2023 Distinguished Paper Award (DPA) in the Solid Fuel Combustion Colloquium
In this 13-part series of articles, The Combustion Institute recognizes the 2023
Distinguished Papers selected from among the scientific papers presented during the 39th International Symposium on Combustion. Congratulations to Leon C. Thijs, C.E.A.G. van Gool, W.J.S. Ramaekers, Jeroen A. van Oijen, and L.P.H. de Goey for winning the DPA in the Solid Fuel Combustion colloquium.
Dr. Thijs and the members of his team authored their distinguished paper, "
Resolved simulations of single iron particle combustion and the release of nano-particles"
after developing a model to further investigate the underlying physics that are important for single iron particle combustion. Iron powder is considered as a promising energy carrier – in addition to the utilization of hydrogen and ammonia – since it is inherently carbon-free, recyclable, compact, cheap and widely available. To design and improve real-world iron-fuel burners, an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals underlying the combustion of fine iron particles is required. Some models existed, but they had not been systematically validated against experimental data. This group tried to capture experimental trends while also quantifying the influence of evaporation across varying conditions.
Drs. Thijs, van Gool, Ramaekers, van Oijen and de Goey demonstrated that when iron burns, a small but non-negligible mass loss occurs through evaporation even though the particle temperature remained below its boiling point. It was believed that no iron was lost during the combustion process since iron burns in a heterogeneous way. In the long term, this study along with other research studies that confirmed this phenomenon, has the potential for enhancing the utilization of iron powder as a carbon-neutral energy carrier in an efficient manner. This study could allow for researchers to accurately predict the formation of nano-particles which are potentially harmful. From there, they can guide the design process of industrial burners to minimize the formation of these particles.
Dr. Thijs, representing his group, was asked about the beneficiaries of their findings. He states that this information is beneficial to modelers and developers of burners. . For modelers, they have shown important mechanisms to be considered, while also identifying certain gaps in knowledge. Meanwhile, for burner developers, their efforts have focused on quantifying iron loss across various conditions, offering valuable insights that can inform the selection of optimal parameters for iron combustion burners.
Over 1,500 papers were submitted to the 39th International Symposium on Combustion. All papers were categorized into one of 13 colloquia, and then distributed to Colloquium Coordinators and Co-Chairs. Each paper received at least three reviews from qualified individuals through the peer-review process. Less than 50 percent of the papers submitted were accepted for presentation.
Following the symposium, one paper presented in each colloquium is awarded the distinction of Distinguished Paper. Visit
here to view the presentation. The 13 Distinguished Papers undergo committee review for consideration for the
Silver Combustion Medal. A paper selected for this honor exemplifies quality, achievement, and significance to advance a field of combustion science, and was awarded during the 40th International Symposium in Milan, Italy.
