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At least 487 records · Page 27

Altitude characteristics of selected air quality analyzers

The effects of altitude (pressure) on the operation and sensitivity of various air quality analyzers frequently flown on aircraft were analyzed. Two ozone analyzers were studied at altitudes from 600 to 7500 m and a nitrogen oxides chemiluminescence detector and a sulfur dioxide flame photometric detector were studied at altitudes from 600 to 3000 m. Calibration curves for altitude corrections to the sensitivity of the instruments are presented along with discussion of observed instrument behavior.

White, J. H.↗

The stratcom 8 effort

The ozone-nitrogen oxides ultraviolent flux interactions were investigated to obtain data on stratospheric photochemistry. The balloon, rocket, and aircraft operations are described along with the instruments, parameter measurements, and payloads.

Reed, E. I.↗

Durability testing at 5 atmospheres of advanced catalysts and catalyst supports for gas turbine engine combustors

The durability of CATCOM catalysts and catalyst supports was experimentally demonstrated in a combustion environment under simulated gas turbine engine combustor operating conditions. A test of 1000 hours duration was completed with one catalyst using no. 2 diesel fuel and operating at catalytically-supported thermal combustion conditions. The performance of the catalyst was determined by monitoring emissions throughout the test, and by examining the physical condition of the catalyst core at the conclusion of the test. Tests were performed periodically to determine changes in catalytic activity of the catalyst core. Detailed parametric studies were also run at the beginning and end of the durability test, using no. 2 fuel oil. Initial and final emissions for the 1000 hours test respectively were: unburned hydrocarbons (C3 vppm):0, 146, carbon monoxide (vppm):30, 2420; nitrogen oxides (vppm):5.7, 5.6.

Olson, B. A.↗

Preliminary studies of combustor sensitivity to alternative fuels

Combustion problems associated with using alternative fuels ground power and aeropropulsion applications were studied. Rectangular sections designed to simulate large annular combustor test conditions were examined. The effects of using alternative fuels with reduced hydrogen content, increased aromatic content, and a broad variation in fuel property characteristics were also studied. Data of special interest were collected which include: flame radiation characteristics in the various combustor zones; the correponding increase in liner temperature from increased radiant heat flux; the effect of fuel bound nitrogen on oxides of nitrogen (NO sub x) emissions; and the overall total effect of fuel variations on exhaust emissions.

Humenik, F. M.↗

Observational and theoretical evidence in support of a significant in-situ photochemical source of tropospheric ozone

The latitudinal and seasonal variation of ozone in the troposphere is discussed. Of particular interest is the asymmetrical behavior of this gas with respect to the two hemispheres. These asymmetries, when coupled with a diagnostic photochemical model of the troposphere, lends support to the view that ozone cannot be viewed as an inert tracer of stratospheric origin. In the calculations it is noted that it is likely that the budgets of carbon monoxide and tropospheric ozone may be quite dependent on each other and the calculations are discussed in light of the uncertainty which currently exists about representative global tropospheric background concentrations of the nitrogen oxides. In addition, the seasonal variation of excess (C-14)O2 (a stratospheric tracer) is examined and compared with the seasonal ozone variation during the same period of observations at the same location and altitudes. The distinct maxima for ozone found during the summer in the lower troposphere are not present for the (C-14)O2 data. This finding likewise suggests that photochemical processes taking place in the troposphere are an important source term for tropospheric ozone.

Fishman, J.↗

Effect of off-design operation of MHD generators on NO/x/ chemical kinetics

The purpose of this study is to provide a capability for determining the chemical kinetic behavior of one family of pollutants, the nitrogen oxides, in the flow of a coal-fired MHD generator facility. The method used in the study allows the prediction of the nonequilibrium concentration of the minor NO(x) species in a flow otherwise assumed in equilibrium. Consideration is given to the effect of preheat, stoichiometry, and oxygen enrichment of the NO(x) concentration. The effect of preheat and stoichiometry is found to have a significant influence on the NO(x) concentration at the exit of the radiant boiler.

