NANO drum developments

In this article, we will highlight the latest of our NANOdrum Development. Designed specifically to measure nanodust. This innovative technology represents a significant step forward in our ability to detect airborne nanoparticles, which are increasingly important across various industries. We are proud to announce that Delft Solids Solutions won second place in its category at the 2020 NENovation Awards, recognizing our commitment to excellence and innovation.

Now, it is time to share this exciting update on our progress with the NANOdrum. This cutting-edge solution is not only enhancing our capabilities but also addressing a critical need within the industry. As regulations around nanotechnology tighten, the demand for reliable and accurate detection methods continues to grow. The NANOdrum is poised to play a vital role in ensuring compliance with emerging standards, thereby helping companies maintain product safety and quality.

We are eager to showcase how the NANOdrum will impact our industry and improve our clients’ processes. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into its features, benefits, and the potential it holds for advancing nanotechnology research and application.

Nanotechnology is becoming increasingly integral to various industries, with nanoparticles now found in numerous products. To improve the detection of airborne nanoparticles, the European Commission has adopted the EN 17199-4 standard, which outlines a specific research setup for identifying these particles. However, this technology is not currently available on the market.

Over the past year, Delft Solids Solutions has actively developed the NANOdrum to address this critical need. This innovative solution aims to provide accurate detection and analysis of airborne nanoparticles, thereby supporting compliance with the new standard. By focusing on this development, we strive to enhance safety and quality across industries that utilize nanotechnology.

Nanoparticles are extremely small particles with dimensions smaller than 100 nm. Most materials produced as bulk powder likely contain these nanoparticles. In contrast, nanomaterials are manufactured on a wide industrial scale.

A common example of a nanomaterial is nanosilver, known for its disinfectant properties. This material is used in various applications, including refrigerator walls and the production of socks.

Another widely used nanomaterial is titanium dioxide (TiO2). This substance serves as a whitening agent in products like paper and paint. Interestingly, smaller particles of TiO2 enhance the aesthetic appeal of paint. Additionally, TiO2 is found in food supplements and medicines. However, the most undesirable form of nanoparticles is nano dust, which poses health and safety concerns.

The presence of airborne dust particles in powder materials is often studied using the rotating drum method, in accordance with the EN 15051-2 standard. In this method, the drum releases airborne particles and directs them into an air stream. This airflow transports the particles to a specialized filter section, where they are separated and collected.

As a result, the process generates three distinct fractions: inhalable dust (particles smaller than 100 micrometers), thoracic dust (particles smaller than 30 micrometers), and respirable dust (particles smaller than 10 micrometers). However, it remains unclear whether this measuring method accurately captures nanoparticles. In any case, nanoparticles cannot be measured and quantified separately using this approach.

Regarding nanotechnology, the European Union serves as the world’s leading authority on material identification standards. Over the past 20 years, the EU has solidified its regulations and registration requirements for various substances.

Companies must strictly follow the explicit criteria established by the European Commission. The new EN 17199-4 standard outlines a method for releasing and analyzing airborne nanoparticles. Approved in 2019, this standard is already used by several authorities as a guideline for identifying and classifying potentially present nanoparticles. Additionally, it addresses the analysis of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 micrometers.

The instrument described in this standard helps companies determine whether nanoparticles are present in their current or new products. In response to these regulatory demands, Delft Solids Solutions developed a working model to test nano dust particles for commercial analytical use. This initiative provides our clients with a reliable method to comply with stringent European legislation.

The EN 17199-4 standard describes an instrument that uses a rotating drum to simulate various workplace actions. This setup involves a complex sequence of expensive commercial analysis instruments and specialized components, including the rotating stainless steel drum. Additionally, we have introduced specialized detectors that count and separate airborne nanoparticles by size.

Our goal is to develop a fully functional setup based on this standard. However, many required items are specialized and not commercially available. They also cannot be simulated using existing equipment. Therefore, the Delft Solids Solutions team has taken on the challenge of building this research setup in-house.

By pursuing this initiative, we aim to become a service provider that effectively addresses the challenges the powder industry faces in complying with the EN 17199-4 standard. To achieve this goal, we are collaborating with companies both in the Netherlands and abroad to meet the specifications outlined in the standard. We will utilize various techniques, including 3D printing, to bring this innovative model to fruition.

During the week of July 19th, Delft Solids Solutions director Louk Peffer met with the professor who co-wrote the new EN 17199-4 standard. This meeting focused on refining the details and finalizing the standard’s implementation. Engaging with the professor provided valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework, which is crucial for developing our NANOdrum.

We anticipate having an operational model ready for beta testing by October 2021. This timeline highlights our dedication to innovation and quality. Our team is diligently working to ensure that every aspect of the NANOdrum aligns with the stringent requirements outlined in the EN 17199-4 standard.

This collaboration is vital because it ensures our setup meets the highest standards for detecting airborne nanoparticles. By working closely with experts in the field, we are committed to delivering a reliable and effective solution that adheres to the latest regulatory requirements. This effort not only enhances our technological capabilities but also supports our clients in navigating the complexities of nanotechnology regulations.

Furthermore, our proactive approach in developing the NANOdrum positions us as a leader in nanoparticle detection. We believe this innovative instrument will significantly impact various industries by providing precise measurements and contributing to safer practices in handling nanomaterials. We look forward to sharing the results of our beta testing and demonstrating the NANOdrum’s capabilities in real-world applications.