An Investigation of the Effect of Propylene Gas Flame on Emissions and Temperature Distribution of a Preheated Metal Plate

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the propylene gas flame on the emissions and temperature distribution of the metal plate during the preheating process. Experimental tests were carried out using a preheating system with a cylindrical chamber for emissions measurement and a metal plate placed near the torch head. Emissions were measured using a gas analyzer, while the temperature distribution of the metal plate was measured using an infrared thermal camera and thermocouples. The findings reveal that the emissions decrease as the equivalence ratio is increased as it approaches a ratio of 1. However, when the appropriate equivalence ratio is reached, NOx emissions will rise and then gradually fall. The peak temperature of propane fuel is higher than that of other fuels because of the concentrated flame. Propane fuel can achieve a peak temperature of 347.65 °C, surpassing both propylene fuel (275.45 °C) and acetylene fuel (335.45 °C). Using a propylene gas flame results in a reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides compared to a propane flame. But, acetylene fuel produces the most NOx emissions, reaching 450.79 ppm for the experimental conditions. Additionally, the temperature distribution of the preheated metal plate was more uniform with the propylene gas flame, indicating improved heat transfer. However, the peak temperature of the metal plate was slightly lower when using the propylene gas flame.