Fundamental combustion properties of H2/CO mixtures: Ignition and flame propagation at elevated pressures

Because of the current interest in the use of syngas in gas turbine applications, this article provides an overview of the fundamental combustion characteristics of H2/CO mixtures, with emphasis on ignition and flame propagation at high pressures. Specifically, the effects of pressure on the fundamental combustion properties, including auto-ignition delays, forced ignition limits, and laminar flame speeds, are demonstrated and discussed through several recent high-pressure experiments. The controlling reactions in ignition and flame propagation are identified. Through comparison of the newly obtained high-pressure experimental data and the computational results based on existing kinetic models, discrepancies in the rate parameters for the sensitive reactions are also discussed.