Modeling and simulation of evaporation–pyrolysis processes of a naturally smoldering cylindrical cellulosic materials rod: Effect of smoldering rate on product concentrations

This study developed the mathematical model of the simultaneous transport and chemical processes inside naturally smoldering cellulosic materials. Matlab is employed for solving heat and mass transfer model as well as chemical kinetic model equations represented by a Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM). Simulations are carried out for the smoldering rate ranging from 0.18 cm/min to 0.4 cm/min and a final fixed pyrolysis temperature of 450 °C. On the basis of the model, the product yields, the evolution rate, and the influences of smoldering rate on the 22 selected volatile species out of 45 pyrolysis precursors are predicted.