IMPINGER Meaning and
Definition
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An impinger is a device or apparatus used in scientific laboratories and industries to collect airborne particles or gas molecules for analysis or further processing. It typically consists of a glass or metal tube with multiple small openings or nozzles where the sample-carrying fluid enters. The impinger is designed to capture and trap the targeted particles or gas components by impaction or absorption.
In impaction-based impingers, the fluid flow causes the particles or gas molecules to impact on the collection surfaces within the device. This can be achieved by using various mechanisms such as centrifugal force, pressure differentials, or a series of baffles. The particles become trapped within the liquid, while the gas molecules dissolve or react with the fluid.
Absorption-based impingers, on the other hand, utilize a chemical solution within the device to absorb specific gas components. The fluid absorbs the gases by dissolving them into its molecular structure, allowing subsequent analysis or removal of the absorbed substances.
Impingers play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, air quality assessment, pharmaceutical research, and industrial processes. They are used to capture and analyze fine particulate matter, aerosols, volatile organic compounds, noxious gases, and other airborne contaminants.
Overall, impingers serve as efficient sampling tools, allowing scientists and engineers to study contaminants, measure pollution levels, assess health risks, and develop or evaluate control measures to mitigate their impact on the environment and human health.
Etymology of IMPINGER
The word "impinger" is derived from the verb "impinge", which dates back to the late 16th century. "Impinge" has Latin roots, originating from the verb "impingere", which means "dash against" or "thrust at". In Latin, "impingere" is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "into") and the verb "pingere" (meaning "to paint" or "to fasten"). Over time, "impinge" developed into the noun "impinger", which refers to a device or tool used to force a substance or gas into another material for various purposes such as scientific experiments or industrial processes.
