Open-path FT-IR atmospheric monitoring: Instrumentation, practice, and application

This dissertation presents the results of various research efforts, each representing one or more aspects of open-path FT-IR atmospheric monitoring. In general, the discussions are relevant to the design and operation of mobile open-path FT-IR systems, although many of the discussions have implications for permanent installations as well.; An introduction to the subject of open-path FT-IR atmospheric monitoring is presented in Chapter 1 and references work by researchers at Kansas State University extensively, as well as research by other groups over the last twenty years. The relationship between design and performance for open-path FT-IR instrumentation is discussed in Chapter 2, with an emphasis on the need for ruggedized equipment in a field environment. Chapter 3 is similar to Chapter 2, except that the focus is more on procedure than on instrumentation.; Chapter 4 reports on an investigation into the effects of infrared beam height on the results of downwind plume monitoring. Chapter 5 discusses the challenge of monitoring sulfur dioxide remotely in smokestack plumes, with data presented from several such monitoring efforts. Chapter 6 compares active open-path FT-IR data to similar data collected passively. Chapter 7 simply reports on the results of relatively routine monitoring efforts conducted on behalf of the U. S. EPA. Chapter 8 suggests a new sampling technique for industrial sites, using on-site structures at elevated temperatures as infrared radiation sources for a quantitative open-path FT-IR analysis.; Three appendices are included in the dissertation. Appendix A presents suggestions for operation of and technical information regarding the Midac FT-IR air monitoring system, which was used in most of the work discussed in the dissertation. Appendix B details the construction of various devices built to support the research discussed in the dissertation. Finally, Appendix C presents the results of efforts to calibrate MKS Baratron capacitance manometers against an absolute standard.