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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

The retrieval of atmospheric constituent mixing-ratio profiles from solar absorption spectra

Methods used to determine various atmospheric gas distributions are summarized. The experimentally determined mixing ratio profiles (the mixing ratio of a gas is the ratio of the number of gas molecules to the number of air molecules) of some atmospheric gases are shown. In most in situ experiments stratospheric gas samples are collected at several altitudes by balloon, aircraft, or rocket. These samples are then analyzed by various methods. Mixing ratio profiles of Ci, ClO, and OH were determined by laser induced fluorescence of samples. Others have analyzed gas samples by gas chromatography in order to determine the molecular abundances of CCl2F2, CCl4, CCl3F, CFCl3, CF2Cl2, CHClF2, CH3CCl3, CH4, CO, C2Cl3F3, C2Cl4, C2HCl3, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H8, C6H6, C7H8, H2, and N2O.

Shaffer, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Real-time exhaust gas modular flowmeter and emissions reporting system for mobile apparatus

A real-time emissions reporting system includes an instrument module adapted to be detachably connected to the exhaust pipe of a combustion engine to provide for flow of exhaust gas therethrough. The instrument module includes a differential pressure probe which allows for determination of flow rate of the exhaust gas and a gas sampling tube for continuously feeding a sample of the exhaust gas to a gas analyzer or a mounting location for a non-sampling gas analyzer. In addition to the module, the emissions reporting system also includes an elastomeric boot for detachably connecting the module to the exhaust pipe of the combustion engine, a gas analyzer for receiving and analyzing gases sampled within the module and a computer for calculating pollutant mass flow rates based on concentrations detected by the gas analyzer and the detected flowrate of the exhaust gas. The system may also include a particulate matter detector with a second gas sampling tube feeding same mounted within the instrument module.

Breton, Leo Alphonse Gerard↗
NASA NTRS1986

Nebulization reflux concentrator

A nebulization reflux concentrator for removing trace gas contaminants from a sample gas is described. Sample gas from a gas supply is drawn by a suction source into a vessel. The gas enters the vessel through an atomizing nozzle, thereby atomizing and entraining a scrubbing liquid solvent drawn through a siphon tube from a scrubbing liquid reservoir. The gas and entrained liquid rise through a concentrator and impinge upon a solvent phobic filter, whereby purified gas exits through the filter housing and contaminated liquid coalesces on the solvent phobic filter and falls into the reservoir.

Collins, V. G.↗
NASA NTRS2005

First Results From the Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) Experiment on the Cassini-Huygens Probe

The Huygens Probe of the Cassini Huygens Mission entered the atmosphere of the moon Titan on January 14,2005. The GCMS was part of the instrument complement on the Probe to measure in situ the chemical composition of the atmosphere during the probe descent and to support the Aerosol Collector Pyrolyser (ACP) experiment by serving as detector for the pyrolization products. The GCMS employed a quadrupole mass filter with a secondary electron multiplier detection system and a gas sampling system providing continuous direct atmospheric composition measurements and batch sampling through three gas chromatographic (GC) columns. The mass spectrometer employed five electron impact ion sources with available electron energies of either 70 or 25 eV. Three ion sources served as detectors for the GC columns and two were dedicated to direct atmosphere sampling and ACP gas sampling, respectively. The GCMS gas inlet was heated to prevent condensation, and served to evaporate surface constituents after impact.

Niemann, Hasso B.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Apparatus and Methods for Photoacoustic Measurement of Light Absorption of Particulate and Gaseous Species

In one embodiment, a photoacoustic effect measurement instrument for measuring a species (e.g., a species of PM) in a gas employs a pair of differential acoustic cells including a sample cell that receives sample gas including the species, and a reference cell that receives a filtered version of the sample gas from which the species has been substantially removed. An excitation light source provides an amplitude modulated beam to each of the acoustic cells. An array of multiple microphones is mounted to each of the differential acoustic cells, and measures an acoustic wave generated in the respective acoustic cell by absorption of light by sample gas therein to produce a respective signal. The microphones are isolated from sample gas internal to the acoustic cell by a film. A preamplifier determines a differential signal and a controller calculates concentration of the species based on the differential signal.

