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Fuel-structure dependence of benzene formation processes in premixed flames fueled by C6H12 isomers

Journal Article · · Proceedings of the Combustion Institute
 [1]; ; ; ; ; ; ;
  1. Combustion Research Facility, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94551

The fuel-structure-dependent significance of various benzene formation pathways is analyzed using data from rich (phi = 1.7) flames fueled by four C6H12 isomers: 1-hexene, cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane, and 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene. The isomer-resolved chemical compositions of the four premixed, laminar low-pressure flat flames are determined by flame-sampling molecular-beam mass spectrometry employing single-photon ionization by synchrotron generated vacuum-ultraviolet photons. Isomer-resolving photo-ionization efficiency curves and quantitative mole fraction profiles reveal the dominant fuel destruction pathways, the influence of different fuel consumption processes on the formation of commonly considered benzene precursors, and the contributions of several routes towards benzene formation. While propargyl and allyl radicals dominate benzene formation in the combustion of 1-hexene, contributions from reactions involving i-C4H5 and C5H5 radicals are revealed in the flames of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene and methylcyclopentane, respectively. Close to the burner surface, successive dehydrogenation of the fuel is found to be important for the cyclohexane flame and to some smaller extent for the methylcyclopentane flame. (C) 2010 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE IG Office of Audit Services (IG-30)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-01ER15180
OSTI ID:
1060403
Report Number(s):
DOE-ER15180-4
Journal Information:
Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Journal Name: Proceedings of the Combustion Institute Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 33; ISSN 1540-7489
Publisher:
Elsevier
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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