SMOKE REDUCTION FROM BURNING CRUDE-OIL USING FERROCENE AND ITS DERIVATIVES

The efficacy of the organometallic compound ferrocene as a soot-reducing agent in the combustion of pool fires of crude oil has been examined and found to be high. Ferrocene derivatives have also been tested and again they are found to be effective soot inhibiters. Other organometallic compounds of iron and of zinc, and titanium, however, are not found to reduce soot emissions as effectively in this application. Surface analytical techniques were used to examine the soot formed in these tests, and these have provided an insight into the action of ferrocene and ferrocene derivatives as soot-inhibiting agents in pool fire applications.