Quenching of flames by magnetic fields (abstract)

Abstract

The effects of magnetic fields on combustion of alcohol with the aid of platinum catalysis have been studied to simulate in part the oxidation of organic matter in the living body, and it has been found that the combustion reactions are influenced by magnetic fields. It has also been observed that candle flames are pressed down by magnetic fields of higher intensities when flames are exposed to gradient magnetic fields in a range 20–200 T/m under 0.5–1.4 T. Apart from the combustion experiments, flows of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, and argon gases were exposed to magnetic fields up to 2.2 T and 300 T/m. The flows of these gases were blocked or disturbed by the magnetic fields. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the mechanisms for the phenomena observed in the experiments of magnetic effects on combustion and gas flow. An electromagnet with a pair of columnar magnetic poles of which inner sidepieces were hollowed out was used. The magnetic fields of 1.5 T at the brim gave a gradient of 50–100 T/m in the direction perpendicular to the pole axis when the distance of the airgap was in a range 5–10 mm. A candle was burned in the hollowed space between magnetic poles, and candle flames were exposed to magnetic fields. The flames were quenched in a few seconds after the onset of field exposures. Oxygen gas as a paramagnetic molecule can be attracted to the magnetic fields of higher intensities. However, under the intensities of magnetic fields concerned, oxygen gases are not concentrated but are aligned so as to make a ‘‘wall of oxygen’’ or an ‘‘air curtain.’’ The air curtain, which is also called the ‘‘magnetic curtain,’’ blocks air flow into and out of the hollowed space. The interception of oxygen by magnetic curtain quenches flames. The magnetic curtain also presses back flames and other gases.