Yu, Zhenhong↗
DOE OSTI2021

Safety Compliance Verification of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Exhaust

NREL has been developing compliance verification tools for allowable hydrogen levels prescribed by the Global Technical Regulation Number 13 (GTR-13) for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). As per GTR-13, FCEV exhaust is to remain below 4 vol% H2 over a 3-second moving average and shall not at any time exceed 8 vol% H2 and that this requirement is to be verified with an analyzer that has a response time of less than 300 ms. To be enforceable, a means to verify regulatory requirements must exist. In response to this need, NREL developed a prototype analyzer that meets the GTR metrological requirements for FCEV exhaust analysis. The analyzer was tested on a commercial fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) under simulated driving conditions using a chassis dynamometer at the Emissions Research and Measurement Section of Environment and Climate Change Canada and FCEV exhaust was successfully profiled. Although the prototype FCEV Exhaust Analyzer met the metrological requirements of GTR-13, the stability of the hydrogen sensor was adversely impacted by condensed water in the sample gas. FCEV exhaust is at an elevated temperature and nearly saturated with water vapor. Furthermore, condensed water is present in the form of droplets. Condensed water in the sample gas can collect on the hydrogen sensing element, which would not only block access of hydrogen to the sensor but can also permanently damage the sensor. In the past year, the design of the gas sampling system was modified to mitigate against the transport of liquid water to the sensing element. Laboratory testing confirmed the effectiveness of the modified sampling system water removal strategy while maintaining the measurement range and response time required by GTR-13. Testing of the upgraded analyzer design on an FCEV operating on a chassis dynamometer is scheduled for the summer of 2021.

DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION,HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS2004

The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer for the Huygens Probe

Titan is unique in the solar system, the only moon that has a dense atmosphere. The major constituents of the atmosphere, nitrogen and methane, are continuously broken apart by a combination of solar UV, impinging electrons from Saturn s magnetosphere, and a steady flux of cosmic rays. The resulting molecular fragments recombine and form a variety of new species, many of which were detected for the first time by Voyager1 . The ubiquitous, surface- hiding aerosol blanket manifests the existence of still more complex compounds. In addition to hydrocarbons and nitriles, the atmosphere is known to contain CO, CO2 and externally delivered H2O. The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) on the Huygens Probe will measure the chemical composition of the atmosphere of Titan from 170 Km altitude (approximately 1hPa) to the surface (approximately 1500hPa) and determine the isotope ratios of the major constituents. The GCMS will also analyze gas samples from the Aerosol Collector Pyrolyser (ACP) and may be able to obtain compositional information of several surface materials. The GCMS consists of a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QP) with a secondary electron multiplier ion detector, a three-column gas chromatograph (GC) and an elaborate gas sampling system. The gas sampling system will provide atmospheric samples to the QP for nearly continuous analysis during the Probe descent and batch samples at several altitudes for GC analysis. It also contains a chemical scrubber for noble gas analysis and an enrichment cell for trace constituent enhancement. In addition to the sampling of the atmosphere periodic gas samples, derived from the pyrolysis of aerosols, will be transferred from the ACP to the GCMS for direct QP and full GCMS analysis. The QP can analyze molecular masses from 2 to 141Dalton. The nominal detection threshold is at a mixing ratio of 10E-8. Data rate is 885 bits/sec. The mass of the instrument is 17.3 kg and the energy required for operation during the descent is 110 Watt-hours.

Niemann, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer for the Huygens Probe

Titan is unique in the solar system, the only moon that has a dense atmosphere. The major constituents of the atmosphere, nitrogen and methane, are continuously broken apart by a combination of solar UV, impinging electrons from Saturn's magnetosphere, and a steady flow of cosmic rays. The resulting molecular fragments recombine and form a variety of new species, many of which were detected for the first time by Voyager 1. The ubiquitous, surface-hiding aerosol blanket manifests the existence of still more complex compounds. In addition to hydrocarbons and nitriles, the atmosphere is known to contain CO, CO2 and externally delivered H2O. The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) on the Huygens Probe will measure the chemical composition of the atmosphere of Titan from 170 km altitude (approximately lhPa) to the surface (approximately 1500hPa) and determine the isotope ratios of the major constituents. The GCMS will also analyze gas samples from the Aerosol Collector Pyrolyser (ACP) and may be able to obtain compositional information of several surface materials. The GCMS consists of a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QP) with a secondary electron multiplier ion detector, a three-column gas chromatograph (GC) and an elaborate gas sampling system. The gas sampling system will provide atmospheric samples to the QP for nearly continuous analysis during the Probe descent and batch samples at several altitudes for GC analysis. It also contains a chemical scrubber for noble gas analysis and an enrichment cell for trace constituent enhancement. In addition to the sampling of the atmosphere periodic gas samples, derived from the pyrolysis of aerosols, will be transferred from the ACP to the GCMS for direct QP and full GCMS analysis. The QP can analyze molecular masses from 2 to 14lDalton. The nominal detection threshold is at a mixing ratio of 10E-8. Data rate is 885 bits/sec. The mass of the instrument is 17.3 kg and the energy required for operation during the descent is 110 Watt-hours.

