What is the combustion process?

Simply put, combustion means burn. For the combustion process, fuel, oxygen and ignition heat source are required to start a chemical chain reaction; For example, in a campfire, wood is fuel, the surrounding air provides oxygen and fire can light a match or lighter. Increasing any of these elements increases the intensity of the fire and at the same time removes some of them that causes the process to stop. For example, if a campfire is struck by water or dirt, oxygen can no longer get to heat and fuel and goes out.

fuel

Fuel is a substance that burns during the combustion process. All fuels contain the energy of chemical potential; This is the amount of energy that will be released during a chemical reaction. How much energy is released when it burns is called the heat of combustion . Each fuel has a specific energy density or how many megajoules (MJS) energy is produced per kilogram (kg) of substances; methane, for example, has an energy density of 55.5 MJ/kg, which means it can supply more EnerGIE than sulfur at 9.16 MJ/kg. These include methane, propane, gasoline and fuel to name only a few; All fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas, are hydrocarbons. Other substances commonly used as fuels include hydrogen, alcohol and biofuels such as wood.

During combustion, fuel is converted into heat and exhaust. For example, when gasoline burns, it produces water (steam), carbon dioxide, nitrogen, carbon monoxide and other elements. Burning can also release particles, which are small particles that float in the air; Those who have released from burning fossil fuels and wood often contribute to air pollution. However, the exhaust can be used for beneficial purposes, such as the provision of Thrust, which pushes the rocket into the air. Most of the exhaust gases take the form of gas due to the heat that the combustion process produces, but can also be in liquid or solid form.

oxygen

to make pAliva burned in the combustion process, it must also have oxygen. The most common source is air, which contains about 21% oxygen. Other sources, often known as oxidation or oxidizing agents, include hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate and many others. When the oxidation agent is inserted into the fuel, it releases oxygen and can increase the speed at which the fire burns.

Like fuel, oxygen may not be in the form of gas, although it is very common. For example, in a solid rocket, a firm oxidation oxidation is mixed with fuel to form a driving substance that, when igniting and drives the rocket forward. The shuttle and other spacecraft use liquid oxygen as part of the combustion process.

When the fire does not have enough oxygen, it does not burn completely. This incosplation of MPete produces carbon monoxide, carbon (soot) and other particles that contaminate the air. Incomplete combustion in the fireplace or furnace of the house can release toxic gases and be very dangerous.

heat

start of heat or ignition isThe combustion process. Because heat is also produced when something burns when the process begins, no more heat is always necessary to maintain the reaction of the chemical chain. The initial spark that triggers the chemical process can be ensured by flame, friction or even the sun.

In the case of spontaneous combustion, fermentation or oxidation, it can create enough heat to start fire. For example, in a pile of compost, bacteria may start to break down organic compounds and create enough heat and oxygen to cause combustion. Some materials - called pyrophoric substances - fit when exposed to air or water; Phosphorus and plutonium are two examples. When these materials meet Fuel Source, they can start a fire that is very difficult to release.

Returning process of combustion

Since all three parts are required for combustion, increase or decrease any of them will affect the process. For example, an increase in the amount of oxygen added to a fire by means of an oxidation agentAccelerate the burning of the fire. Removal or reducing the fuel source causes to burn smaller or extinction.

There are three basic ways to stop the combustion process:

  • Remove fuel,
  • Remove oxygen,
  • and/or remove heat.

combustion can also be stopped by stopping the reaction of the chemical chain that creates flames. This is particularly important when some metals - such as magnesium - are burning, because adding water to the fire will only strengthen. In such cases, dry chemicals or halomethanes are used to stop the reaction.

Which one is the best way to stop fire depends on the type of fire. For example, in a household fire, firefighters use water or foam to get oxygen into fuel and lower the temperature. While water can be used on a forest or fire, removing a new fuel for fire cleaning and dead vegetation from the area is often an important part of its stop.

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