Apparatus for studying premixed laminar flames using mass spectrometry and fiber‐optic spectrometry

An integrated flat‐flame/ microprobe sampling quadrupole mass spectrometer system, complemented by optical spectrometry based on optical fibers, is presented. The short microprobe sampling line (total 25 cm) is directly connected to an open ion source closely flanked by two nude cryopumps (900 l/s) yielding a background pressure of 10−9 Torr and a sampling pressure of about 10−5 Torr. Due to this improved microprobe system, mass spectrometry can be used for analysis of stable species (including fuel, O2, H2O, CO2, CO, and Ar) with less disturbance of the sample than with a conventional microprobe with a back pressure of about 1 Torr. Optical spectrometry is used for the study of emission from important radical species (such as C2, CH, and OH). The system is proposed as a complement to more conventional flat‐flame/MBMS systems in which the sampling cone can effect the experimental system. Details are provided concerning the configuration of the whole system ranging from gas delivery to data evaluation. Test data are presented for a 16% methanol/68% oxygen/16% argon flame studied at a pressure of 40 Torr, to elucidate the special features of this system.