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Soot formation characteristics of liquid fuels in spray flames

Conference · · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6458082
The soot formation characteristics of model and synthetic liquid fuels in spray flames have been studied using a unique droplet combustion experiment in which droplet size, interdroplet spacing, temperature, oxygen concentration, and relative velocity can be carefully controlled. A specially-developed electrostatic probe system was used in conjunction with this experiment to separate and extract samples of gas phase soot and liquid droplets from the simulated spray flames as a function of droplet residence time. The physical and chemical properties of these samples were then studied to establish relationships between the composition of a liquid fuel, the combustion conditions and the soot formation characteristics. Significant increases in the soot emission index (mg of soot/g of fuel) with decreasing droplet spacing are ascribed to enlargement of the fuel pyrolysis/reaction zone as a result of strong droplet interaction. Increase in the soot emission index with aromatic content of the fuel is found to be significant but not substantial. Measurements of the soot particle size variation and hydrocarbon functional group composition by transmission electron microscopy and infrared absorption spectroscopy, respectively, suggest that soot growth occurs by a combination of condensation of fuel fragments and particle coagulation.
Research Organization:
United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, CT
OSTI ID:
6458082
Report Number(s):
CONF-820304-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Journal Volume: 27:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English