Swirling flame. Part 1. Experimental study of the effect of stage combustion on soot formation and carbon sequestration from the nonpremixed swirling flame

M. Zaķe - I. Barmina - M. Lubāne

Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, Salaspils-1, LV-2169 Latvia

Abstract
Present experimental research refers to the problem of increased greenhouse emissions (CO₂, CH₄) from the combustion of the fossil fuels during the heat and energy production. Because high volumes of the carbon (CO₂) emissions to the Earth atmosphere promote the global warming, producing an appreciable effect on the climate change, different methods are used to control the carbon emissions from the combustion of the fossil fuels. Experimental researches were carried out with the aim to reduce the carbon emissions from the combustion using the method of precombustion decarbonization of a fossil fuel (propane). The process of precombustion decarbonization of propane is initiated downstream the central part of the non-premixed swirling flame with axial propane and tangential air supply. Because of the limited premixing rate of the flame components downstream the low-temperature and fuel-rich central part of the swirling flame, reactions are initiated that lead to the formation of primary soot precursors and growth of soot nanoparticles. The soot nanoparticles from the flame are sequestered by thermophoretic transport of nanoparticles onto the collecting surface of the steel tube arranged downstream the central part of the flame. To optimize the processes of soot formation and carbon sequestration from the swirling flame, the experimental study is carried out at different rates of propane and air supply into the swirling burner. Tables 1, Figs 20, Refs 19.