Carbon Particle Oxidation in Flames

Abstract

In the oxidation of carbon particles in fuel-rich flames of H2/02/N2, the principal oxidant has been investigated, where a controversy lies in the literature. Light scattering technique is used in following the rate of disappearance of carbon particles. The theoretical background for both the light scattering technique and the nature of carbon particles in the flames is discussed. Measurements were made within the temperature limits of 1690 - 2170 K, where the limits are analysed together with the experimental procedure in the text. The apparatus used in the production and oxidation of such particles, together with the measuring system is described. The possible oxidants are most likely to be the oxygen atoms and the hydroxyl radicals. Considering their thermodynamic equilibrium values and the possible disequilibrium excess, the experimental evidence strongly supports a predominant attack by hydroxyl radicals in the oxidation process of carbon particles in fuel rich flames.