Thermal combustion of lean methane–air mixtures: Flow reversal research and demonstration reactor model and its validation

Problem of the coal mine shafts ventilation air methane (VAM) utilization is briefly presented. A research and demonstration plant experiments were carried out as the first step to a future industrial application. The plant contained a thermal flow reversal reactor (TFRR) as the main unit where lean methane–air mixture is combusted. The study consisted of the plant experiments and mathematical model simulations as well. The paper presents the mathematical model description and its experimental validation based on comparison of the model results with measured plant data. The aim of the paper is to assess whether dynamic, one dimensional (in space) model may be useful for a fairly large scale reactor simulations. The model was developed and tested in the 2 versions: without and with heat accumulation in the reactor wall.

• Fairly large thermal combustion of lean methane–air mixtures reactor was simulated.
• Mathematical models with and without heat capacity of the wall were compared.
• Simulation results for the two model options (with and without the wall) are similar.
• Agreement of measured and simulated temperature profiles is sufficient for practice.
• Both model (with and without the wall) options may be used for design purposes.