Chemical reactions during combustion have always been hard to understand, with thousands of them taking place during the process.

Scientists, then, are hardpressed to pick out the particular characteristics of each process.

Thanks to a discovery by researchers at Sandia and Argonne national laboratories, the puzzle of chemical reactions is now nearing resolution. For the first time, a method was successfully devised to predict pressure-dependent combustion chemical reactions.

Based on the study, by carefully understanding the speeds and outcomes of chemical reactions, scientists can use models to fully characterize what is happening inside a machine. This allows them to predict combustion efficiency and the emissions formed during combustion.

The group of researchers focused on modeling the collisions of molecules in atomic detail. Following this, they characterized the transfer of energy and angular momentum that take place as a result of those collisions.

Sandia national laboratory’s Ahren Jasper, the study’s lead author, explains that by successfully utilizing more accurate models for describing the interaction of the colliding species and by focusing on only those aspects of energy transfer, he and his team were able to find the reaction rate of the chemicals. This innovation allowed them to develop a detailed description of collision outcomes.

A complete and fundamental understanding of the chemistry of combustion paves the way for the discovery of cleaner and more efficient strategies in automotive vehicle and fuel design and helps in the development of global models for all gas phase chemical environments, including the Earth’s atmosphere.

Considered a breakthrough study in combustion and atmospheric chemistry, the discovery is expected to benefit auto and engine manufacturers, oil and gas utilities and other industries that employ combustion models.

Cord Johnson is the founder of C.O. Energy, a fully bonded and insured oil and gas operating company based in Texas and Oklahoma. Subscribe to this blog for the latest news in the oil and gas industry.