The flow reactor in operation during a reaction kinetics experiment: the sampling nozzle can be faintly recognised on the left. The red glowing triangle is a thermocouple used to determine the temperature. A stretched flame front can be seen to the right. This unusual flame shape is caused by the low pressure of 40 bar in the reaction zone.
The experimental analysis of the chemical reactions is the basis for a fundamental understanding of the combustion of all fuels used in energy conversion and mobility. Of particular interest here are both novel and conventional gaseous and liquid fuels.
Activities focus on the chemically and kinetically controlled processes of technical combustion systems, such as ignition behaviour, heat release, flame velocities, pollutant formation and the associated reaction paths and networks. The department has a comprehensive repertoire of experiments at its disposal for the detailed investigation of these processes:
Shock wave tubes
Laminar high-pressure burner with conical flame
Flow reactors, atmospheric and high pressure with Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry (MBMS) detection
Low-pressure flame with MBMS detection
Combustion research at Vacuum UV end stations at synchrotron facilities
For a better understanding of the reaction chemistry, the relevant sub-processes are usually analysed using well-controlled model systems. This involves simplifying the fuel composition (pure substances, simple mixtures as model fuels) and separating the physical processes in technical combustion systems, such as vaporization and mixing.
Based on the experimental data, the numerical description of the chemical reactions can be summarised, tested and validated in reaction mechanisms in order to gain a basic understanding. These basic reaction models are ultimately applied to technical applications in the fields of energy, aviation, transport and space travel and are closely linked to activities in the fields of fuel analysis and emissions/immissions of pollutants.
Contact
Dr. Markus Köhler
Head of Department Chemical Kinetics and Analytics Department
