Improved plasma torch and data analysis software for an on-line, multielement ICP spectrometer designed for application to high temperature and pressure fossil fuel process streams.

摘要

Rising concerns about the potential release of harmful elements into the environment from coal utilization have driven the development of new analytical capabilities. Especially useful to the suite of advanced technologies under development by the Morgantown Energy Technology Canter, (METC), would be a process monitor to perform real-time, multi-clement trace analysis in a high temperature and high pressure environment. The inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer has the potential to perform this kind of process monitoring. The role of the inductively coupled plasma, (ICP) as a process stream monitor for trace elements is only beginning to be realized, although it has been widely used for a number of years as a spectrometric emission source in elemental analysis laboratories. The shortcomings of conventional ICP systems plumbed directly to high temperature and pressure process systems have been previously discussed. Our previously reported torch design solved these problems, but suffered from a tendency for the plasma to erode some of the O-rings after several hours of operation. The new torch will be made of a insulating ceramic capable of direct connection to a hot sample line, but which also minimizes the tendency of the discharge to follow plasma gas leaks towards around. Also, the design protects some of the O-rings by providing water cooling between the O-rings and the hotter parts of the torch.