Formation, Growth and Oxidation of Soot Particles under the Influence of an Alternating Electric Field : Part I Experiments on Coaxial-flow Jet Diffusion Flames

Abstract

Applying an alternating electric field to a coaxial-flow jet diffusion flame, the size, structure and concentration of soot particles and the temperature of gas were observed at various positions within the flame. The processes of formation, growth and oxidation of soot particles were examined by comparing the results with those obtained with no electric field applied. Although the peak concentration of soot particles on the flame axis increases as the intensity and frequency of the electric field are raised, the particles are oxidized rapidly due to an increased peak temperature downstream, resulting in a markedly decreased soot emission. The size of soot particles decreases as the intensity and frequency of the electric field are raised.