Online analysis of combustion processes
On-line combustion analysis is performed with mobile, field-ready time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOFMS) equipped with a Nd:YAG laser for photoionization. Two different ionization methods are used: Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) at 266 nm is a selective and sensitive ionization technique for aromatic and polyaromatic compounds. These aromatic compounds absorb photons at 266 nm and enter an electronically excited state. Single photon ionization (SPI) at 118 nm is a more universal ionization technique that can ionize any compound with an ionization energy below the photon energy. Both SPI and REMPI produce predominantly molecular ions, which simplifies the interpretation of mass spectra of complex mixtures.
The research focus is on the study of volatile emissions from wood stoves and (marine) diesel engines. The latter are studied in collaboration with the Chair of Piston Engines and Internal Combustion Engines (LKV) at the University of Rostock. Relationships between emissions and different fuels such as heavy fuel oil and diesel as well as variations in engine conditions are among the research topics.
The high temporal resolution of the SPI/REMPI-TOFMS allows access to dynamic combustion scenarios in the real world and the detection of individual species in real time. This allows the identification of temporally resolved emission maxima and rapid shifts in the emission profile.
Online analysis of combustion processes
On-line combustion analysis is performed with mobile, field-ready time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOFMS) equipped with a Nd:YAG laser for photoionization. Two different ionization methods are used: Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) at 266 nm is a selective and sensitive ionization technique for aromatic and polyaromatic compounds. These aromatic compounds absorb photons at 266 nm and enter an electronically excited state. Single photon ionization (SPI) at 118 nm is a more universal ionization technique that can ionize any compound with an ionization energy below the photon energy. Both SPI and REMPI produce predominantly molecular ions, which simplifies the interpretation of mass spectra of complex mixtures.
The research focus is on the study of volatile emissions from wood stoves and (marine) diesel engines. The latter are studied in collaboration with the Chair of Piston Engines and Internal Combustion Engines (LKV) at the University of Rostock. Relationships between emissions and different fuels such as heavy fuel oil and diesel as well as variations in engine conditions are among the research topics.
The high temporal resolution of the SPI/REMPI-TOFMS allows access to dynamic combustion scenarios in the real world and the detection of individual species in real time. This allows the identification of temporally resolved emission maxima and rapid shifts in the emission profile.