Experimental and numerical study on the effects of initial pressure and temperature on the explosion characteristics of LPG mixtures

As a safe new renewable energy, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has the advantages of less environmental pollution and higher calorific value. Therefore, it is of great significance for the sustainable development of Chinese new energy sources to study the fuel explosion characteristics of LPG. The maximum explosion pressure (P_max), maximum rates of the pressure rise ((dp/dt)_max), and explosive index (K_G) of LPG were investigated experimentally and numerically at various initial pressures (0.1–0.2 MPa) and temperatures (25–100 °C). Through the analysis of the experiment results, it was found that: as the initial pressure increases, the P_max and (dp/dt)_max of the mixed gas gradually increase. The P_max of the mixture decreases with the increase of initial temperature. A fitting relationship between the other relevant combustion and explosion characteristic parameters (K_G), initial temperature, and initial pressure is obtained within the experimental range. Numerical simulation was carried out with the help of the Chemical Kinetics (CHEMKIN) software. From the simulation results, it was found that the changes in P_max and (dp/dt)_max of the mixture were consistent with the experimental results. Through the sensitivity analysis of the mixture, the elementary reaction which plays an important role in the reaction process of the mixture was obtained. This work is expected to be conducive to safety management and the prevention of explosion accidents.