| Abstract |
Silane is a pyrophoric gas commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing and has also been considered as a fuel additive to improve flame stabilization in scramjet engines. In certain circumstances, ignition of non-premixed combustion systems by conventional means such as spark or torch ignition is impractical. For such systems, small amounts of silane can be mixed with the fuel to initiate combustion upon contact with the oxidizer. The amount of silane required to initiate combustion depends on the oxidizer, primary fuel type, and burner geometry. It is well-known that practical ignition limits often differ significantly from those established by fundamental ignition and flammability limit studies due to the complexities of the fluid mechanics and fuel-oxidizer injection and mixing arrangements. In the current study, the concentration of silane in fuel required to achieve ignition was investigated using a practical, non-premixed, oxy-methane, swirled-stabilized burner. The effects of fuel and oxidizer injection timing, flow rates, injector configuration, silane gas temperature (273-325 K), and combustion system geometry were investigated. In each case the minimum silane concentration in methane necessary for prompt, repeatable ignition was recorded. The role of methane as a diluent in low-temperature Silane autoignition for a methane-oxygen combustion system was explored. |
