Open-path Fourier transform infrared spectrometry characterization of low temperature combustion gases in biomass fuels

Accurate determination of gas concentration emitted during thermal degradation (pyrolysis) of biomass in forest fires is one of the keypoints in recent research on physical-based fire spread models. However, it is a very cumbersome task not well solved by classical invasive sensors and procedures. In this work, a methodology to use open-path Fourier transform-based infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometry has been applied as a remote sensing technique that permits in situ, non-intrusive and simultaneous measurements. Main gaseous by-products (CO, CO2, CH4 and NH3) have been measured and quantified in terms of path-integrated concentrations. Different emission ratios have been determined for the species under study. These results can help to simplify the modelling of pyrolysis processes inside the physical-based models for fire spread.