Ignition Characteristics for Methane‐Air Mixtures atVarious Initial Temperatures

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the effects of initial temperature on minimum ignition energy (MIE) and combustion parameters of methane‐air mixtures. A series experiments were carried out with an ignition energy measurement system and two combustion vessels (5 L and 20 L). The results described in this article include: (a) the MIE of methane‐air mixtures reached their lowest values at a concentration of 8.5%, instead of 9.5% stoichiometric concentration, (b) the MIE of methane‐air mixtures decreases as initial temperature increases, (c) the combustion temperature and maximum rate of combustion temperature rise of methane‐air mixtures decrease as initial temperature increases, and (d) the combustion pressure of methane‐air mixtures decreases as initial temperature increases. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 37–41, 2013