Effects of Pressure and Carrier Gas on Homogeneous Nucleation Vapors

Clarkson University, Potsdam NY

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CTS-9976615 P.K. Hopke and M.P. Anisimov, Clarkson University It is proposed to investigate the effect of the carrier gas and its pressure on the process of homogeneous nucleation by using a flow diffusion cloud chamber (FDCC). This is an alternative to the thermal diffusion cloud chamber (TDCC), also based on mass and heat diffusion, but with additional control on the nucleation process and its location in the chamber. A high pressure (up to 100 bar) FDCC will be constructed, and critical supersaturating and nucleation rates for a series of gases a series of carrier gases (methanol, ethanol, 1- and 2-propanol, 1-butanol, and n-nonane in hydrogen, helium, nitrogen and argon) will be tested. A model predicts the location where nucleation occurs. The effect of carrier gases and their pressure is an important scientific open issue of practical relevance in air pollution, and high-pressure nucleation processes in chemical industry.