Multiport Emissions Sampling Probe
Background
Combustion work needs exhaust data with real spatial detail to check mixing and emissions models. A single-port probe flattens the picture and hides gradients. We are building a heated multiport probe that switches ports on command and keeps the walls hot so samples stay accurate. It will give us high-quality measurements during hydrogen and natural gas runs.
Goal & Objectives
Goal: Deliver a reliable, validated multiport emissions probe that integrates with existing analyzers.
Objectives with dates
Completed October 2025: Concept definition, CAD, preliminary CFD, fit check.
November to December 2025: 3D-printed prototype, assemble cooling loop and valve manifold.
January 2026: Machined stainless steel prototype
February 2026: Benchtop thermal validation and purge time characterization, analyzer integration, software refinement
March 2026: On-rig testing and documentation release
More Information
The probe bodies with concentric passages and water jackets must maintain wall temperatures near 120 to 200 C to prevent catalysis.
Control software logs valve states, temperature, pressure, and flow to support uncertainty analysis and repeatability checks.
Link to Documentation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e2PRTDeLg1sixk_HE4m6grgI0-87Gfvm...
Link to External Team Website:
Team Contacts:
Patrick Nicolai, Team Lead Email: pnicolai@uci.edu
Sebastian Shunda, Design Engineer Email: sshunda@uci.edu
Ryan Aguilar, Fabrication Engineer Email: ryanaa2@uci.edu
Ernest Cheuk, Controls Engineer Email: echeuk@uci.edu
Roger Zwicky, Research Engineer Email: rzwicky@uci.edu
Sponsor/Advisor:
Professor Vince McDonell, Adjunct Professor/Associate Director of UCI Combustion Laboratory, Email: mcdonell@ucicl.uci.edu
Malcolm Overbaugh, Doctoral Candidate, Email: mco@apep.uci.edu