Simmons, G. A.↗

Atomizing characteristics of swirl can combustor modules with swirl blast fuel injectors

Cold flow atomization tests of several different designs of swirl can combustor modules were conducted in a 7.6 cm diameter duct at airflow rates (per unit area) of 7.3 to 25.7 g/sq cm sec and water flow rates of 6.3 to 18.9 g/sec. The effect of air and water flow rates on the mean drop size of water sprays produced with the swirl blast fuel injectors were determined. Also, from these data it was possible to determine the effect of design modifications on the atomizing performance of various fuel injector and air swirler configurations. The trend in atomizing performance, as based on the mean drop size, was then compared with the trends in the production of nitrogen oxides obtained in combustion studies with the same swirl can combustors.

Ingebo, R. D.↗

Ozone, ultraviolet flux and temperature of the paleoatmosphere

The development of surface and atmospheric levels of paleoatmospheric ozone is calculated by means of a detailed photochemical model and used to determine the levels of ultraviolet flux to the surface and the surface and atmospheric temperatures of the primitive earth. The model takes into account the chemistry of oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen species and the effects of vertical transport in an atmosphere originally composed of as much N2, H2O and CO2 as the present atmosphere to which O2 is added to calculate the vertical profiles of O3 and nitrogen oxides as a function of O2 content. Calculations show that as oxygen content increases from 0.0001 to 1 times its present value, the height of the ozone peak moves from 5 to 25 km, and that maximum ozone densities are achieved for an O2 level of 0.1 times the present. Calculations of solar UV absorption by atmospheric species indicate the presence of a UV window between 200 and 220 nm that closed only when O2 reached 0.01 times its present level. Finally, calculations made using a radiative-convective model reveal that O3 levels corresponding to an O2 level of 0.1 times the present result in a globally averaged surface temperature increase of about 4.5 K for the present solar constant.

Levine, J. S.↗

Modification of the ECAS reference steam power generating plant to comply with the EPA 1979 new source performance standards

Detailed capital cost estimates for the ECAS and modified reference plants in mid-1978 dollars for both 250 and 175 F (394 and 353 K) stack gas reheat temperatures based on the cost estimates developed for the ECAS study are presented. The scope of the work included technical assessment of sulfur dioxide scrubber system design, on site calcination versus purchased lime, reheat of stack gas, effect of sulfur dioxide scrubber on particulate emission, and control of nitrogen oxides.

Fogelson, S. A.↗

Ultra-lean combustion at high inlet temperatures

Combustion at inlet air temperatures of 1100 to 1250 K was studied for application to advanced automotive gas turbine engines. Combustion was initiated by the hot environment, and therefore no external ignition source was used. Combustion was stabilized without a flameholder. The tests were performed in a 12 cm diameter test section at a pressure of 2.5 x 10 to the 5th power Pa, with reference velocities of 32 to 60 m/sec and at maximum combustion temperatures of 1350 to 1850 K. Number 2 diesel fuel was injected by means of a multiple source fuel injector. Unburned hydrocarbons emissions were negligible for all test conditions. Nitrogen oxides emissions were less than 1.9 g NO2/kg fuel for combustion temperatures below 1680 K. Carbon monoxide emissions were less than 16 g CO/kg fuel for combustion temperatures greater than 1600 K, inlet air temperatures higher than 1150 K, and residence times greater than 4.3 microseconds.

Anderson, D. N.↗

Ultra-lean combustion at high inlet temperatures

Combustion at inlet-air temperatures of 1100 to 1250 K was studied for application to advanced automotive gas turbine engines. Combustion was initiated by the hot environment, and therefore no external ignition source was used. Combustion was stabilized without a flameholder. The tests were performed in a 12-cm-diameter test section at a pressure of 250,000 Pa, with reference velocities of 32 to 60 m/s and at maximum combustion temperatures of 1350 to 1850 K. Number 2 diesel fuel was injected by means of a multiple-source fuel injector. Unburned hydrocarbon emissions were negligible for all test conditions. Nitrogen oxide emissions were less than 1.9 g NO2/kg fuel for combustion temperatures below 1680 K. Carbon monoxide emissions were less than 16 g CO/kg fuel for combustion temperatures greater than 1600 K, inlet-air temperatures higher than 1150 K, and residence times greater than 4.3 ms.

