Modelling ultrafine particle growth in a flow tube reactor

Abstract. Flow tube reactors are often used to study aerosol kinetics. The goal of this is investigate how best represent complex growth kinetics ultrafine particles within a flow reactor when the chemical processes causing particle unknown. In typical experiment, one measures inlet and outlet size distributions give time-averaged measure growth, which may be difficult interpret if change as transit through tube. work, we simulate for secondary organic (SOA) formation that incorporates both surface- volume-limited illustrate inside can arise. We then develop assess method account driving not known. Diameter represented by factor (GF), defined fraction products from oxidation volatile compound (VOC) precursors grow during specific time period. Defined in way, GF sum all non-volatile condensationally plus portion semi-volatile molecules react on or remain over investigated frame. With respect measurements, independent wall loss condensation sink, influence vary experiment experiment. shown function sensitive factors affect such gas-phase mixing ratios presence liquid water (ALW) surface volume particle. A calculate outlet-minus-inlet diameter presented accurately match GFs simulations SOA formation.