Aerosol Neutralizers
Aerosol neutralizers are an essential piece of many aerosol research studies because aerosol particles dispersed by nebulization, combustion, or powder dispersion are usually electrostatically charged.
Normally, a high level of electrical charge is undesirable because it increases the particle loss to the walls of transport and sampling systems, or it can affect filter-efficiency measurements.
To ensure that instruments operating on the electrical mobility principle work properly, aerosol particles entering these instruments require an aerosol neutralizer to impart a predictable charge distribution to the aerosol particles.
Neutralizers can be separated into two categories based on how they charge the particles. One group is the radioactive neutralizers, which use the emission of alpha (positive) or beta (negative) particles from decaying radioactive elements to impart charge to the particles. The other group is the non-radioactive neutralizers, which use electricity to generate x-rays or produce high voltages that can charge the particles directly.
Radioactive Neutralizers | Non-Radioactive Neutralizers |
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Radioactive neutralizers have long been the standard method for charging aerosol particles due to their robustness. These neutralizers do not require power, so they operate continuously without operator intervention in the event of a power outage. We offer several different sizes and activity levels that cover the needs of most aerosol research applications. |
Increasingly stringent radiation safety policies can make owning or using a radioactive neutralizer difficult or expensive. TSI’s non-radioactive alternatives only neutralize aerosol when power is applied, so they can last longer for noncontinuous usage and generally do not require special permission to transport or purchase. |
Chose the Right Aerosol Neutralizer
Need help determining the right aerosol neutralizer for your application? This selection guide compares the specifications of the aerosol neutralizers, examples of their applications. Click here to read the Selection Guide!