Effects of transverse concentration gradients on the vented explosion of methane-air mixtures

Experiments were performed in a 90-L vessel with a side vent to investigate the effects of transverse concentration gradients on the vented explosion of non-uniform methane-air mixture. Controlled by a mass flow meter, methane was injected uniformly into the vessel through 18 nozzles that are evenly distributed at the top to configure a methane-air mixture with an average methane volume fraction of 10.9%. Various transverse con-centration gradients were obtained by altering the free diffusion time of the methane in the vessel. The deflagration flame was recorded through a high-speed camera at a frequency of 1000 Hz, and the internal overpressure at different locations was captured through three piezoelectric sensors. Experimental results reveal that larger concentration gradient resulted in lower flame propagation rate, longer time for the burst of the vent cover, and stronger pressure oscillations. Concentration gradient affects the typical flame structure, especially the formation and development of the tulip flame. Under the present experimental conditions, Helmholtz oscillations occurred in all tests. Concentration gradient has a negative correlation with the frequency of Helmholtz oscillations but a positive correlation with the duration of oscillations. In conclusion, the variation of concentration gradient obviously affects flame propagation and pressure evolution during vented explosions, which deserves more attention in the design of explosion protection.