Investigation of a Device Using Radiation to Charge and Collect Particulate Matter

Early attempts to charge and collect dust particles by radiation ionization were unsuccessful because of the unavailability of suitable strength radiation sources and proper geometries. This paper describes a series of experiments using an ionization chamber precipitator which indicates that suitable charging can be obtained from a 165-Ci radioactive ⁶⁰Co source. Collection efficiencies of 70% have been measured with a nonoptimum geometry. The measurements were made using high resistivity salt particles, aerosol formed, having a median diameter of 0.7μm. Theoretical considerations indicate that higher efficiencies can be obtained by changing electrode spacing in the ionization chamber precipitator.