UV absorption, laser excited fluorescence and direct sampling in the study of the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rich CH4/O2 flames

Real-time, ultrasensitive monitoring of air toxics by laser photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Gas phase concentrations of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in real time in combustion products from a co-flow diffusion flame using laser photoionization (LP) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF/MS). In particular, a naphthalene detection sensitivity of 4 parts per billion (ppb) was demonstrated. The use of calibration mixtures with argon indicated the feasibility of naphthalene detection at about 45 parts per trillion (ppt) at a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 20. This suggests the possibility of low-ppt level detection at a S/N of 1. The novelty of the system is the use of a heated sampling probe and a continuously purged, heated-pulse valve that was positioned close to the ionization zone, thereby allowing the generation of photoions in the high-density region of the sample jet, where concentrations of PAH are high. Because the system developed allows for the real time detection of select species, it represents a useful tool in continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) for environmental compliance as well as direct process control.

Determination of the wavelength dependence of refractive indices of flame soot

The spectral variation of the optical properties of soot particles is determined by combining classical and dynamic light scattering measurements with the Kramers-Krönig relations. Particle size and number densities are determined from scattering/extinction and autocorrelation measurements at the wavelength of 0.488 μm. This information is then combined with the spectral extinction measurements in the wavelength range 0.2 to 6.4 μm to determine the spectral variation of the refractive indices of flame soot. Results are presented for a premixed propane-oxygen flame with a fuel equivalence ratio ϕ = 1.8. The sensitivity of the technique and its advantage over the previous methods are discussed.