Kr-85-370

Defined charge distribution for SMPS measurements

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Kr-85-370

Defined charge distribution for SMPS measurements

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Description

The Kr-85 Neutralizer is a bipolar neutralizer that generates positive and negative ions through ionization with the emitted β radiation. Suppose these ions are brought together with an aerosol; a defined equilibrium charge distribution is established, as is necessary for measuring systems, such as scanning mobility particle sizers (e.g., Palas® U-SMPS system). This neutralizer is available in two versions with different activities, 75 MBq, and 370 MBq.

Compared to unipolar neutralization, bipolar neutralization has a significant advantage: regardless of the initial state of charge of the particles, a reproducible equilibrium charge distribution is always established. Bipolar neutralization is mandatory for traceable calibration of a condensation particle counter (e.g., ISO / CD 27891).

As the Kr-85 neutralizer is an enclosed radioactive source, additional requirements for documentation and handling regarding radiation protection should be considered. Should you have any questions, we would gladly support and advise you. Regarding the dangers of Kr-85, the following can be said: "Krypton 85 (Kr-85) is a radioactive noble gas. When released, it is practically not absorbed by the body; inhaled Kr-85 is exhaled again. [...] Kr-85 is a radioactive substance with a relatively low radiotoxicity. When Kr-85 is released, it is [generally] sufficient to provide ventilation of the working area for a short while." [KomNet scientific database dialog 6753]

Defined charge distribution for SMPS measurements

The Kr-85 noble gas is located inside a hermetically sealed stainless steel container integrated into a metal cylinder. The aerosol passes through the neutralizer in the space between the stainless steel container and the metal cylinder (see Fig. 1).

Schematische Darstellung des Neutralisierers

Fig. 1: Schematic of the neutralizer

Moving through the metal cylinder, the aerosol carrier gas is ionized by high-energy radioactive radiation. As a first result of the ionization process, positively charged gas ions and free electrons are generated. Neutral gas molecules with a strong electron affinity (e.g., O2) collect the free electrons to form negatively charged ions. When, at this point, aerosol particles are exposed to this mixture of ions for a sufficient period, the charge level of the aerosol particles establishes a defined equilibrium charge distribution. To calculate this distribution, nowadays, the Wiedensohler approximation (1988) of the Gunn and Fuchs equations is used almost exclusively (see Figs. 2 and 3):

Gunn und Fuchs

with: N = number of elementary charges on the particle (-1, 0, +1)

ai = Wiedensohler coefficient

Dp particle diameter in nm

Handling and disposal

The Kr-85 neutralizer is an enclosed radioactive source. It is sent directly from the manufacturer to the customer after receipt of a handling permit and the EURATOM 1493 form.

The regulations concerning radiation protection are slightly different in every country. In Germany, radiation protection is a matter for the individual federal states. Please contact the competent authority to obtain information on the handling, storage, transport, and disposal regulations. The Palas® radiation safety officers would be pleased to help you with this question.

Kr-85-57_Kr-85-370

Fig. 2: Schematic of the equilibrium charge distribution established during bipolar neutralization

Charge probability fq[-]

dp [nm]
q=-5
q=-4
q=-3
q=-2
q=-1
q=0
q=1
q=2
q=3
q=4
q=5
2
0.0083
0.9742
0.0075
5
0.0225
0.9693
0.0189
10
0.0514
0.9124
0.0411
20
0.1096
0.7931
0.0846
50
0.0114
0.2229
0.5814
0.1696
0.0066
100
0.0001
0.0037
0.0561
0.2793
0.4259
0.2138
0.0317
0.0017
200
0.0005
0.0053
0.0340
0.1211
0.2641
0.2991
0.2043
0.0719
0.0153
0.0018
0.0001
500
0.0207
0.0504
0.0980
0.1490
0.1816
0.1818
0.1403
0.0891
0.0440
0.0173
0.0054
1000
0.0584
0.0854
0.1113
0.1261
0.1385
0.1235
0.1039
0.0754
0.0500
0.0293
0.0154

Fig. 3: Table with selected electrical charging probabilities during bipolar neutralization


Extensions/Accessories

Upon request, Palas® offers an additional lead-lined housing free of charge, where the Kr-85 neutralizer can be put during operation. Should you be interested in a non-radioactive neutralizer, please contact us for more details and the best possible advice.

Benefits

  • Reliable method for defined charge neutralization
  • Long lifetime
  • Low maintenance
  • Low operation costs

Datasheet

Volume flow Up to 5 l/min
Housing Stainless steel
Weight 500 g
Aerosol outlet connection Øinside= 4 mm, Øoutside = 6.5 mm
Activity of the radiator 370 MBq
Type of radiation β-radiation
Operation principle Ionisation of air molecules by radioactive radiation
Half-life period of the radiator 10.8 years
Aerosol inlet connection Øinside= 4 mm, Øoutside = 6.5 mm
Dimensions 38.3 • 220 mm (Ø • L)

Case Studies

  • Neutralization for SMPS systems
  • Neutralization for filter test systems
  • Neutralization for diverse measuring tasks and to avoid particle losses due to electrostatic deposition

Downloads

Brief Description
Brief product description in two-pages as PDF
Product Description
Detailed product description as PDF

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