Attachment of flame chemielectrons to inert, fine particles

Abstract

Micron size alumina particles were introduced into low pressure methane-air flat flames on a matrix burner. By means of electrostatic probes the concentrations of chemiions were measured and also the number of electrons attaching to the particles at different positions in the flame, for different particle concentrations. The maximum number of electrons so attached seems larger than that to be expected from a steady state analysis in which electrons and positive ion currents to a particle are equal. Quite small concentrations of particles can be effective in removing electrons from the gas phase. Because the particles are charged, they are efficiently removed by collector anodes at quite moderate voltages.