ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 10 March 2004
Page Count: 13

Investigation of Burning Iron in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres through Microanalysis Techniques

Suvorovs, T
Postgraduate students and Senior Lecturer, Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia,

DeWit, JR
Senior Engineer, Leslie Consulting Pty Ltd, Coopers Plains,

Osborne, BP
Postgraduate students and Senior Lecturer, Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia,

Steinberg, TA
Postgraduate students and Senior Lecturer, Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia,

(Received 9 October 2003; accepted 8 January 2003)

Abstract

Promoted-ignition testing of 3.2-mm diameter iron rods was performed in high purity oxygen at 0.69 and 6.9 MPa, with the samples subjected to a comprehensive visual and compositional microanalysis. Scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis, utilizing both energy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, were performed to clarify the burning process and aid in the development of a qualitative model of the burning iron rod system. The detached drops and rods of both self-extinguished and quenched samples were examined revealing that a drop, on detachment, is comprised of a significant proportion of unreacted metal. A high concentration of oxygen was detected within the unburned (melted and resolidifed) metal, enhancing the combustion process within the detached slag. The analysis also revealed a detached sphere of melted and resolidified (but unreacted) iron within the attached molten oxide drop on a quenched rod.

Keywords:
promoted-ignition, iron, microanalysis, SEM, burning metal, oxidation

Paper ID: JAI12227
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12227
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