A Simple μ-PTV Setup to Estimate Single-Particle Charge of Triboelectrically Charged Particles

Triboelectric separation is a useful phenomenon that can be used to separate fine powders. To design technical devices or evaluate the potential of powders to be triboelectrically separated, knowledge about the charge distribution on a single-particle level has to be obtained. To estimate the single-particle charge distribution in an application-oriented way, a simple μ-PTV system was developed. The designed setup consists of a dispersing and a charging unit using a Venturi nozzle and a tube, respectively, followed by a separation chamber. In the separation chamber, a homogenous electrical field leads to a deflection of the particles according to their individual charge. The trajectories of the particles are captured on single frames using microscope optics and a high-speed camera with a defined exposure time. The particles are illuminated using a laser beam combined with a cylindrical lens. The captured images enable simultaneous measurement of positively and negatively charged particles. The charge is calculated assuming a mean particle mass derived from the mean particle size. Initial experiments were carried out using starch of different botanical origins and protein powder. Single-component experiments with starch powders show very different charge distributions for positively and negatively charged particles, whereas protein powder shows bipolar charging. Different starch-protein mixtures show similar patterns for positive and negative charge distributions

Tomo-PIV in a patient-specific model of human nasal cavities: a methodological approach

The human nose serves as the primary gateway for air entering the respiratory system and plays a vital role in breathing. Nasal breathing difficulties are a significant health concern, leading to substantial healthcare costs for patients. Understanding nasal airflow dynamics is crucial for comprehending respiratory mechanisms. This article presents a detailed study using tomo-Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to investigate nasal airflow dynamics while addressing its accuracy. Embedded in the OpenNose project, the work described aims to provide a validation basis for different numerical approaches to upper airway flow. The study includes the manufacturing of a transparent silicone model based on a clinical CT scan, refractive index matching to minimize optical distortions, and precise flow rate adjustments based on physiological breathing cycles. This method allows for spatial high-resolution investigations in different regions of interest within the nasopharynx during various phases of the breathing cycle. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the investigations, enabling detailed analysis of flow structures and gradients. This spatial high-resolution tomo-PIV approach provides valuable insights into the complex flow phenomena occurring during the physiological breathing cycle in the nasopharynx. The study’s findings contribute to advancements in non-free-of-sight experimental flow investigation of complex cavities under nearly realistic conditions. Furthermore, reliable and accurate experimental data is crucial for properly validating numerical approaches that compute this patient-specific flow for clinical purposes