Anderson, D. N.↗

Results from conceptual design study of potential early commercial MHD/steam power plants

This paper presents conceptual design information for a potential early MHD power plant developed in the second phase of a joint study of such plants. Conceptual designs of plant components and equipment with performance, operational characteristics and costs are reported on. Plant economics and overall performance including full and part load operation are reviewed. Environmental aspects and the methods incorporated in plant design for emission control of sulfur and nitrogen oxides are reviewed. Results from reliability/availability analysis conducted are also included.

Hals, F.↗

Low NOx Heavy Fuel Combustor Concept Program

The development of the technology required to operate an industrial gas turbine combustion system on minimally processed, heavy petroleum or residual fuels having high levels of fuel-bound nitrogen (FBN) while producing acceptable levels of exhaust emissions is discussed. Three combustor concepts were designed and fabricated. Three fuels were supplied for the combustor test demonstrations: a typical middle distillate fuel, a heavy residual fuel, and a synthetic coal-derived fuel. The primary concept was an air staged, variable-geometry combustor designed to produce low emissions from fuels having high levels of FBN. This combustor used a long residence time, fuel-rich primary combustion zone followed by a quick-quench air mixer to rapidly dilute the fuel rich products for the fuel-lean final burnout of the fuel. This combustor, called the rich quench lean (RQL) combustor, was extensively tested using each fuel over the entire power range of the model 570 K engine. Also, a series of parameteric tests was conducted to determine the combustor's sensitivity to rich-zone equivalence ratio, lean-zone equivalence ratio, rich-zone residence time, and overall system pressure drop. Minimum nitrogen oxide emissions were measured at 50 to 55 ppmv at maximum continuous power for all three fuels. Smoke was less than a 10 SAE smoke number.

Novick, A. S.↗

Air pollutant production by algal cell cultures

The production of phytotoxic air pollutants by cultures of Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena gracilis is considered. Algal and plant culture systems, a fumigation system, and ethylene, ethane, cyanide, and nitrogen oxides assays are discussed. Bean, tobacco, mustard green, cantaloupe and wheat plants all showed injury when fumigated with algal gases for 4 hours. Only coleus plants showed any resistance to the gases. It is found that a closed or recycled air effluent system does not produce plant injury from algal air pollutants.

Fong, F.↗

Increased capabilities of the Langley Mach 7 Scramjet Test Facility

An experimental research program which explored the potential for expanding the operating range of NASA Langley's Mach 7 Scramjet Test Facility is described. The facility uses electric arc-heated air as the test gas and is configured for testing airframe-integrated scramjet engine models at conditions duplicating flight velocities and temperatures. Previous scramjet testing in this facility was limited to a single simulated flight condition of Mach 6.9 at 115,300 ft. altitude. The present arc heater research demonstrated that the facility can be used for scramjet testing at simulated flight conditions from Mach 4 (at altitudes from 77,000 to 114,000 ft.) to Mach 7 (at altitudes from 108,000 to 149,000 ft.). Flow quality was established from the uniformity of measured total temperature profiles. In addition, nitrogen oxide levels in the test stream were determined for relating engine test data to expected flight performance. The test frequency and reliability of the facility were also improved by a novel redesign of the heater downstream electrode and by defining limits for stable arc operation.

Thomas, S. R.↗

Ozone photochemistry and OH - A two-dimensional model study

Recent measurements of key HO(x) reaction rates are presented which imply that OH concentrations at altitudes below 30 km are lower than those predicted by current photochemical models. The consequences of the lower OH abundances are examined with respect to calculated perturbations of ozone by added nitrogen oxides, chlorine, and water vapor. Consideration is also given to the perturbation of stratospheric ozone by continuing release of chlorofluoromethanes in light of the new HO(x) reaction rates. The ozone loss is found to be reduced by about 25% compared with earlier estimates, mainly because the reduced OH abundance below 30 km slows the reaction between OH and HCl.

Whitten, R. C.↗

Packed Alumina Absorbs Hypergolic Vapors

Beds of activated alumina effective as filters to remove hypergolic vapors from gas streams. Beds absorb such substances as nitrogen oxides and hydrazines and may also absorb acetylene, ethylene, hydrogen sulfide, benzene, butadiene, butene, styrene, toluene, and xoylene. Bed has no moving parts such as pumps, blowers and mixers. Reliable and energy-conservative. Bed readily adapted to any size from small portable units for use where little vapor release is expected to large stationary units for extensive transfer operations.

Thomas, J. J.↗