On the basis that the measurement of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the gas phase of smoke may be a method of estimating combustion, it was proposed to correlate these parameters with combustion temperatures as measured by the thermocouple technique. A method of determining carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen in the gas phase of a single puff is described and the following empirical equation developed:

Several hundred samples have been tested and there is good agreement over the range 750-1000°C; over 80%, of the results lying within 10-15°C of the measured thermocouple temperature. These techniques have been used to estimate combustion temperatures of a range of smoking products and the following pattern has been found: Pipe tobaccos < hand rolled cigarettes < machine made cigarettes < cigars. The effect of varying rod lengths of products on combustion temperatures, as measured by this technique is also reported.

(Full article published with kind permission from "Tobacco International")