Estimating Flame Temperature: A Basic Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around estimating flame temperature, specifically in the context of a chemical reaction with given parameters such as specific heat capacities and energy released. Participants explore methods for rough calculations and the potential need for more complex approaches or experimental validation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about calculating flame temperature using specific heat capacities and energy released, suggesting a straightforward approach may exist.
  • Another participant suggests that a heat balance could provide a rough estimate, but emphasizes that precise results typically require experimental data.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the concept of heat balance and its application in rough calculations.
  • Another participant references basic concepts and external resources for understanding heat balance and flame temperature calculations.
  • It is noted that the adiabatic flame temperature can be estimated with a first law analysis, but more accurate calculations would need to consider factors like heat capacity variations and dissociation, which may require complex programming.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods for estimating flame temperature, with some advocating for simple calculations and others highlighting the need for more complex approaches or experimental validation. No consensus is reached on a single method or approach.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential inaccuracies in rough estimates, dependence on specific assumptions about heat capacities, and the complexity of factors influencing flame temperature that may not be fully addressed in simpler calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in chemical engineering, thermodynamics, or anyone looking to understand the basics of flame temperature estimation.

samblohm
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How could someone roughly calculate flame temperature? Let's say that a chemical reaction occurs at 1000F and the specific heat capacity of the reactants averages to 8 J/(mol x K). And the energy released in the reaction was 1000 KJ and the specific heat capacity of the products in 3 J/(mol x K). I really don't see anything else necessary to calculate flame temperature, but I could definitely be wrong. Is is a simple equation or does it require some hardcore computer program?
 
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For a rough estimate heat balance should be sufficient. For a precise result there is nothing like an experiment. I guess engineers do have specialized formulas for such calculations.
 
I only looking for a rough estimate. What do you mean by heat balance? How could it be used for a rough calculation?
 
samblohm said:
What do you mean by heat balance?

This is a very basic concept, see for example

http://www.chem.latech.edu/~deddy/chem104/L5Calorie.htm

There are plenty of materials explaining these things on the web.

Same approach used to calculation of the flame temperature:

http://www.et.byu.edu/~rowley/ChEn273/Topics/Energy_Balances/Reacting_Systems/Adiabatic_Flame_Temp.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It looks like you're after the adiabatic flame temperature, i.e. temperature with no heat transfer. As Borek stated you can determine the adiabatic flame temperature with a simple first law analysis within an accuracy of maybe 30%ish. To calculate a more realistic flame temperature you need to take into account variations in heat capacity, dissociation, radiative heat transfer, etc. This requires some complex code and I think some I think you can download for free. Of course the most accurate method is just to perform an experiment.
 

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