Characterization of the MISG soot generator with an atmospheric simulation chamber

Abstract. The performance of a Mini-Inverted Soot Generator (MISG) has been investigated at ChAMBRe (Chamber for Aerosol Modelling and Bio-aerosol Research) by studying the properties of soot particles generated by ethylene and propane combustion. Starting from an extensive classification of combustion conditions and resulting flame shapes, the MISG exhaust was characterized in terms of concentration of emitted particles and gases, particle size distribution and optical properties. Soot particles were also collected on quartz fibre filters and then analysed by optical and thermal-optical techniques, to measure the spectral dependence of the absorption coefficient b_abs, and their composition in terms of Elemental and Organic Carbon (EC and OC). Significant differences could be observed when the MISG is fuelled with ethylene and propane both in terms of particle size and optical behaviour (i.e., absorption coefficient). Values of the Mass Absorption Coefficient (MAC) and of the Angstrom Absorption Exponent (AAE) turned out to be compatible with the literature, even if with some specific difference. The comprehensive characterization of the MISG soot particles is an important piece of information to design and perform experiments in atmospheric simulation chambers.