Effects of H2/CO ratio and CO2 dilution on the explosion behavior and flame evolution of syngas/air mixtures.

Syngas, which is used as both a fuel and a raw material, presents numerous safety risks during its utilization. In this paper, the effects of H 2 /CO ratio (R = 0%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100%) and CO 2 dilution ([CO 2 ] = 0%–20%) on the explosion behaviors of syngas/air mixtures with different equivalence ratios (φ = 0.8, 1.0, 1.6, and 2.5) are examined via experiments and numerical calculations. The results show that the peaks of explosion pressure and OH* spectral intensity are significantly influenced by the H 2 percentage in the syngas. The introduction of CO 2 notably decreases these parameters in oxygen-rich and severe oxygen-poor states. Additionally, the flame propagation speed noticeably increases with increasing H 2 proportion in the syngas. The influence of CO 2 on the buoyancy instability of the spherical flame of syngas is considered negligible when compared to that of other combustible gases, such as CH 4. Nevertheless, the presence of CO 2 decreases the density ratio between the unburned gas and burned gas and increases the flame thickness of syngas/air mixtures. This trend reduces the cellular instability of the spherical flame, particularly in severe oxygen-poor states. Notably, there is a definite correlation between the formation of cellular flames and the rise rate of explosion pressure. The cellular structure on the flame surface becomes more pronounced when the rise rate of explosion pressure increases. Conversely, it develops later or is noticeably inhibited. Furthermore, the main reaction pathways are H 2 → ∙OH → H 2 O 2 → H 2 O and H 2 → ∙OH → CO → CO 2 during the syngas explosion process. ∙OH is critical in the entire chain reaction because it promotes the conversion of H 2 to H 2 O and acts as a vital connection between the reactants H 2 and CO in the explosion process. • The P max and I max were investigated with H 2 addition and CO 2 dilution. • The cellular instability of the spherical flame was analyzed. • The interaction of flame development and explosion pressure was revealed. • The main reaction pathways during the syngas explosion process were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]