On-line emission analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons down to pptv concentration levels in the flue gas of an incineration pilot plant with a mobile resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer

A newly developed, mobile laser mass spectrometer (resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization - time-of-flight mass spectrometer, REMPI-TOFMS) was applied to on-line measurements at a waste incineration pilot plant. REMPI-TOFMS combines the optical selectivity of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization with a time-of-flight mass analysis to give a two-dimensional analytical method. Special care was taken to build up a sampling and inlet system suitable for on-line measurements of large, semivolatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). An effusive molecular beam, inlet in combination with a fixed frequency UV laser (Nd:YAG at 266 mn or KrF excimer at 248 mn) was used. Under these conditions, many different PAHs can be ionized selectively from the complex flue gas matrix. For example, the achieved detection limit for naphthalene is in the 10 parts-pertrillion by volume (pptv) concentration range. Calibration was performed by using external concentration standards supplied in low ppbv concentrations. The instrumentation is sufficiently robust to be operated under industrial conditions at incineration plants, for instance. The REMPI mass spectra can be acquired at 5-50 Hz, Time profiles of the concentrations of different PAHs in the flue gas were monitored with a time resolution of 200 ms. Significant variations in the concentration profile of several PAHs up to mass 276 amu (e.g., benzo[ghi]perylene) and methylated PAHs have been observed while combustion parameters were changing. In summary, it was demonstrated that laser mass spectrometry (REMPI-TOFMS) enables a real-time on-line trace analysis of combustion flue gases or indus trial process gases.