Numerical Estimates of Humidity in a Membrane–Filter Ice Nucleus Chamber

Abstract

A one-dimensional model was developed to examine humidity fields within a conditioning chamber for measuring ice nucleus concentrations on millipore filters. Representative concentrations of ice and cloud condensation nuclei were assumed, and the interplay among these growing particles (vapor sinks), the supply flux of vapor, and the resultant relative humidity at and above the filter surface investigated. The model suggests that water saturation is not achieved under typical operating conditions of such chambers. Maximum humidifies reached decrease with increasing numbers of either condensation or ice nuclei, thereby offering another possible explanation of the filter volume effect. Most favorable operating conditions for achieving highest chamber humidities are delineated. The results suggest that this technique is capable of detecting mixed condensation-freezing nuclei, deposition nuclei and some contact nuclei, with the former perhaps being most common not only in filter measurements but also in the atmosphere.