COMPETITION OF NO AND SO2 FOR OH GENERATED WITHIN ELECTRICAL AEROSOL ANALYZERS

The Electrical Aerosol Analyzer (EAA) provides data for the calculatio n of number, surface area, and volume distribution of submicron range aerosol particles in ambient air and flue gases. Current theory reveal s the generation of artifact aerosol particles identified as sulfuric acid within the instrument. The sulfuric acid aerosol, generated by th e reaction of SO2 and OH, has been shown to interfere with the signal output of the EAA; and thus, affecting the instrument's desired functi on. In an attempt to improve the applications of the EAA, a mixture of SO2 and NO was utilized to explore the possibilities of preventing th e formation of sulfuric acid artifact aerosols. The results, as indica ted by the signal output of the EAA, show a partial hindrance in the f ormation of aerosol by the addition of NO. Further, the results verify the formation of HONO in the EAA. In addition, an SO2 interference on the NO signal from the Chemiluminescent NO/NO(x) Monitor was discover ed.