Ignition and combustion of aluminum–air suspensions in a reactor for high-temperature synthesis of alumina powder

A method for flame stabilization in a reactor for synthesis of metal oxides is developed by analyzing combustion of dispersions of metal powders. An experimental reactor designed to implement this method is described. Ignition and combustion of commercial aluminum powders (ASD-1 and ASD-4) in air were studied, and their reliable ignition and stable combustion in the reactor combustion chamber were confirmed. It is shown that efficient combustion of an aluminum–air mixture depends on powder dispersity, flow mixing conditions, and combustion chamber pressure.