Numerical investigation of the distribution of oxygen atoms in syngas combustion products

Abstract

The distribution of air oxygen atoms in the oxidation products of rich mixtures of syngas with air in flame and the under autoignition conditions at constant volume has been investigated by numerical simulation using the tracer method. It has been found that in rich mixtures, the oxidation of hydrogen and carbon oxide has a stepwise nature, which is clearly visible in the profiles of the rates of production of H₂O and CO₂. The observed stepwise nature inevitably results in the heat-release rate occurring in steps. The reaction pathways and the role of the oxygen atom of the CO molecule in the heat release in these flames has been investigated.