Laskin Nozzle Generators

TDA-4B and TDA-4Blite

Operation and Maintenance
Manual
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 Generator Description
ATI manufactures portable Laskin nozzle aerosol generators which produce a sub-micron poly-
dispersed oil mist aerosol in concentrations from 10 to 100 micrograms per liter (µg/l) at air
flows from 50 to 8,100 cfm.

Aerosol generators and photometers are used to integrity test or locate leaks in high efficiency
air filtration systems. Filter manufacturers use this equipment to scan ULPA and HEPA filters
to verify they are free from manufacturing defects. Filter certifiers use this equipment to insure
that filters were not damaged in shipping and have been installed properly, eliminating any
leakage.

With the proper generator and photometer combination, filter deficiencies such as pinholes,
thin spots, gasket leaks, frame leaks or seal problems can be quickly and quantifiably
pinpointed and corrected thus protecting product and personnel.

The TDA-4B and TDA-4Blite feature several improvements over preceding units including
rugged stainless steel construction, larger fill ports, individual nozzle control, and a 3" standard
sanitary flange outlet. An optional hose adapter, part number 9300100, is available for
introducing the aerosol into positive pressure systems.

CAUTION
DO NOT EXCEED 100 psig INPUT PRESSURE

WARNING!
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE AEROSOL OUTLET BE
COMPLETELY BLOCKED DURING OPERATION. BLOCKAGE OF THE OUTLET
WILL CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE UNIT AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO
PERSONNEL!

NOTE
THE ORIENTATION OF THE NOZZLE CONTROL VALVE HANDLES IS THE
PRIMARY INDICATOR OF VALVES OFF/ON STATUS. VALVE HANDLES IN
THE HORIZONTAL POSITION INDICATE A CLOSED OR OFF POSITION.
VALVE HANDLES IN THE VERTICAL POSITION INDICATE AN OPEN OR ON
POSITION.

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 TDA-4B Features
The TDA-4B is the latest design in rugged, lightweight Laskin nozzle generators from ATI.
The TDA-4B is a small, compact aerosol generator that requires only a supply of clean,
compressed air to create poly-dispersed sub-micron oil aerosol.

The TDA-4B has 6 Laskin nozzles. When its total output at 20 psig is diluted by 810 cfm of
air, the aerosol concentration is approximately 100-ug/liter. Three valves permit the unit to be
operated with 1 to 6 nozzles, providing a wide range of aerosol concentrations.

The TDA-4B is recommended for testing systems with airflows of 8,100 cfm and lower. It is
ideal for workstations, Negative Pressure Filtration Units, bio-safety cabinets, ceiling modules,
small or portable cleanrooms, or HEPA filter units in installations where an adequate supply of
clean, compressed air is readily available.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TDA-4B AEROSOL GENERATOR (6 Laskin nozzle)

1. Unscrew LIQUID FILL cap located on top of cabinet and fill sight gauge to 3/4 full with
desired liquid aerosol agent. Do not overfill. Refill when the level falls to the halfway
point on the sight gauge.

2. Attach a source of clean, dry, compressed air to the filter/regulator air inlet. A shut-off
valve (ball-type) is recommended to turn the air to the unit on and off.

3. Turn air on and adjust the filter/regulator control knob, accordingly. To lock this
adjustment in, simply push down on control knob.

4. Varying aerosol output concentration.

1 Nozzle Valve #1 ON
Valve #2 OFF
Valve #3 OFF
2 Nozzle Valve #1 OFF
Valve #2 ON
Valve #3 OFF
3 Nozzle Valve #1 OFF
Valve #2 OFF
Valve #3 ON
4 Nozzle Valve #1 ON
Valve #2 OFF
Valve #3 ON
5 Nozzle Valve #1 OFF
Valve #2 ON
Valve #3 ON
6 Nozzle Valve #1 ON
Valve #2 ON
Valve #3 ON
NOTE: If more than 20 psig is used, the output concentration will increase and, conversely, if less than
20 psig is used, the output concentration will decrease. If using more than two (2) nozzles,
upstream concentrations should be measured.
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 TDA-4Blite Features
The TDA-4Blite is a smaller, lower capacity version of the TDA-4B that still retains all the
improved features. The TDA-4Blite was specifically designed for use in bio-safety cabinets. Its
small size and low cost make it the ideal generator for bio-safety cabinet testing and HEPA
filter vacuums.

The TDA-4Blite has 3 Laskin nozzles. Two valves permit the unit to operate with 1 to 3
nozzles to provide a wide range of aerosol concentrations.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TDA-4Blite AEROSOL GENERATOR (3 Laskin nozzle)

1. Unscrew LIQUID FILL cap located on top of cabinet and fill sight gauge to 3/4 full with
desired liquid aerosol agent. Do not overfill. Refill when the level falls to the halfway
point on the sight gauge.

2. Attach a source of clean, dry, compressed air to the filter/regulator air inlet. A shut-off
valve (ball-type) is recommended to turn the air to the unit on and off.

3. Turn air on and adjust the filter/regulator control knob, accordingly. To lock this
adjustment in, simply push down on control knob.

4. Varying aerosol output concentration.

1 Nozzle Valve #1 ON
Valve #2 OFF
2 Nozzle Valve #1 OFF
Valve #2 ON
3 Nozzle Valve #1 ON
Valve # 2 ON
NOTE: If more than 20 psig is used, the output concentration will increase and, conversely, if less than 20 psig
is used, the output concentration will decrease. If using more than two (2) nozzles, upstream
concentrations should be measured.

