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Show 2. Objectives and Technical Background 2.1 Introduction From a fuels and combustion scientist's point of view, it is reasonable to assume that much is fundamentally understood about the combustion of CH./O^/N- [1], CO/02/N2 [2], and H2/02/N2 [3] mixtures. Methane is the preferred bulk gaseous fuel of the present; hydrogen is a candidate fuel of the future. Because of the concern about the diminishing supply of natural gas, there is increasing interest in the utilization of alternate fuels such as low-, medium-, and high-Btu gas. These synthetic gases will probably be relied upon to meet intermediate-term industrial, domestic, and commercial energy demands. The fundamental understanding of the combustion of these coal-derived alternate fuels is in its infancy, primarily because the data base on the physics [4-7] and chemistry [8-14] of syngas flames is fairly limited. One overall objective of the research outlined in this paper is to expand this data base. Typical compositions of coal-derived syngases are given in Table 1. A Preliminary studies have succeeded in uncovering problems that may very well be encountered upon the replacement of natural gas with coal-derived syngases (Table 2). Compared to methane, synthesis gas/air flames are less stable [14], have different ignition limits [7], and generate more NO pollution [8,14]. Since the overall A purpose of industrial fuel f»as producers is to provide reliable, safe, and environmentally acceptable gas service to the benefit of the public, solutions to the aforementioned problems are important. A categorical description of the proposed research project results from the translation of gas service criteria into studies of flame stability, flame inhibition, and combustion kinetics of pollutant formation/destruction, respectivelv. Hence, the missions of the program are in alignment with the needs of the fuel gas production industry. The overall effort is directed toward understanding the interaction between the physical and chemical processes operating in syngas flames. Links between stability, ignition limits, and pollution potential are obvious, but have not been /X-4- |