Fuels- the Source of Energy
Fuel is generally an organic substance containing carbon and hydrogen as main elements. Also they may be referred as hydrocarbons. Which on proper burning or combustion (that is reaction with oxygen) produce large amount of heat which can be used for domestic and industrial purpose. Example of fuels are wood, coal, charcoal, coke, petrol, diesel, LPG, Producer Gas, Kerosene, Natural Gas,etc.
The primary or main source of fuels are coals and petroleum products. There are stored fuels in Earth’s crust also known as Fossil Fuels. These are conventional sources and are being declined day by day.
Definition Of Fuel- A fuel may be defiled as any combustible substance which on burning gives large amount of heat. During the process of combustion of a fuel, atoms of carbon and hydrogen in fuel are combined with atmospheric oxygen to form compounds by giving out hear energy.
Classification Of Fuels-
Fuels may be classified by their occurrence. These are divided into two types-
a)Primary or natural fuels- These are fuels found in nature. Examples- wood, crude oil, coal, etc.
b)Secondary or Derived fuels- These are derived from the primary fuels. Examples- Petrol, Diesel, Coke, etc.
Each type can be subdivided into physical state of fuel like-
1)Solid Fuels- They are in solid state at STP. Examples- Coal, Coke,etc.
2)Liquid Fuels- They are in liquid state at STP. Examples- Petrol, Diesel,etc.
3)Gaseous Fuels- They are in gaseous state at STP. Examples- Biogas, coal gas, etc.
Characteristics Of a Good Fuel
For practical use in industry or home a fuel should posses following properties-
1)High Calorific Value- The calorific value of a fuel is nothing but the amount of heat liberated in calories by unit mass/volume of fuel. A good fuel should have high calorific value in other words it should provide large heat by combustion of small quantity.
2)Moderate Ignition Temperature- The ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required to initiate the combustion. Low ignition temperature is risky as fuel can explode at room temperature. High ignition temperature is also not desirable as it will require more amount of initial heat. Hence a good fuel should have Moderate Ignition Temperature.
3)Low Moisture Content- The Moisture Content of fuel is nothing but the content of water in the fuel. More moisture content causes uneven burning and low energy output. Hence moisture content of fuel should be as less as possible.
4)Low non-combustible matter content- After combustion of fuel, the remains known as Ash are due to non-combustible matter. It should be least in good fuel.
5)Moderate Velocity Of Combustion- Velocity of Combustion is the rate of combustion of fuel. If it is low, it will not produce required energy. If it is high it will produce extra energy which will be lost. Hence it should be moderate.
6)Non-Poisonous Products Of Combustion- After the combustion it should not produce poisonous products that may pollute the environment.
7)Low Cost & Easily Available – A good fuel should have low cost so everybody can afford.Also it should be available in sufficient quantity.
8)Easy To Transport- Transportation of fuel should be easy from its place of origin. It should be transportable by means of pipelines, tankers, trucks, etc.
9)Easy control on combustion – Starting, controlling and stopping of combustion should be easy like by using valves.
The fuel satisfying these properties is said to be good fuel.
Fuels are our life.Fuels are limited. Let’s not waste them.
Related posts:
- Energy Medicine: The Medicine Of The Future—Now Part 2: Tools And Diagnostic Techniques That Measure Energy
- Energy Medicine: Will It Put “modern Medicine” to Shame?
- Diet pills reviews, great source of information about diet pills
- Remind health: health of three key temperatures in winter – winter health, good health – Food Indust
- Health Energy Nutrition a Complete Information From Fullhealthguide
