The measurement of trace emissions and combustion characteristics for a mass fire [Chapter 32]

Abstract

Concerns increase about the effects of emissions from biomass burning on global climate. While the burning of biomass constitutes a large fraction of world emissions, there are insufficient data on the combustion efficiency, emission factors, and trace gases produced in these fires, and on how these factors depend on the highly variable chemistry and burning condition of the fuel. Measurements made by satellites or aircraft can be used to estimate areas burned or ratios of specific emissions, but measurements close to the ground are needed to estimate actual amounts of fuel consumed, the rate of fuel consumption, and carbon and heat release by the fire. Ground measurements also provide information on changes in emissions as rapid flaming combustion passes, and burning is reduced to a much lower intensity smoldering phase of the fire-information that frequently gets integrated and lost by sampling from platforms at higher altitudes. The work reported here describes our development of a self-contained monitoring package specifically for use in high-intensity biomass fires and how it can be applied to numerous emission problems. In addition to understanding fire processes and fuel chemistry affecting the release of emissions, there is a fundamental need for a better understanding of fire dynamics of large fires (induced winds, heat release, turbulence, etc.). This information is needed to help solve problems associated with major wildfires.

Citation

Susott, Ronald A.; Ward, Darold E.; Babbitt, Ronald E.; Latham, Don J. 1991. The measurement of trace emissions and combustion characteristics for a mass fire [Chapter 32]. In: Levine, J. S., ed. Global biomass buring: Atmospheric, climatic, and biosphere implications. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. p. 245-257.