On the bipolar charge distribution used for mobility particle sizing: Theoretical considerations

An essential part of mobility particle size spectroscopy is the prediction of the aerosol charge distribution in a highly concentrated bipolar ion environment. This charge distribution can be readily calculated, but is depending on several environmental conditions. These influences are investigated theoretically. The first part of this work deals with a sensitivity analysis using the Fuchs model (Fuchs, 1963) to determine the variation of the resulting charge distributions depending on the input parameters. It is demonstrated, that the main influencing variable is the difference between the positive and negative ion mobility. A sensitivity analysis reveals that a reasonable variation of the ion mobilities may lead to variations of the particle density distribution up to±20%. The second part investigates the evolution of the charge distribution along the tubing downstream of the bipolar charger exit starting with equal ion concentrations for positive and negative ions. Due to wall losses depending on ion mobility a non-equilibrium charge distribution is developing along the plumbing. The evolution of the particle charge distribution is determined using a coupled population balance model. Even though the non-equilibrium character is clearly shown, it turns out that this effect is negligible at conditions typical for particle size measurements.