Kinetic modeling of artifacts in the measurement of N/sub 2/O from combustion sources

The N/sub 2/O emissions from combustion systems, especially coal-fired utility boilers, has been a matter of increasing concern because N/sub 2/O contributes both to the greenhouse effect and to ozone depletion. Unfortunately, all measurements of these emissions to date have involved sampling procedures that allowed the flue gas to age prior to N/sub 2/O analysis. In this article the authors report a computer modeling study of the chemical reactions which occur during the aging of flue gas samples. These reactions can produce N/sub 2/O in the amounts observed and there is no need to assume that N/sub 2/O was initially present.