An experimental and numerical investigation of the catalytic-rich/gaseous-lean combustion of H2/CO/air mixtures at 8?bar

The catalytic-rich/gaseous-lean (R/L) combustion concept was investigated experimentally and numerically for syngas fuels with H₂:CO volumetric ratios 1:0, 4:1 and 1:2, catalytic-rich stoichiometries φ_rich = 2–10 (including operation without air), pressure of 8 bar and air preheat of 673 K. Experiments were performed in a subscale R/L burner with optical access to both catalytic-rich and gaseous-lean stages. OH-PLIF monitored the turbulent combustion in the gaseous-lean stage, OH*-chemiluminescence assessed the propensity for homogeneous ignition in the catalytic-rich stage, and exhaust gas analysis provided the NOx and CO emissions. Two-dimensional simulations were carried out for both stages, while a 1-D opposed-jet code modeled the NOx emissions. The exothermicity of the heterogeneous reactions promoted homogeneous ignition and flame anchoring in the upstream parts of the catalytic-rich stage and allowed for complete consumption of the deficient O₂ reactant, a process that could not be achieved by the catalytic pathway alone due to transport limitations. Homogeneous combustion in the catalytic-rich stage was beneficial for attaining the highest possible fuel pre-conversion. The catalyst not only initiated gaseous combustion but also mitigated potential NOx emissions from the catalytic-rich stage at the highest pre-conversions (lowest φ_rich) and highest CO-content mixtures. Two-sided diffusion flames were established in the gaseous-lean stage due to the recirculation of O₂-rich combustion products, which was advantageous for the burner compactness. It was shown that cardinal to the R/L concept was the fact that a decreasing φ_rich led to an increased heat transfer from the catalytic-rich stage to the bypass air, which reduced the enthalpy in the fuel stream of the gaseous-lean stage and thus lowered the peak flame temperatures (by 400 K for H₂:CO = 1:0). The reduction in flame temperatures with decreasing φ_rich led to a six-fold drop in NOx emissions, while CO emissions were less than 5 ppmv.