To study effects of C2H6/C3H8 on explosion limits and chemical kinetics

a standard test device was employed to investigate effects of C2H6/C3H8 on explosion limits of CH4 and determine the critical parameters of CH4 explosion. In addition

Chemkin software was used to simulate the influence of C2H6/C3H8 mixed gas on the concentration of intermediates during methane explosion

and sensitivity analysis was carried out. Results indicated that the presence of C2H6/C3H8 decreased the explosion limits of CH4 while increased its explosion risk. In the inerting process

the reducing upper explosion limit and the rising lower explosion limit of CH4 merged at the same point where the critical concentration of CH4 and N2 all gradually decreased with the addition of C2H6/C3H8. Moreover

the production of CO and·H gradually increased while that of CO2

·O and·OH declined after adding C2H6/C3H8. It is suggested that the addition of C2H6/C3H8 promoted CH4 explosion to some extend by sensitivity analysis. By contrast

it is found that the higher content of C3H8 indicated the greater influence on the related parameters in the process of methane explosion

which can provide a certain theoretical basis for the safety production of industrial and mining enterprises.