Reactivity Evaluation of Gasoline Components Using a Micro Flow Reactor with a Controlled Temperature Profile

Abstract

Reactivity evaluation of gasoline components were conducted using a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile. Weak flame images of n-heptane/air and iso-octane/air mixtures at equivalence ratios of 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 were taken and equivalence ratio dependence on the hot flame position was examined. Rate-of-production and sensitivity analysis identified the importance of HO₂ radical formation and consumption of H₂/O₂ reactions. Weak flame responses to alkanes with various research octane numbers were investigated and reactivity indexes using heat release rate profiles and CH₂O formation from cool flames were proposed. Effects of N₂, CO₂ and H₂O dilutions on fuel reactivity were investigated. N₂ and CO₂ dilution decreased reactivity, while H₂O dilution increased reactivity.