An experimental and kinetic study of alkane autoignition at high pressures and intermediate temperatures

Autoignition delay times of individual alkanes and mixtures of alkanes were measured experimentally in a high pressure, intermediate temperature, turbulent flow reactor. The mixtures are intended to simulate various natural gas compositions from around the world. Testing was conducted from 7 to 15 atm and from 785 to 935 K which mimic the inlet conditions to the premixing zone in many modern lean premixed gas turbine engines. It is also in the kinetics region where reactions involving RO2 and H2O2 control the ignition process. The results are compared to higher temperature autoignition data from the literature which reveals several interesting differences between the two regimes. Finally, the data are compared to simulations using comprehensive chemical kinetics mechanisms to elucidate the dominant reactions at these conditions.