A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy/Gas Chromatography (FT- IR/GC) analysis system has been requested. This FT-IR/GC is unique in that it permits separation, identification, and quantification of isomeric compounds and selected unstable radical intermediate species, which are either difficult or impossible to measure using conventional GC and GC/MS techniques. The proposed system consists of a high performance spectrometer, matched computer post-processing hardware and software, a gas chromatograph, and an optical fiber probe to allow in situ measurements of reacting gas composition in different combustion environments. The instrument package will make the analysis of certain key unstable combustion intermediates feasible for the first time. As such, the new FT-IR/GC system will significantly enhance the present diagnostic capabilities of the Fuels Research Laboratory and increase future research capabilities and flexibility.
