An instrument used for the classification of aerosols according to size and for possible subsequent chemical analysis. Air is drawn through a series of orifices of decreasing size; the air flow is normal to collecting surfaces on which aerosols are collected by inertial impaction. The particles, separated stepwise by their momentum differences into a number of size ranges, are collected simultaneously.

The invention relates to low flow rate cascade impactors for sampling aerosols, notably but not limited to pharmaceutical aerosols. The impactor stages serve as both orifice plate and collecting cup, simplifying collection and analysis. The impactor is designed to operate at flow rates approximating the inspiratory flow rates of young children and infants. Also presented is a method of and apparatus for applying a coating material to the collection surface of the stages after an impactor is assembled for use. The method entails generation of a polydisperse aerosol and sampling into the impactor. The coating substance improves the trapping of particles on the stages. The apparatus and method of application limit the amount of coating material applied and confines it to the regions of particle impact opposite the stage orifices.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2010/0288057.html

http://old.iupac.org/goldbook/C00869.pdf