Effects of non-steady state discharge plasma on natural gas combustion: Flammability limits, flame behavior and hydrogen production

The effects of a non-steady state plasma discharge on flammability limits and flame structure of air-natural gas mixtures are investigated. As plasma power increases, flame structure is changed and flammable range is extended. In the absence of a visible flame, a higher hydrogen production is observed, revealing that the discharge is a source of molecular hydrogen. The reduction on hydrogen production inside the flammable range suggests a burning of hydrogen in the flame.