This equipment grant will be used to purchase a Fourier Transform Infrared Analyzer (FTIR) which will be used to support several research projects. In one project, a jet- stirred reactor will be used to simulate fuel-rich flame conditions within incinerators where stable byproducts tend to be formed; this equipment will be used to identify and measure such byproducts from the combustion of surrogate waste compounds. In a second project, measurements will be made of hydrocarbon and partially oxidized hydrocarbon (e.g, aldehyde) species appearing near the lean limit in advanced gas turbine combustion processes. While thermal incineration, if done properly, is an attractive means of destroying hazardous wastes, the potential generation of toxic byproducts presents a severe limitation on application of this technology. Identification of species appearing under various operating conditions and waste feed conditions is very important to advancing use of this technology. Advanced combustors achieve low NOx emissions by operating under lean, premixed conditions, where low peak temperatures strongly reduce thermal NOx formation. However, under these conditions, the combustor is operating very near the lean blowout limit and unburned hydrocarbon emissions can become very important. Formaldehyde and other aldehydes, due to their toxicity, present particular potential problems; accordingly, it is very important to identify their presence as a function of various fuel feed and operating parameters.
