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Accurate flash point and flammability limit data are needed to design safe chemical processes. Unfortunately, improper data storage and reporting policies that disregard the temperature dependence of the flammability limit and the fundamental relationship between the flash point and the lower flammability limit have resulted in compilations filled with erroneous values. To establish a database of consistent flammability data, critical analysis of reported data, experimental investigation of the temperature dependence of the lower flammability limit, and theoretical and empirical exploration of the relationship between flash points and temperature limits are undertaken. Lower flammability limit measurements in a 12-L ASHRAE style apparatus were performed at temperatures between 300 K and 500 K. Analysis of these measurements showed that the adiabatic flame temperature at the lower flammability limit is not constant as previously thought, rather decreases with increasing temperature. Consequently the well-known modified Burgess-Wheeler law underestimates the effect of initial temperature on the lower flammability limit. Flash point and lower temperature limit measurements indicate that the flash point is greater than the lower temperature limit, the difference increasing with increasing lower temperature limit. Flash point values determined in a Pensky-Martens apparatus typically exceed values determined using a small-scale apparatus above 350 K. Data stored in the DIPPR® 801 database and more than 3600 points found in the literature were critically reviewed and the most probable value recommended, creating a database of consistent flammability data. This dataset was then used to develop a method of estimating the lower flammability limit, including dependence on initial temperature, and the upper flammability limit. Three methods of estimating the flash point, with one based entirely on structural contributions, were also developed. The proposed lower flammability limit and flash point methods appear to predict close to, if not within, experimental error.

The research reported here explored the flammable range of gasification product “producer gas” in a combustion chamber to ensure complete combustion. Rising fuel prices has led to increased research in renewable energy sources. Biomass is a renewable resource whose use does not result in a net increase of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Wood was selected as the biomass for this research. Applications for wood as a fuel source includes crop drying, space heating, and power generation. Flammability limit and chemical equilibrium theory were used to model the flammable range of the gasification product in a combustion chamber. The model predicted an adiabatic flammable zone within an equivalence ratio of 0.56 to 1.67 for oak with 20 percent moisture content (w.b.), and a maximum adiabatic flame temperature of 2025°C for dry oak. Chemical equilibrium theory was used to predict gasification-combustion product concentration. Based on the analysis of the data, the following conclusions were made: (1) Flammability of gas-air mixture is largely determined by the amount of heat loss prior to combustion, (2) At equivalence ratios greater than 1.25, CO appears in the combustion products, (3) Adiabatic Flame Temperatures are largely influenced by moisture and excess air, (4) Combustion temperature is a critical parameter that influences composition distribution of the gasification-combustion product. (Product compositions are important to the designer, for both energy and environmental impact), and (5) Maximum benefit for a gasifier-combustor system could be obtained if heat loss, excess air, moisture content, mixing effectiveness, and residence time are optimized. / Master of Science

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