Multi-Component Coagulation and Condensation of Toxic Metals in Combustors

摘要

The paper gives results of an investigation of the temporal evolution of the size-segregated composition of multiple, heavy-metal, combustion-generated aerosols. The purpose was to gain insight into the competition between metal condensation and aerosol coagulation processes that affect the partitioning of toxic heavy metals during combustion and their impact on the environment. Experiments were conducted on a 12-16 kW downflow combustor, which supported a natural gas flame through which aqueous solutions of metal salts were sprayed. The behavior of both single metals and binary mixtures of lead and cadmium (Pb and Cd), both considered semivolatile, and of Cd and nickel (Ni), the latter of which is refractory, was investigated.