Experimental study of combustion of hydrocarbon fuel modified with aluminum oxide nanoparticles in a superheated steam medium

The paper studies the effect of aluminum nanopowder (1% by weight) on the combustion characteristics of liquid hydrocarbon fuel using diesel fuel as an example. The fuel was sprayed with superheated steam with a controlled supply of oxidizer to the gas generation chamber. The nanopowder consisted mainly of aluminum oxide (~90%) with an admixture of metallic aluminum (up to 10%). The results showed that during combustion of the modified fuel, the maximum temperature of the external flame decreased by about 100°C compared to the pure sample. At the same time, the temperature at the outlet of the gas generation chamber was higher by ~100°C, and the content of CO and H2 in the external flame increased. This indicates efficient ignition of the fuel inside the chamber and a decrease in the degree of steam gasification of thermal decomposition products due to the presence of the nanomodifier. Gas analysis of the combustion products revealed an insignificant effect of nanoparticles on the concentration of harmful emissions. In the case of the modified fuel, a slight decrease in the level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and an increase in the content of carbon monoxide (CO) were observed. Despite some positive effects, such as combustion intensification, no significant reduction in harmful emissions was recorded under steam spray and combustion in a burner device.