The Portable In Situ Wind Erosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL): A new method to measure PM10 windblown dust properties and potential for emissions

A new device—the Portable In Situ Wind ERosion Lab (PI-SWERL)—for measuring the potential for wind erosion and dust emission from soil surfaces is described. The device uses an annular ring (inner diameter=39 cm, outer diameter=51 cm) that rotates 6 cm above the soil test surface. Dust and sand are mobilized by the shear created by the rotating ring. Dust concentrations within the chamber that encloses the annular ring are measured by light scattering, used as a surrogate for particulate matter mass concentrations. While the PI-SWERL does not realistically simulate natural wind erosion processes that are often driven by saltation, measurements with the device provide a robust index of wind erosion/dust emission potential. Compared to traditional field wind tunnels used for the same purpose, the PI-SWERL offers significant economy in size, portability, and ease of use.