FLAME INHIBITION RESEARCH
Abstract
Flame structure techniques used to determine chemistry kinetics of normal flames were applied to flames inhibited by halogen compounds. A theory was developed to explain this type of inhibition. Free radicals, whose rapid concentration increase through chain and chain branching reactions are responsible for the rapid reaction rates in flames, can react with halogens in chain breaking reactions. As the activation energy for reactions of radicals with halogen compounds is lower than for reaction with fuel or oxidizer, these reactions occur preferentially in the early part of the flame and prevent the rapid increase in free radical concentration. Normal flame propagation cannot begin until all of the halogen inhibitor has been used up through reaction or until the temperature is high enough to make chain branching reactions competitive. Rate constants for a number of reactions or hydroxyl radical with halogen inhibitors were determined. Two new techniques, the scavenger probe and electron spin resonance, were developed which make possible the determination of radical concentrations in flames. Techniques and apparatus for handling and analyzing corrosive additives are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0479718
Entities
People
- William E. Wilson Jr.
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University