A simple kinetic model, based upon the concept of partial equilibrium, is developed for predicting carbon monoxide concentrations in such steady flow hydrocarbon-air combustion systems as gas turbine combustors. The only two kinetic constraints used in the model are (i) on the rate of change of the total number of gaseous particles in the system, and (ii) on the rate of change of the CO concentration. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparison with experimental results obtained by burning kerosene with air in a 130,000 Btu/hr atmospheric pressure steady flow burner. Burnt gas cooling rates of 10 60K/sec, about the magnitude encountered in the dilution zone of gas turbine combustors, were obtained with a compact water-cooled heat exchanger. Good agreement between measured CO concentrations and the values predicted by the partial equilibrium model was obtained.
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