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Soot Particle Size Distribution Functions in a Turbulent Non-Premixed Ethylene-Nitrogen Flame

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Abstract

A scanning mobility particle sizer with a nano differential mobility analyzer was used to measure nanoparticle size distribution functions in a turbulent non-premixed flame. The burner utilizes a premixed pilot flame which anchors a C2H4/N2 (35/65) central jet with Re D = 20,000. Nanoparticles in the flame were sampled through a N2-filled tube with a 500- μm orifice. Previous studies have shown that insufficient dilution of the nanoparticles can lead to coagulation in the sampling line and skewed particle size distribution functions. A system of mass flow controllers and valves were used to vary the dilution ratio. Single-stage and two-stage dilution systems were investigated. A parametric study on the effect of the dilution ratio on the observed particle size distribution function indicates that particle coagulation in the sampling line can be eliminated using a two-stage dilution process. Carbonaceous nanoparticle (soot) concentration particle size distribution functions along the flame centerline at multiple heights in the flame are presented. The resulting distributions reveal a pattern of increasing mean particle diameters as the distance from the nozzle along the centerline increases.

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Acknowledgments

The research reported in this publication was supported by funding from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

    Wesley Boyette, Snehaunshu Chowdhury & William Roberts

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  1. Wesley Boyette
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  2. Snehaunshu Chowdhury
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  3. William Roberts
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Correspondence to Wesley Boyette.

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Boyette, W., Chowdhury, S. & Roberts, W. Soot Particle Size Distribution Functions in a Turbulent Non-Premixed Ethylene-Nitrogen Flame. Flow Turbulence Combust 98, 1173–1186 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10494-017-9802-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10494-017-9802-5

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