Characteristics, Requirements of a Good Fuel

Unit - IV

Chapter 5

Fuels

INTRODUCTION

A fuel is a combustible substance, containing carbon as the main constituent, which on burning gives large amount of heat. During the process of combustion of a fuel, the atoms of carbon, hydrogen, etc., combine with oxygen with simultaneous liberation of heat.

C + O₂ → CO₂ + 94 k cals.

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O + 68.5 k cals.

The main source of fuel is coal and crude petroleum oil. These are stored fuels available in earth's crust and are generally called fossil fuels, because they were formed from fossilised remains of plants and animals.

CHARACTERISTICS (OR) REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD FUEL

1. It should be cheap and readily available.

2. It should be safe and economical for storage and transport.

3. It should not undergo spontaneous combustion.

4. It should have higher calorific value.

5. It should have moderate ignition temperature.

6. The combustion should be easily controllable.

7. It should have low moisture content, because the moisture content reduces the calorific value.

8. The products of combustion should not be harmful.

9. It should have low non-combustible matter or ash content.