Fluid mechanics is the study of fluids (liquids and gases) and the forces acting on them. It encompasses fluid statics, fluid kinematics, and fluid dynamics.
Complete combustion occurs when a fuel burns in the presence of sufficient oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. Incomplete combustion happens with insufficient oxygen, resulting in the formation of carbon monoxide, soot, or other hydrocarbons.
Answer: The stoichiometric air-fuel ratio is the exact ratio of air to fuel required for complete combustion without any excess oxygen or fuel. It is important for maximizing efficiency and minimizing pollutants.
Answer: Calorific value is the amount of energy released when a fuel is completely combusted. It is significant because it determines the energy content and efficiency of the fuel. .
Answer: The excess air factor ensures that there is more air than the stoichiometric requirement to ensure complete combustion and to reduce the formation of harmful emissions like carbon monoxide.
Answer: Combustion efficiency is measured by comparing the energy output of the combustion process to the energy input from the fuel. This is typically done using flue gas analysis to measure the concentrations of combustion products.
Flue gases are the gases emitted from the combustion process, typically containing nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen, and other pollutants. They are analyzed to monitor combustion efficiency and emissions.
Answer: HHV includes the total energy released during combustion, including the latent heat of vaporization of water. LHV excludes this latent heat, providing a lower value. HHV is used for processes where water vapor is condensed, while LHV is more common in power generation where it remains as vapor.
Combustion processes release pollutants such as CO2 (contributing to global warming), NOx and SOx (causing acid rain and respiratory issues), and particulate matter (leading to air quality degradation).
Methods include using cleaner fuels, optimizing combustion conditions (e.g., controlling air-fuel ratios), employing catalytic converters, implementing flue gas desulfurization, and adopting carbon capture and storage technologies.