Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of CF3I and CBrF3 on Methanol–Air and Methane–Air Premixed Flames

  • Published:
Fire Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The suppression of CH4 and CH3OH premixed flames with CBrF3 and CF3I is examined, using computational techniques. By combining sensitivity analysis, reaction pathway analysis (based on carbon, hydrogen, bromine and iodine atom fluxes) and heat release estimation, we develop an explanation for the difference of suppression efficiencies which is qualitatively consistent with experimental cup burner data. The key reaction steps and channels responsible for the (apparent) higher inhibition efficiency of CF3I compared to CBrF3 in CH3OH premixed flames are disclosed, by combining reaction pathway and heat release contribution analysis. The reaction of bromine atom dominates the decomposition channel for CH3OH but plays a relatively minor role in the activation of CH4, while I atom plays a minor role in CH3OH or CH4 activation. Accordingly, the rate of production of flame propagating radicals CH2O and OH is higher in a CH3OH–air–CBrF3 system than in a CH3OH–air–CF3I system. The overall conclusion is that CBrF3 contributes significantly to flame propagation for CH3OH fuel reactions and consequently more CBrF3 is required to extinguish a CH3OH flame than CF3I. Finally the explanation is validated by applying the reaction “switching-off” test.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. E.J.P. Zegers, B.A. Williams, E.M. Fisher, J.W. Fleming, and R.S. Sheinson, Suppression of nonpremixed flames by fluorinated ethanes and propanes. Combustion and Flame, 2000. 121(3): p. 471-487

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. T.A. Moore, C.A. Weitz, and R.E. Tapscott, “Update on NMERI Cup-Burner Test Tesults”, in Halon Options Technical Working Conference (HOTWC 1996). Albuquerque, NM, 1996.

  3. T. Noto, V. Babushok, D.R. Burgess Jr., A. Hamins, and W. Tsang, “Effect of Halogenated Flame Inhibitors on C1-C2 Organic Flames”, Symposium (International) on Combustion [Proceedings]. 26th(Vol. 1), 1996, pp. 1377-1383.

  4. T. Noto, V. Babushok, A. Hamins, and W. Tsang, “Inhibition Effectiveness of Halogenated Compounds”. Combustion and Flame, 1998. 112(1-2): p. 147-160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. V. Babushok and W. Tsang, “Inhibitor rankings for alkane combustion”. Combustion and Flame, 2000. 123(4): p. 488-506

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. C. Luo, "Study on the Inhibition Mechanisms of CBrF3, CF3I and C3F7H in a CH4 Fuelled Premixed Flame”, Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Callaghan, The University of Newcastle, Australia, 2008.

  7. C. Luo, B.Z. Dlugogorski, B. Moghtaderi, and E.M. Kennedy, “Computational Study on Toxic Gases Released from Compartment Fires Suppressed with Halogenated Agents”. Cybernetics & Systems, 2004. 35(7/8): p. 607-625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. C. Luo, B.Z. Dlugogorski, and E.M. Kennedy, “Effect of Hydrofluorocarbons and Perfluorocarbons on Suppression Efficiency of CF3I”, in Halon Options Technical Working Conference, 14th. Proceedings. HOTWC 2004. NIST SP 984-2; NIST Special Publication 984-2. Albuquerque, NM, 2004.

  9. G.T. Linteris and L. Truett, “Inhibition of Premixed CH4 - Air Flames by Fluoromethanes”. Combustion and Flame, 1996. 105(1-2): p. 15-27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. B. Moghtaderi, B.Z. Dlugogorski, and E.M. Kennedy, “A Detailed Chemical Kinetic Modelling Study on High Temperature Ignition of CH4/Air Mixtures Doped with C3F7H”, in Halon Options Technical Working Conference. Albuquerque, USA, 1998.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Process Safety and Environment Protection Research Group, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia

    Caimao Luo, Bogdan Z. Dlugogorski & Eric M. Kennedy

Authors
  1. Caimao Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bogdan Z. Dlugogorski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Eric M. Kennedy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eric M. Kennedy.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Luo, C., Dlugogorski, B.Z. & Kennedy, E.M. Influence of CF3I and CBrF3 on Methanol–Air and Methane–Air Premixed Flames. Fire Technol 44, 221–237 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-007-0033-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-007-0033-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation