Lean Premixed Combustion of Carbon-Monoxide-Hydrogen-Methane Fuel Mixtures Using Porous Inert Media

Abstract

Lean premixed combustion of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and methane (CH4) fuel mixtures with air was investigated experimentally. Combustion at atmospheric pressure was stabilized within porous inert medium made of silicon-carbide coated carbon foam with 4 pores per centimeter. CH4 in the fuel was varied from 100% to 0% (by volume), with the remaining fuel containing equal amounts of CO and H2. Experiments at a fixed air flow rate were conducted by varying the adiabatic flame temperature and fuel composition. Profile of CO and NOx emissions in the axial and transverse directions were taken to identify the post-combustion zone and uniformity of combustion. At a given flame temperature, fuels with CO/H2 produced lower CO and NOx emissions compared to those for CH4. The temperature at the lean blow off limit was significantly lower (compared to CH4) if the fuel contained CO and H2, each greater than 35% by volume.