Instrument Development for Real-Time Measurement of Particulate Concentration and Primary Particle Size in Diesel Engine Exhaust Using a Novel Implementation of Laser-Induced Incandescence

The objective of this project is to develop a laser-induced incandescence (LII) instrument for the real-time measurement of particulate concentration and primary particle size in diesel engine exhausts. Artium Technologies, Inc., will undertake a combined experimental-theoretical study during Phase I to establish the feasibility of the measurement approach. The efforts undertaken during Phase I will include: (1) development of a theoretical light-scattering model using the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans/Polydisperse Fractal Aggregate to describe the absorption and scattering of laser light by soot particles; (2) development of a soot heat transfer model; (3) development of a breadboard LII system; (4) investigation of the feasibility of using three-wavelength pyrometry for measuring the time-dependent temperature of soot when heated by a laser pulse; (5) investigation of the feasibility of measuring the primary particle size of soot; and (6) comparing the performance of the LII approach against the conventional gravimetric technique in a diesel engine exhaust. The Phase I efforts will establish the feasibility of developing a compact LII instrument for monitoring particulate emission. The potential for a measurement instrument of this kind is quite large and includes particulate emission measurement from diesel engines, gasoline injection engines, industrial burner, and carbon black production. Due to its large dynamic range, potential ease-of-use, and its rapid and fully automated operation, it is ideally suited for emissions monitoring, control, and environmental law enforcement. The device also has the capability of evolving into a real-time feedback of the soot emission information, allowing real-time adjustment of the combustion parameters in diesel, gas turbine, and power plant combustors.