Characteristics of Butane Combustion in Mesoscale–Combustor Due to Stainless Steel Flame Holder Type

Abstract

Mesoscale–combustor is one component of the micropower generator. The mesoscale–combustor function is to produce heat energy from the combustion of chemical hydrocarbon compounds. The small dimensions of the meso-combustor cause large losses and short residence times for the reactants. These two factors lead to narrow flame flammability limits. This study aims to increase flammability limits by lengthening the reactant residence time and increasing reactant mixing with inserts of flow retardants called flame holders. There are two kinds of flame holders used in this study, namely holes and lines. Lines type produces flames at an equivalent ratio of Φ0.83–1.76 and speeds of 17.01 cm/s to 72.93 cm/s, while holes type produces flames at an equivalent ratio of Φ0.91–1.71 and a flow rate of 24.94 cm/s to 54.95 cm/s. This phenomenon shows that the line type flame holder is able to inhibit flow better and form vortices better, thereby increasing heat recirculation, flame stability, and widening flammability limits.