pump considerations; filter sampling for bioaerosols; workplace aerosol sampling; stationary vs. personal aerosol sampling; recovery of aerosol samples from filters; and sources of aerosol sampling protocols and information.