Stability limits of flames of ternary hydrocarbon mixtures

Abstract

Studies of lean blow-off and flash-back limits of laminar flames of ternary hydrocarbon mixtures containing ethylene show that these stability limits of the mixtures are predictable. The fuel components are non-interfering in flames at these limits. The contributions of the individual hydrocarbons are additive and define the limit of the mixture. However, at rich blow-off, there is evidence of inhibition in mixtures where ethylene is the primary fuel and in mixtures where the ethylene concentration exceeds a certain minimum as a secondary fuel. Consequently, the rich blow-off limits of mixtures containing ethylene are not usually predictable.