Krzysztof Gosiewski

Simplified Kinetic Model for Thermal Combustion of Lean Methane–Air Mixtures in a Wide Range of Temperatures

Abstract The paper presents results of kinetic studies on thermal methane combustion over honeycomb monoliths. An analysis of the previous experiments [1] has shown that equations proposed there and their kinetic parameters satisfactorily describe kinetics only for relatively low temperatures up to approx. 700°C. The present study corresponds to that related and supplements the previous data with new kinetic parameters obtained in higher temperatures in the reaction zone up to 900°C. A method of the reaction rate calculation for further simulation studies combining the kinetic parameters obtained in both ranges of low (LT) according to Gosiewski et al. [1] and high temperatures (HT) are also presented in the paper.

Impact of Thermal Asymmetry on Efficiency of the Heat Recovery and Ways of Restoring Symmetry in the Flow Reversal Reactors

Abstract The problem discussed in the paper was revealed during experimental and simulation study of the waste fuel utilization (low concentrated CH4) which in coal mines is emitted to the atmosphere as the so-called ventilation air methane (abbreviation: VAM). When an intense heat recovery would be applied to the Reverse-Flow Reactor (RFR) then the reactor becomes susceptible to creation of temperature profiles asymmetry. This may adversely affects the heat recovery efficiency. When a strong asymmetry arises, it can significantly reduce the heat recovery and the system needs immediate counteraction. Commonly used control systems do not always cope with this problem. The paper discusses various RFRs control algorithms from the point of view of the ability to reduce symmetry to the acceptable range. The impact of the loss of reactor symmetry on possible heat recovery efficiency is also briefly discussed. The work is focused on RFRs which operate with significant heat recovery in a heat exchange unit in which heat is retrieved not at the rector outlet, but by cooling the hot gas from the center part of the reactor. Issues discussed in the paper are derived from being carried out in ICE-PAS through many years of simulation research, patent examinations, but primarily from the own experiences on the research & demonstration thermal flow reversal reactor (TFRR) for VAM combustion. Computer control & data recording system process data records of the experiments enabled effectively analyze the problem of creating and preventing thermal asymmetry.