Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Adsorbed on Soot Particles by Fourier Transform Laser Microprobe Mass Spectrometry (FT LMMS): Variation of the PAH Patterns at Different Positions in the Combustion Chamber of an Incineration Plant.

Combustion-related soot particles in the state of formation were sampled from the stoker system of a 0.5 MW incineration pilot plant. The plant was operated with wood as feeding material. Samples were taken in different air supply zones at different heights over the feed bed. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are adsorbed on the soot particles were analyzed by Fourier transform laser microprobe mass spectrometry (FT LMMS). The structure of the observed PAH patterns was analyzed using a multivariate statistical method (principle component analysis, PCA). The samples obtained closest to the feed bed near the first three air supply zones exhibit the most significant differences in the PAH patterns. This result is due to different contribution of the elementary processes (drying, pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion) in the different zones. Possible applications for monitoring the combustion efficiency of incinerators are discussed