Experimental and modelling study of sulfur and nitrogen doped premixed methane flames at low pressure

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has been used to observe NS and NO in meth ane/oxygen/argon laminar flames at low pressure doped with ammonia and sulf ur dioxide. NS profiles as a function of height above the burner have been measured for rich flames. The effect of adding various amounts of sulfur di oxide on the observed NO in the burnt gas region has been investigated for a variety of stoichiometries. The experimental measurements have been compa red with PREMIX simulations using a detailed elementary reaction mechanism for nitrogen- and sulfur-containing species in a methane flame. Sensitivity analysis has been employed to highlight the important reactions for NS, NO and SO2. The results demonstrate significant uncertainties in currently be st available rate data for important reactions involving sulfur-containing species.