An experimental and kinetic modeling study of the auto-ignition of natural gas blends containing C1–C7 alkanes

Abstract Ignition delay time measurements for multi-component natural gas mixtures were carried out using a rapid compression machine at conditions relevant to turbine operation, equivalence ratios of 0.5–2.0 in ‘air’ the temperature range 650–1050 K, pressures 10–30 bar. Natural comprising C1–C7 n-alkanes with methane as major component (volume fraction: 0.35–0.98) considered. A design experiments was employed minimize number needed cover wide pressures, temperatures and ratios. The new experimental data, together available literature used develop assess comprehensive chemical kinetic model. Replacing 1.875% 1.25% n-hexane 0.625% n-heptane mixture containing C1–C5 components leads significant increase mixture's reactivity. heavier hydrocarbons also tend show strong negative coefficient two-stage ignition behavior. Sensitivity analyses blends have been performed highlight key reactions controlling their