An Experimental and Detailed Chemical Kinetic Investigation of the Addition of C2 Oxygenated Species in Rich Ethylene Premixed Flames

ABSTRACT

Current needs for reduced emissions and improved efficiency have motivated the study of the combustion of novel, oxygenated fuels. The scope of the present work is to experimentally and numerically analyse the effect of the addition of three C₂ oxygenated species in rich ethylene flames and to quantify their propensity to inhibit pollutant formation. Acetaldehyde, ethanol and acetic acid are investigated, as representatives of three fuel classes. Novel experimental, speciation results from a low pressure flame configuration are reported. The mechanisms of both research groups co-authoring the study (NTUA and UCL) are analysed. Both appear to satisfactorily reproduce flame structure. The speciation measurements and the reaction path analysis indicate that the performance of oxygenated species with respect to molecular growth is related to their tendency to form ketene and other C₂ species. In this context acetic acid seems to have the least beneficial behaviour towards heavier hydrocarbon formation.

KEYWORDS:

• Chemical kinetics
• flames
• acetic acid
• ethanol
• acetaldehyde

Acknowledgments

The NTUA authors and G. Skevis are grateful to the EU Marie Curie ITN for the financial support through the ECCO-MATE project (Grant No 607214). N. Leplat is grateful to the FRIA (Fonds pour la formation à la Recherche dans l’Industrie et dans l’Agriculture) for the financial support.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions [Grant No 607214].