Rate Coefficients in the C/H/O System

This chapter is a critical survey of reaction rate coefficient data important in describing high-temperature combustion of H2, CO, and small hydrocarbons up to C4. A recommended reaction mechanism and rate coefficient set is presented. The approximate temperature range for this mechanism is from 1200 to 2500 K, which therefore excludes detailed consideration of cool flames, low-temperature ignition, or reactions of organic peroxides or peroxy radicals. Low-temperature rate-coefficient data are presented, however, when they contribute to defining or understanding high-temperature rate coefficients. Because our current knowledge of reaction kinetics is incomplete, this mechanism is inadequate for very fuel-rich conditions (see Warnatz et al., 1982). For the most part, reactions are considered only when their rates may be important for modeling combustion processes. This criterion eliminates considering many reactions among minor species present at concentrations so low that reactions of these species cannot play an essential part in combustion processes. The philosophy in evaluating the rate-coefficient data was to be selective rather than exhaustive: Recent results obtained with experimental methods capable of measuring isolated elementary reaction rate parameters directly were preferred, while results obtained using computer simulations of complex reacting systems were considered only when sensitivity to a particular elementary reaction was demonstrated or when direct measurements are not available. Theoretical results were not considered.