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Understanding Basic Combustion

There's more to a Tune-up than a quick "Once-Over"...

Understanding Basic Combustion


Useful Information on Combustion Efficient Fuel Use

A Definition:

Combustion is the rapid oxidation of a fuel resulting in the release of usable heat and the production of a visible flame

The Combustion Equation:

Natural Gas With Air:

CH4 + 2O2 + 8N2 ----------->

CO2 + 2H2O + 8N2 + 1000 BTU Heat

Examples of Combustion

Perfect Combustion Provides:

The hottest flame
Minimum exhaust volume

Perfect Combustion

Characteristics:

  • All fuel combusted
  • Blue near burner tile
  • Forms a yellow conical flame shape
  • Produces the highest flame temperature
  • Provides the minimum exhaust volume

Lean Combustion

Characteristics:

  • Flue products oxidizing (Free O2)
  • Pale blue color
  • Forms a more conical flame
  • All fuel combusted
  • Flame temperature drops (Heating excess air)

Incomplete Combustion

Characteristics:

  • Air starved or fuel rich
  • Carbon Monoxide and H2 formed
  • Reducing atmosphere
  • Flame color is predominantly yellow color
  • The flame is less defined
  • Flame temperature drops

Optimum Energy Utilization Occurs When Perfect Combustion Ratios Are Maintained

When A Furnace Tune-Up Is Done Right The Technician will have taken time to:

  • Verify proper mix and directed air/fuel supply
  • Confirm that you have stable combustion
  • Check to make sure that the system is venting all the by-products of the exhaust flue gases

A Definition of Combustion Terms

Excess Air Definition:

Air remaining after the fuel has been combusted
-or-
Air supplied in addition to the quantity needed for stoichiometric combustion

Primary & Secondary Air:

Primary Air --

  • Air mixed with the fuel prior to ignition

Secondary Air --

  • Air supplied to the flame after it is ignited

Secondary Air Effects --

  • Imprecise air/fuel ratio control
  • Exhaust volume increases
  • Fuel rate rises
  • Less available heat
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Colton Heating & Cooling
Address:  315 E. Elm St.
Wheaton, IL 60189
Fax:  (630) 260-5955
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Monday:  8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday:  8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday:  8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday:  8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday:  8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:  Closed
Sunday:  Closed
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For AC in Wheaton IL, we accept most major credit cards.
 
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Address: 315 E. Elm St.
Wheaton, IL 60189
Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm
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Payment
 
For AC in Wheaton IL, we accept most major credit cards.
We accept check for Air Conditioner repair service provided in Warrenville IL.
We accept cash for Air Conditioning repair service provided in Glen Ellyn IL.
Financing