Niemann, H. B.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Versatile soil gas concentration and isotope monitoring: optimization and integration of novel soil gas probes with online trace gas detection

Abstract. Gas concentrations and isotopic signatures can unveil microbial metabolisms and their responses to environmental changes in soil. Currently, few methods measure in situ soil trace gases such as the products of nitrogen and carbon cycling or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that constrain microbial biochemical processes like nitrification, methanogenesis, respiration, and microbial communication. Versatile trace gas sampling systems that integrate soil probes with sensitive trace gas analyzers could fill this gap with in situ soil gas measurements that resolve spatial (centimeters) and temporal (minutes) patterns. We developed a system that integrates new porous and hydrophobic sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (sPTFE) diffusive soil gas probes that non-disruptively collect soil gas samples with a transfer system to direct gas from multiple probes to one or more central gas analyzer(s) such as laser and mass spectrometers. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility and versatility of this automated multiprobe system for soil gas measurements of isotopic ratios of nitrous oxide (δ18O, δ15N, and the 15N site preference of N2O), methane, carbon dioxide (δ13C), and VOCs. First, we used an inert silica matrix to challenge probe measurements under controlled gas conditions. By changing and controlling system flow parameters, including the probe flow rate, we optimized recovery of representative soil gas samples while reducing sampling artifacts on subsurface concentrations. Second, we used this system to provide a real-time window into the impact of environmental manipulation of irrigation and soil redox conditions on in situ N2O and VOC concentrations. Moreover, to reveal the dynamics in the stable isotope ratios of N2O (i.e., 14N14N16O, 14N15N16O, 15N14N16O, and 14N14N18O), we developed a new high-precision laser spectrometer with a reduced sample volume demand. Our integrated system – a tunable infrared laser direct absorption spectrometry (TILDAS) in parallel with Vocus proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), in line with sPTFE soil gas probes – successfully quantified isotopic signatures for N2O, CO2, and VOCs in real time as responses to changes in the dry–wetting cycle and redox conditions. Broadening the collection of trace gases that can be monitored in the subsurface is critical for monitoring biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem health, and management practices at scales relevant to the soil system.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effects of stereoisomeric structure and bond location on the ignition and reaction pathways of hexenes

The current work presents new experimental autoignition and speciation data on the two cis-hexene isomers: cis-2-hexene and cis-3-hexene. The new data provide insights on the effects of carbon-carbon double bond location and stereoisomeric structures on ignition delay times and reaction pathways for linear hexene isomers. Experiments were performed using the University of Michigan rapid compression facility to determine ignition delay times from pressure-time histories. Stoichiometric (Φ = 1.0) mixtures at dilution levels of inert gas to O 2 = 7.5:1 (mole basis) were investigated at an average pressure of 11 atm and temperatures from 809 to 1052 K. Speciation experiments were conducted at T = 900 K for the two cis-hexene isomers, where fast-gas sampling and gas chromatography were used to identify and quantify the two cis-hexene isomers and stable intermediate species. The ignition delay time data showed negligible sensitivity to the location of the carbon-carbon double bond and the stereoisomeric structure (cis-trans), and the species data showed no correlation with the stereoisomeric structure, but there was a strong correlation of some of the measured species with the location of the double bond in the hexene isomer. In particular, 2-hexene showed strong selectivity to propene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene, and 3-hexene showed selectivity to propanal. Model predictions of ignition delay times were in excellent agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, there was generally good agreement for the model predictions of the species data for 2-hexene; however, the mechanism overpredicted some of the small aldehyde (C 2 -C 4 ) species for 3-hexene. Reaction pathway analysis indicates the hexenes are almost exclusively consumed by H-atom abstraction reactions at the conditions studied (P = 11 atm, T > 900 K), and not by C 3 -C 4 scission as observed in high-temperature (>1300 K) hexene ignition studies. Improved estimates for 3-hexene + OH reactions may improve model predictions for the species measured in this work.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1974

Composition surveys of test gas produced by a hydrogen-oxygen-air burner

As a result of the need for a uniform hot gas test stream for fuel injector development for hydrogen fueled supersonic combustion ramjet engines, an experimental study of injector configuration effect on exit flow uniformity of a hydrogen fueled oxygen replenished, combustion burner was made. Measurements used to investigate the burner nozzle exit profiles were pitot and gas sample measurements. Gas composition and associated temperature profiles were reduced to an acceptable level by burner injector modifications. The effect of the injector modifications was to redistribute the hydrogen fuel, increase the air pressure drop, promote premixing of the oxygen and air, and establish a uniform flow pattern where the oxygen-air mixture comes into contact with the hydrogen fuel. The most sensitive phenomenon which affected the composition profiles was the uniformity of the air distribution supplied to the combustion chamber.

Eggers, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Proton irradiation of simple gas mixtures: Influence of irradiation parameters

In order to get information about the influence of irradiation parameters on radiolysis processes of astrophysical interest, methane gas targets were irradiated with 6.5 MeV protons at a pressure of 1 bar and room temperature. Yields of higher hydrocarbons like ethane or propane were found by analysis of irradiated gas samples using gas chromatography. The handling of the proton beam was of great experimental importance for determining the irradiation parameters. In a series of experiments current density of the proton beam and total absorbed energy were shown to have a large influence on the yields of produced hydrocarbons. Mechanistic interpretations of the results are given and conclusions are drawn with regard to the chemistry and the simulation of various astrophysical systems.

