Sodium sulfate: Vaporization thermodynamics and role in corrosive flames

Abstract

Gaseous species over liquid Na2SO4 were identified by the technique of molecular beam mass spectrometry. The heat and entropy of vaporization of the Na2SO4 molecule were measured directly. Comparisons of the experimental entropy with values calculated using various molecular parameters were used to estimate the molecular structure and vibrational frequencies. The thermodynamic properties of gaseous and condensed phase Na2SO4, along with additional pertinent species, were used in a computer program to calculate equilibrium flame compositions and temperatures for representative turbine engine and burner rig flames. Compositions were calculated at various fuel-to-oxidant ratios with additions of sulfur to the fuel and the components of sea salt to the intake air. Temperatures for condensation of Na2SO4 were obtained as a function of sulfur and sea salt concentrations