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You should bear in mind that this calculation is based on an<br />

initial temperature of 300 K and the reaction formula has been<br />

simplifi ed. In some tables the data is based on another<br />

temperature, but particularly in experiments where the correct<br />

reaction formula is used indirectly.<br />

Sample calculation: Temperature impact on lower<br />

fl ammability limit<br />

We will start with a sample calculation where the lower<br />

fl ammability limit for methane has been calculated. The initial<br />

temperature, T 0, is changed in the calculations and replaced by<br />

500 K. Calculations are very approximate, but provide a rough<br />

estimate of the temperature’s effect on the lower fl ammability<br />

limit.<br />

The equation DH c = S (C p × DT) is used, where DT is the<br />

difference between the adiabatic fl ame temperature and the<br />

initial temperature. The initial temperature is set to 500 K. The<br />

reaction formula is the one used earlier (see Sample calculation:<br />

lower fl ammability limit).<br />

800000 = 54.3 + 2 × 41.2 + X × 34.9 + X × 79 32.7 + 2 × 79 × 32.7<br />

(1600 – 500) 21 21<br />

The equation gives X = 2.18 and using this, we can calculate the<br />

proportion of methane in the mixture.<br />

1 = 4.8% volume<br />

2.18 + 1 + 2 + (2.18 + 2) 79<br />

21<br />

According to the result of the equation, 4.8% of the reactants<br />

are methane. This can be compared with the result for the lower<br />

fl ammability limit calculation from the earlier example, 5.7%,<br />

where the initial temperature was assumed to be 300 K.<br />

If the temperature continues to rise, in theory, even small<br />

amounts of fuel will be combustible. The upper fl ammability<br />

limit’s variation with temperature can be calculated using the<br />

same method.<br />

180

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