LAUSR

Abstract The inhibition effect of heptafluoropropane (CF3CHFCF3) on methane explosions under different inhibitor concentrations in a closed vessel was studied. A high-speed camera and a pressure sensor were adopted respectively to record flame propagation characteristics and pressure data. Results indicate that the relationship between flame propagation and pressure rising was correlated. As the equivalent ratio (φ)≤1, the pressure presented a trend of rising firstly and then decreasing with increasing CF3CHFCF3 concentration, and it was found that there existed a critical concentration for pressure decrease. As φ > 1, the pressure exhibited a decreasing trend. Although the pressure appeared to seemingly increase, the moment that the pressure began to rise (trise) and the moment that the maximum explosion overpressure appeared (tPmax) were obviously delayed. The average rate of pressure rise ((dP/dt)ave) was decreased as the concentration of CF3CHFCF3 increased. It indicates that CF3CHFCF3 can effectively reduce the explosion reaction rate. The critical concentration of CF3CHFCF3 for complete inhibition was determined. Meanwhile, the synergy of CF3CHFCF3-inert gas can improve the inhibition effect. Compared with CF3CHFCF3–N2, the synergy of CF3CHFCF3–CO2 presented a better inhibition effect, and the inhibition effect was increased with increasing inert gas concentration. And the mechanisms of physical and chemical effects on explosion inhibition were analyzed.