Engineering Research Equipment Grant: Mass Particulate/ Organic Chlorine Monitoring System

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This proposal requests a real time mass monitor for the measurement of particles from a model combustor. The particle mass monitor is to be coupled to a halogen-specific detector for the analysis of organochlorine compounds, in particular polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF). There is evidence that the formation of PCDD/PCDF may occur heterogeneously and may be catalyzed over fly ash. Rate data for these complicated reactions are virtually nonexistent. A (almost) real time mass monitor would measure particles coming off the combustor (soot, fly ash) and enable the determination of mass rate of particle accumulation, total particle mass, and particle concentrations. If one or more of these measures correlate with levels of PCDD/PCDF or their precursors, a better understanding of the heterogeneous processes leading to their formation may be obtained. The equipment purchased will complement and greatly expand the capability to perform quantitative experiments aimed at understanding the formation of PCDD's and PCDF's from the combustion of chlorine containing fuels. A better understanding of the conditions under which PCDD and PCDF are formed is vital for meaningful incinerator design improvements that minimize their emission to the atmosphere.