Liftoff characteristics of turbulent jet diffusion flames

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of turbulent jet diffusion flames is developed in which the flame is regarded as an ensemble of laminar diffusion flamelets that are highly distorted. The flow inhomogeneities are considered to be sufficiently strong to produce local quenching events for flamelets as a consequence of excessive flame stretch. The condition for flamelet extinction is derived in terms of the instantaneous scalar dissipation rate, which is ascribed a log-normal distribution. Percolation theory for a random network of stoichiometri c sheets is used to predict quenching thresholds that define liftoff heights. Predictions are shown to be in reasonably satisfactory agreement with experimentally measured liftoff heights of methane jet diffusion flames, within experimental uncertainties. UEL issuing from a tube or duct into an oxidizing atmosphere forms a jet in which combustion may occur. The associated combustion process is the most classical example of a diffusion flame. At sufficiently high velocities of fuel flow (fundamentally, at sufficiently large Reynolds numbers) the entire diffusion flame is turbulent. The turbulent jet diffusion flame begins at the mouth of the duct for a range of values of the exit velocity. When a critical exit velocity is exceeded, the flame abruptly is detached from the duct and acquires a new configuration of stabilization in which combustion begins a number of duct diameters downstream. Flames in this state, stabilized in the mixing region, are termed lifted diffusion flames, and the critical exit velocity at which they appear is called the liftoff velocity. The liftoff height is the centerline distance from the duct exit to the plane of flame stabilization. A further increase in the exit velocity increases the liftoff height without significantly modifying the turbulent flame height (the centerline distance from the duct exit to the plane at which, on the average, combustion ceases). There is a second critical value of the exit velocity, called the blowoff velocity, beyond which the flame cannot be stabilized in the mixing region. The present study addresses questions of the structure of lifted turbulent diffusion flames at exit velocities between liftoff and blowoff values. Attention is focused especially on the calculation of liftoff heights. Liftoff characteristics for turbulent jet diffusion flames are of practical importance in connection with flame stabilization. Conditions for liftoff and blowoff must be known in developing rational designs of burners, e.g., in diffusion-flame combustors for power production or in flaring applications for the petroleum industry. They are also of interest in connection with extinguishment of certain fires that may occur in oil or gas rigs. The present work is directed toward developing an improved fundamental understanding of liftoff phenomena that may later prove useful for these applications.