Experimental investigation of burning velocities of ultra-wet methane–air–steam mixtures

Global burning velocities of methane–air–steam mixtures are measured on prismatic laminar Bunsen flames and lifted turbulent V-flames for various preheating temperatures, equivalence ratios and steam mixture fractions at atmospheric pressure. Experiments are conducted on a new rectangular slot-burner. Experimental burning velocities are compared to computed flame speeds of one dimensional adiabatic premixed flames using detailed mechanisms (Konnov 0.5 and GRI Mech 3.0). Mean profiles of radicals OH* are also extracted from these flames and compared to simulation results.

► Methane–air flames may be stabilized at lean and ultra-wet conditions. ► Methane–air flames may be three times slower at ultra-wet combustion. ► OH radicals evidence that steam participates in reactions.