JULIAC - TRACKING CLIMATE CHANGE

"Clean air" is a highly topical issue and puts the self-cleaning of the atmosphere at the centre of many studies. At Forschungszentrum Jülich, an important part of atmospheric research is carried out in the SAPHIR atmospheric chamber. In a 20 metre long Teflon tube, our colleagues from the Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK-8, Troposphere) investigate the composition of the air, for example how much ozone or particulate matter it contains.

OUTSIDE AIR SUPPLY FOR THE SAPPHIRE CHAMBER

To do this, the seasonal change in the day and night chemistry of the radicals that are important for the self-purification of the atmosphere, i.e. the changing emission patterns of trace gases over the course of the year, is analysed.

To do this, SAPHIR must be supplied with air, which is drawn in from a height of around 50 metres (above ground level). Here it is important that the surrounding trees and buildings are clearly towered over. This ensures that the air drawn in is decoupled from the direct influence of local emissions, e.g. from passing cars.

These investigations have been carried out on the grounds of Forschungszentrum Jülich since the end of 2018. The air composition on the campus is characterised by local emissions of biogenic, volatile organic compounds from the surrounding mixed forest, as well as by anthropogenic trace gases from traffic, cities and agriculture in the surrounding area. The air to be investigated is channelled through SAPHIR, where the chemical composition and chemical processes taking place under the influence of sunlight are analysed using a variety of measuring instruments. The measured data sets are used to check and improve atmospheric chemistry models, which are required for the regional and global prediction of atmospheric air pollutants.

JULIAC, as quickly as possible and with little contact

The aim of the Juelich Atmospheric Chemistry Study (JULIAC) project is to minimise changes in the composition of the air with regard to its content of trace gases (ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons) and fine particles (< 2.5 µm). This means that all components of the gas conveying system must be designed in such a way that the loss of trace gases and particles on the walls of the components is minimised and that the surfaces that are in contact with the air do not themselves act as a source of contamination. For example, hydrocarbons from oil and lubricants used in a positive displacement blower.

Our collaborations with the colleagues on campus working on SAPHIR are a good example of our understanding of partnership-based collaboration. Whether air pollutants and greenhouse gases or water cycles and plant growth - we use our consulting and development expertise to design, develop and manufacture scientific and technical devices and systems for environmental research, among other things. In close cooperation with scientists, we create unique measuring devices that are not available on the market.

Technical data