Flame Propagation Velocity 1

[Mondolfi]

Hi,

Where can I found a method for calculating the flame propagation velocity for gasoil and gasoline?

Thanks in advance

 

[nbucska]

Measure it ... it should be simpler and more reliable.

<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

 

[MotoGP]

Greetings, Mondolfi:

As you already are aware, gasoil and gasoline, not unlike any other volatile gaseous compounds / mixtures, have their own unique combustion charactaristics.

Equally, the nature and configuration of the piping, through which your subject chemical vapours are required to pass, can significantly affect the behaviour of their flame propagation.

An interesting fact is that a series of elbows and / or reductions ( i.e. &quot;turbulence-inducing elements&quot along a span of piping, and the overall length of piping span, are capable of inluencing flame fronts to velocities in excess of 3000m/sec.

Just take a moment of your time to consider a Propane gas contained in a DN50 (2&quot; NPS) straight run of piping, at a distance of 4 metres (13 feet) downstream from (for lack of a better expression) an &quot;ignition source&quot;. These set of conditions will present a flame speed of 370m/sec (1215 ft/sec, or, 830 mph).

Propane, is classified by either the BS 5501: Pt. 1 1977, or EN50014 Classification standards as a &quot;Group IIA&quot; gas/vapour. It is also classified by the US National Electrical Code Article 500 equivalent gas groups as a Group &quot;D&quot; gas/vapour.

It is not quite clear to me whether you are considering gasoil and gasoline as either individual compounds or as a mixture. This information is only necessary to determine the composition of gas/vapour (% by volume) so that you can then determine their flash points.

You will also need to consider a detailed piping layout that will contain your compound(s), the locations for possible sources of ignition, the materials that you will be using, and, if you will be using a storage tank and its corresponding maximum fill and empty rates.

Knowing the maximum and minimum operating and design temperatures and pressures of your system would also be helpful to you, including any allowable pressure drop, as well as knowing in advance any &quot;endurance burning&quot; charactaristics (that is, inquiring as to the possibility of whether the flame will continue to burn on the element surface after its ignition).

If I were in your position, I would contact any number of friendly vendors who distribute detonation and deflagration arresters. They have volumes of information about exactly what you are looking for. Companies to look at on the good 'ol web would be either the AMAL (IMI Safety Systems) or the GROTH companies, just two name two.

I'm sure that in no time at all you'll have the answer to your question! Good Luck!

Pete