Effect of the radiation heat loss on propagation of the spherical flame through premixed coal dust

An analytical study has been conducted to investigate the effect of radiation heat loss on the spherical flame propagation in coal–dust clouds. This research can be valuable in the development of alternative fuels; and it can be used by the fire safety and control industry. The model includes the evaporation of the volatile matter of dust particles into a known gaseous fuel (methane) and the single–stage reaction of the gas–phase combustion. The radiation heat losses occur between the reaction zone and the surrounding environment (air). The study is within the framework of large activation energy and quasi–steady state assumptions. The theoretical predictions, including the burning velocity, are validated by the results presented in other works. [Received: January 2, 2014; Accepted: April 11, 2013]

Keywords: gas–phase combustion, coal dust clouds, spherical flame propagation, radiation heat loss, premixed flame, fire safety, premixed coal dust, alternative fuels, methane, modelling, burning velocity