Flowing afterglow apparatus for the study of ion–molecule reactions at high temperatures

Abstract

We describe two versions of a high temperature flowing afterglow apparatus. With a stainless steel flow tube wrapped with heating tape we have obtained data over the range 300–1300 K. In a version with a ceramic flow tube in a commercial furnace we have obtained data over the range 300–1600 K. The ceramic version is designed to take data up to 1800 K, but we have encountered experimental problems at the upper temperature range. The design modifications to a standard flowing afterglow needed to make measurements at elevated temperatures are described in detail, as are problems associated with operating at elevated temperatures. Samples of data are given.