The smoke/aerosol is a mixture of a pure cosmetic grade of oil and carbon dioxide (any inert gas may be used as a propellant). Its generally harmless, non-irritant, non-flammable and leaves no contamination. When used correctly it is safe for use in all normal conditions. Breathing apparatus should be worn in confined spaces, avoid breathing smoke particles.

Tests undertaken by the Analytical Sciences Centre (PCB) at the Harwell Laboratory of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, have established the PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) content of the smoke/aerosol when the generator is set and operated correctly.

As the size of the smoke/aerosol particles are very small (MMD 0.3 microns) the smoke/aerosol diffuses into the air with little tendency to either rise or fall, to the extent that smoke/aerosol released in an enclosed space will remain suspended in the atmosphere for many hours. This provides the great advantage that there is virtually no contamination on surfaces with which the smoke/aerosol is in contact unless the smoke/aerosol stream is directed on the surface at close range where settlement can occur caused by particle impaction.


LASKIN AEROSOL GENERATORS

When used with high-sensitivity Aerosol Photometers. Aerosol Generators will quickly and efficiently reveal pinhole leaks in HEPA filters. Convenient and easy to operate, they are based on a laskin Nozzle apparatus, and create a liquid aerosol of consistent particle size distribution by shearing DOP (Dioctylphthalate) or any safe test material with externally supplied air.

The DOP method is the test recognised and universally accepted by industry and nuclear agencies around the world. DOP, a liquid plasticizer, is sheared by the generator nozzle and formed into an aerosol of approximately 0.82 light scattering mean diameter. These particles are diluted with air until a concentration of 100 micrograms per litre is reached and is passed into HEPA filter under test. The amount of challenge is detected by the Aerosol Photometer. A reading between 4.5 and 5 on the logarithmic scale of the photometer will provide excellent results.