Laboratory generation of free chlorine from HCl under stratospheric afterburning conditions
- Aerospace Corp., Los Angeles, CA (United States). Space and Environment Technology Center
Experiments have been conducted using a low pressure laboratory flame apparatus to examine the chemistry of solid rocket motor (SRM) afterburning relevant for stratospheric altitudes. It was found that a significant fraction of the HCl injected into H{sub 2}-O{sub 2} and H{sub 2}-CO-O{sub 2} flames can be consumed, with observed losses of up to 40%. The extent of conversion of HCl was found to increase with increasing oxygen:fuel (O/F) ratio and decreasing pressure; the loss at a given O/F was also higher for flames with equal flows of H{sub 2} and CO compared to flames with no CO in the fuel. The major product of HCl reaction was found to be Cl{sub 2}, with no other chlorine-contained products observed via mass spectrometry. Distinct Cl{sub 2} B {yields} X emission bands were observed along with very weak CIO A {yields} C bands and a bright, white continuum emission that apparently arose from one or more chlorine-containing compounds. The general findings concerning the magnitude of HCl conversion and the formation of Cl{sub 2} are consistent with published modeling results for SRM stratospheric afterburning. This formation of free chlorine could lead to catalytic destruction of ozone in regions near the path the launch vehicle follows during boost through the stratosphere.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Department of the Air Force, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 570152
- Journal Information:
- Combustion and Flame, Journal Name: Combustion and Flame Journal Issue: 1-2 Vol. 112; ISSN CBFMAO; ISSN 0010-2180
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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