Methane–Carbon Oxide Ignition

Experimental studies and kinetic analysis of ignition of stoichiometric mixtures of methane with carbon monoxide in air at temperatures below 1000 K and pressures of 1–15 atm reveal the complex nature of the effect of mixture composition, temperature, and pressure on ignition delay. For mixtures with different carbon monoxide contents, pressure has different effects on ignition and the values of the effective ignition delay energy of these mixtures are very different, indicating serious changes in the process mechanism when changing all the above-mentioned parameters. The most obvious changes are associated with the effect of these parameters on the formation reactions and subsequent kinetics of HO \(_{2}^{\boldsymbol {\cdot}}\)  hydroperoxide radicals, including the role of their interaction with carbon monoxide. It is also necessary to account for the contribution of highly exothermic processes involving carbon monoxide to the heat balance of the ignition process of such mixtures. Information on the effect of the main parameters on the ignition of mixtures of methane with carbon monoxide at low temperatures is necessary to ensure the safe technological production and use of synthesis gas and hydrogen, coal mine operation, and the optimization of detailed kinetic mechanisms of light hydrocarbon oxidation.