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TDA-4B Specifications
Aerosol Output Range: 50-8,100 cfm Aerosol Type: Polydispersed (Cold)
Aerosol Concentration 100 µg/1@ *810 cfm Size: 10” L × 11” W × 9” H
Aerosol Concentration 10 µg/1@ *8,100 cfm (25cm L × 28cm W × 23cm H)
Generator Type: 1 to 6 Laskin nozzles Weight-Pounds (lbs): 16 lbs.
Source Air: min 2.65 cfm/nozzle @ 20/23 psig Weight-Kilograms (kg): 7.3 kg
Electrical: (Not Required)

TDA-4Blite Specifications
Aerosol Output Range: 50-4,050 cfm Aerosol Type: Poly-dispersed (Cold)
Aerosol Concentration 100 µg/1@ 405 cfm Size: 10” L × 8” W × 9” H
Aerosol Concentration 10 µg/1@ 4,050 cfm (25cm L × 20cm W × 23cm H)
Generator Type: 1 to 3 Laskin nozzles Weight-Pounds (lbs): 12 lbs.
Source Air: min. 2.65 cfm/nozzle @ 20/23 psig Weight-Kilograms (kg): 5.5 kg
Electrical: (Not Required)

* Increased pressure results in increased aerosol concentration.

* If using more than two (2) nozzles, upstream concentrations should be measured.

Laskin Nozzle Aerosol Output Calculation

These models allow selection of either 1-3 or 1-6 Laskin nozzles using the “Nozzle Control”
valves. The aerosol concentration produced is dependent upon the nozzle pressure, the chosen
aerosol reagent and the volume of air used to dilute the raw aerosol produced.

The equation below is intended for calculating the aerosol concentration when required and
assumes a nozzle pressure of either 20 psi for DOP (DEHP) or 23 psi for PAO-4.
The results may be expressed as either micrograms per liter (µg/l) or milligrams per meter3
(mg/m3). Other aerosol reagents, and the required nozzle pressures, are listed in the table
below.
13,500 times the # of nozzles in use (1 through 6)

Total airflow (CFM)

Note: Adjustment of the nozzle pressure to accommodate the reagent in use is independent of
the photometer internal reference reagent setting.

Aerosol Reagent Nozzle Pressure (PSI)

DOS/DEHS (CAS 122-62-3) 24.4
white mineral oil (CAS 8042-47-5) 22
polyethylene glycol (CAS 24322-68-3) 26.6
paraffin oil (CAS 8012-95-1) 24.2
corn oil (CAS 8001-30-7) 23.4

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 Type III-A Laskin Nozzle Aerosol Distribution @ 23 PSI Using PAO-4 Oil

1.50

1.25

1.00
C o n c . ( d N # / c m ³) [ e 5 ]

0.75

0.50

0.25

0.00
10 100 1000
Diameter (nm)

Number Surface Mass

Particle Size Particle Size Particle Size Particle Size
median (nm) 227 401 518 518
mean (nm) 263 441 539 539
geo. Mean (nm) 229 392 492 492
mode (nm) 225 429 573 573
geo. St. dev. 1.68 1.65 1.57 1.57

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MAINTENANCE

5. If clean, dry, compressed air is used with this unit, little maintenance should be required.

2. Drain the compressed air filter/regulator daily, or more often, if required.

6. Yearly, under daily operation, drain all liquid and flush with a solvent to remove any
residue from the unit.

Note

BEFORE SHIPPING UNIT

7. Drain all liquid from unit.

2. Verify that the LIQUID FILL cap is tight.

8. Stuff aerosol outlet flange with liquid-absorbing cloth or paper to prevent residue from
damaging shipping container.

9. Tape or plug the compressed air inlet on air filter/regulator to prevent internal damage by
foreign material.

10. Package the unit in a triple wall carton with a minimum of 3 inches of loose packing fill on
all sides.

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 Air Techniques International
11403 Cronridge Drive, Suite 100
Owings Mills, Maryland USA
21117-2247
Phone : 410.363.9696
Fax: 410.363.9695
Email: info@[Link]
Website: [Link]

ACCESSORIES

ADAPTER KIT

Converts the 3”-sanitary outlet flange of all generators to ¾”-FNPT thread. No hose
terminations are supplied due to the high level of variability in requirements. ATI’s technical
support personnel are always willing and capable of sourcing or configuring hose termination
connections to suit a specific application.
The 9300100-adapter kit consists of the following:

1 piece 3” to ¾”-FNPT adapter plate

1 piece sanitary adapter clamp
1 piece sanitary adapter gasket
1 piece compression fitting, ¾” liquid tight conduit to ¾” MNPT

Liquid tight conduit is also available for purchase by the foot using part # 5200106.

AEROSOL REAGENTS

T100-0625 (5 gallon container) DOP / DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate)

T000-0795 (5 gallon container) PAO-4 (4 cSt Polyalphaolefin)

Please contact ATI’s customer service department for current pricing and delivery.

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Manual Revision History

The following is a revision history of the

TDA-4B & TDA-4Blite Laskin Nozzle Aerosol Generator
Operation and Maintenance Manual, P/N 1800188

Revision History:
Rev # Description and Rationale Ref # Date
K Removed references to 6C ERN2562 April 4, 2012
Clarify pressure requirements for
L calculating aerosol output. Misc. April 8, 2014
updates
M ATI Branding update April 29, 2016

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Notes

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Notes

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