Measurement of total electric charge of submicrometer particles using a DBD charger coupled with a capacitive sensor

The objective of this experimental research work is to evaluate the efficiency of a capacitive system for particles charge measurement. The obtained results are used to assess the performance of an aerosol DBD charger based on the particle losses. The charge measurement system consists of a sensitive electrometer that determines the total charge of the particles flowing through a capacitive sensor, and a DBD charger that is used to charge particles at elevated levels. The results are compared to that obtained using an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI+). Experimental results show similar behavior of both detection instruments employed in this study. In particular, equivalent trend, order of magnitude and polarity of total charge are obtained for different status of the DBD charger (different frequency, voltage and geometry).