Sack, Norbert J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Amperometric electrochemical sensors, sensor systems and detection methods

An amperometric electrochemical sensor for measuring the concentrations of one or more target gas species in a gas sample or gas stream, the sensor having at least one electrochemical cell with first and second surface electrodes, an electrolyte layer and a passive signal amplifying layer (“SAL”) comprising electrically conductive material like platinum, wherein at least a portion of the electrolyte layer is located between the surface electrodes and the SAL such that the SAL is in direct, conductive contact with the electrolyte layer but is not in direct contact with the surface electrodes. Sensor systems and detection methods are also provided.

Arkenberg, Gene B.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Ethylene monitoring and control system

A system that can accurately monitor and control low concentrations of ethylene gas includes a test chamber configured to receive sample gas potentially containing an ethylene concentration and ozone, a detector configured to receive light produced during a reaction between the ethylene and ozone and to produce signals related thereto, and a computer connected to the detector to process the signals to determine therefrom a value of the concentration of ethylene in the sample gas. The supply for the system can include a four way valve configured to receive pressurized gas at one input and a test chamber. A piston is journaled in the test chamber with a drive end disposed in a drive chamber and a reaction end defining with walls of the test chamber a variable volume reaction chamber. The drive end of the piston is pneumatically connected to two ports of the four way valve to provide motive force to the piston. A manifold is connected to the variable volume reaction chamber, and is configured to receive sample gasses from at least one of a plurality of ports connectable to degreening rooms and to supply the sample gas to the reactive chamber for reaction with ozone. The apparatus can be used to monitor and control the ethylene concentration in multiple degreening rooms.

Nelson, Bruce N.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Ethylene monitoring and control system

A system that can accurately monitor and control low concentrations of ethylene gas includes a test chamber configured to receive sample gas potentially containing an ethylene concentration and ozone, a detector configured to receive light produced during a reaction between the ethylene and ozone and to produce signals related thereto, and a computer connected to the detector to process the signals to determine therefrom a value of the concentration of ethylene in the sample gas. The supply for the system can include a four way valve configured to receive pressurized gas at one input and a test chamber. A piston is journaled in the test chamber with a drive end disposed in a drive chamber and a reaction end defining with walls of the test chamber a variable volume reaction chamber. The drive end of the piston is pneumatically connected to two ports of the four way valve to provide motive force to the piston. A manifold is connected to the variable volume reaction chamber, and is configured to receive sample gasses from at least one of a plurality of ports connectable to degreening rooms and to supply the sample gas to the reactive chamber for reaction with ozone. The apparatus can be used to monitor and control the ethylene concentration in multiple degreening rooms.

Nelson, Bruce N.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Background Concentrations of Argon-39 in Shallow Soil Gas

While radioisotopes of noble gases are known to be indicators of underground nuclear explosions (UNE), McIntyre et al. (2017) was the first to report the presence of 39Ar in shallow soil gas in association with a decades old UNE. While this finding hinted at the potential application of 39Ar to be used as an indicator of an UNE, doing so would also require an understanding of the natural concentrations of 39Ar present in soil gas. Without knowing the expected range and variability of naturally occurring concentrations of 39Ar, it is difficult to determine what measured concentrations would be indicative of an elevated concentration. This paper presents results from 16 soil gas samples and three atmospheric air samples collected from various locations across the western United States. Shallow soil gas samples were collected into self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) tanks using a custom-built soil gas sampling system and then processed and analyzed for 39Ar. The measured concentrations of 39Ar varied from atmospheric air concentrations to about 3.5 times atmospheric air concentrations. The variation in concentration was primarily attributed to the latitude the sample was collected at, which was consistent with previous work (Johnson et al. 2015). The results presented here represent the first measurements of natural background 39Ar concentrations in shallow soil gas. This data will be necessary if 39Ar is to be used as an indicator of UNE.

Fritz, Brad G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Reversal electron attachment ionizer for detection of trace species

An in-line reversal electron, high-current ionizer capable of focusing a beam of electrons to a reversal region and executing a reversal of the electrons, such that the electrons possess zero kinetic energy at the point of reversal, may be used to produce both negative and positive ions. A sample gas is introduced at the point of electron reversal for low energy electron-(sample gas) molecule attachment with high efficiency. The attachment process produces negative ions from the sample gas, which includes species present in trace (minute) amounts. These ions are extracted efficiently and directed to a mass analyzer where they may be detected and identified. The generation and detection of positive ions is accomplished in a similar fashion with minimal adjustment to potentials applied to the apparatus.

Bernius, Mark T.↗