On-line monitoring of traces of aromatic-, phenolic- and chlorinated components in flue gases of industrial scale incinerators and cigarette smoke by direct-inlet laser ionization-mass spectrometry (REMPI-TOFMS)

The combination of laser induced resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) represents a highly selective as well as sensitive analytical technique, well suited for species selective real-time, on-line monitoring of trace-gases. Results presented are obtained with a newly designed, mobile REMPI-TOFMS instrument, optimized for field applications. The mobile REMPI-TOFMS device either is equipped with a compact excimer laser (KrF, λ = 248 nm) or a small Nd:YAG laser (forth harmonic frequency, λ = 266 nm). A special effusive molecular beam inlet system was used, which allows direct inlet of flue gases from e.g. waste incinerators without memory effects for compounds of a molecular weight of up to 260–280 amu. Detection sensitivities in the sub-ppb region are achieved under field measurement conditions. Applications concerning on-line monitoring of combustion byproducts and fuel components are presented. This includes on-line analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the flue gas of a 0.5 MW waste incineration pilot plant, headspace analysis of wood gasification products and crude oil composition (fuel analysis) as well as highly time resolved (single puff resolution) on-line analysis of cigarette smoke. The application of the on-line REMPI-TOFMS monitor for continuous analysis of dioxin indicators in the flue gas of e.g. hazardous waste incinerators is discussed.