MHD combustor effluent chemistry measurements using Raman scattering

Abstract

Characterization of the gas chemistry, velocity, pressure, turbulence, and conductivity for coal-fired MHD generators would serve as valuable information for direct correlation with long-term performance of electrode and insulator materials. Gas chemistry is of special significance from a materials performance standpoint since the slag/gas, and hence slag/wall, physical and electrical states are affected by the chemical composition of the channel effluent. In recent years spectroscopic diagnostic techniques have been developed to the point that they can be used to obtain these detailed thermochemical measurements. A specific technique called Raman scattering is discussed and preliminary MHD combustor exit flow data are presented. The primary objective of the study was to determine if the presence of potassium seed would compromise the weak Raman spectral emission from key combustor species.