What is complete combustion?
The term complete combustion is generally used in conjunction with the burning of hydrocarbons. Burning is the combustion process that occurs when fuel, oxygen and heat are present at the same time. The result of complete combustion is the release of energy, carbon dioxide and water vapor. If the hydrocarbon contains sulfur, sulfur dioxide will also be present. On the other hand, incomplete combustion results in some carbon atoms combine with only one oxygen atom to form carbon monoxide and other potentially harmful by -products.
The combustion process is usually lowered by heating the hydrocarbons above its ignition temperature in an oxygen -rich environment. When the compound warms them, chemical bonds of hydrocarbon are divided. The hydrocarbon elements are then combined with oxygen to form compounds containing oxygen known as oxides. This regrouping of hydrocarbon elements to oxides is accompanied by the release of energy and heat.
Complete burner occurs when fuel and oxygen are in perfect kombination or ratio to burn the fuel completely. This condition is also referred to as stoichiometric or zero excess air combustion. On the other hand, incomplete combustion can leave some of the unused fuel.
propane burning serves as an example of commonly burnt hydrocarbon in the use of households. Usually, propane burns when gas is between 2.2 and 9.6 percent. This range is referred to as the propane limits of flammability. A properly functioning propan device creates an ideal burning of a blue flame and should not pose any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, a deadly by -product of an incomplete propane.
Incomplete burning of propane occurs when the ratio of the mixture is higher or lower than the ideal ratio, but still occurs within the limits of flammability. If the propane ratio is less than the ideal ratio, the slim burns, as evidencedFlames that seem to be raised from the burner or go out. Rich burning occurs when the propane ratio to air is greater than the ideal ratio and can be recognized by larger flames that are yellow than blue. Incomplete burning of propane or other hydrocarbons usually leads to the release of carbon monoxide, extremely serious environmental and health risk for both humans and most animals.