Production of Sulphur Trioxide during the Combustion of Carbon in Air Containing Small Quantities of Sulphur Dioxide

Abstract

RECENT studies^1–4 of the combustion of carbon at elevated temperatures have done much to elucidate the mechanism of reaction. The work of Arthur and Bowring on the combustion of various carbons in oxidizing gases containing inhibitors, mainly volatile chlorine compounds, has established the major role of the gas-phase oxidation of carbon monoxide in determining the partition of the energy release between solid and gas. Sulphur trioxide was found to be a relatively weak inhibitor of carbon monoxide combustion at 850° C.; but the effect of sulphur dioxide was not examined in detail. It is known that oxidation of sulphur dioxide occurs in the pre-flame⁵ and flame combustion⁶ of carbon monoxide, and it seemed desirable to extend this work to the carbon – oxygen system where, at temperatures above about 650°, carbon monoxide combustion takes place in close proximity to a carbon surface.