Aspect Ratio Effects on Partially Premixed Flames From Elliptic Burners in Coflow

In this paper, partially premixed flames of propane-hydrogen blends from elliptic burner geometries in coflow environment have been experimentally studied. Two different elliptic burner geometries with aspect ratios (AR) of 3:1 and 4:1 were used. A circular burner with the same discharge area as that of the elliptic burner was employed for comparison. Measurements were taken at stoichiometric and three other equivalence ratios. Global flame characteristics such as visible height, emission indices, and flame radiation were measured. Flame structure data such as transverse profiles of inflame concentrations of combustion products and local flame temperature were also measured at three axial locations in the flame. Results indicate that elliptic burner flames were shorter, more radiating, and produced lower NO and CO emissions than the corresponding circular burner flames. Results from the inflame measurements of NO and CO were in good agreement with the corresponding global data. Further, the 4:1 AR elliptic burners exhibited a twin-jet flame structure at fuel-rich conditions. The twin-flame structure was evident from the inflame measurements of temperature and combustion species. This study suggests that the combination of elliptic burner geometry and coflow reduces NO and CO emissions from combustion systems, which could potentially lead to cleaner environment.