The penetration of micron-sized spherical particles through ultrafine capillaries of short length

The penetration of 2 to 20 μm diameter glass microsphere aerosols is reported for short capillaries with lengths ranging from 5 to 20 mm and bore varying from 5 to 20 μm. The techniques used to investigate aerosol penetration were the same as reported previously for longer capillaries. Both sets of penetration data are important in assessing the potential leakage of airbone particles through seals of containers used to transport nuclear materials; in the most recent experiments the leak path lengths corresponded closely to the worst-case conditions of a straight breach in the elastomer seal of the container. (author)