Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

FUELS & COMBUSTION

1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................1
2 TYPE OF FUELS ............................................................................................................1
3. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF FUELS ...............................................11
4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES...................................................17
5. OPTION CHECKLIST..............................................................................................20
6. WORKSHEETS ...........................................................................................................23
7. REFERENCES..............................................................................................................24

1. INTRODUCTION
This section briefly describes the main features of fuels.
Energy from the Sun is converted into chemical energy by photosynthesis. But, as we know,
when we burn dried plants or wood, producing energy in the form of heat and light, we are
releasing the Suns energy originally stored in that plant or in that wood through
photosynthesis. We know that, in most of the world today, wood is not the main source of
fuel. We generally use natural gas or oil in our homes, and we use mainly oil and coal to heat
the water to produce the steam to drive the turbines for our huge power generation systems.
These fuels - coal, oil, and natural gas - are often referred to as fossil fuels.
The various types of fuels (like liquid, solid and gaseous fuels) that are available depend on
various factors such as costs, availability, storage, handling, pollution and landed boilers,
furnaces and other combustion equipments.
The knowledge of the fuel properties helps in selecting the right fuel for the right purpose and
for the efficient use of the fuel. Laboratory tests are generally used for assessing the nature
and quality of fuels.

2 TYPE OF FUELS
This section describes types of fuels: solid, liquid, and gaseous.

2.1 Liquid Fuels

Liquid fuels like furnace oil and LSHS (low sulphur heavy stock) are predominantly used in
industrial applications. The various properties of liquid fuels are given below.
2.1.1 Density

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Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of the fuel to the volume of the fuel at a reference
temperature of 15C. Density is measured by an instrument called a hydrometer. The
knowledge of density is useful for quantitative calculations and assessing ignition qualities.
The unit of density is kg/m3.
2.1.2 Specific gravity
This is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of oil to the weight of the same
volume of water at a given temperature. The density of fuel, relative to water, is called
specific gravity. The specific gravity of water is defined as 1. Since specific gravity is a ratio,
it has no units. The measurement of specific gravity is generally made by a hydrometer.
Specific gravity is used in calculations involving weights and volumes. The specific gravity
of various fuel oils are given in Table below:
Table 1. Specific gravity of various fuel oils (adapted from Thermax India Ltd.)
Fuel Oil
L.D.O
Furnace oil
L.S.H.S
(Light Diesel Oil)
(Low Sulphur
Heavy Stock)
Specific Gravity
0.85 - 0.87
0.89 - 0.95
0.88 - 0.98
2.1.3 Viscosity
The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its internal resistance to flow. Viscosity depends on
the temperature and decreases as the temperature increases. Any numerical value for
viscosity has no meaning unless the temperature is also specified. Viscosity is measured in
Stokes / Centistokes. Sometimes viscosity is also quoted in Engler, Saybolt or Redwood.
Each type of oil has its own temperature - viscosity relationship. The measurement of
viscosity is made with an instrument called a Viscometer.
Viscosity is the most important characteristic in the storage and use of fuel oil. It influences
the degree of pre- heating required for handling, storage and satisfactory atomization. If the
oil is too viscous, it may become difficult to pump, hard to light the burner, and difficult to
handle. Poor atomization may result in the formation of carbon deposits on the burner tips or
on the walls. Therefore pre-heating is necessary for proper atomization.
2.1.4 Flash Point
The flash point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which the fuel can be heated so that the
vapour gives off flashes momentarily when an open flame is passed over it. The flash point
for furnace oil is 66 0 C.
2.1.5 Pour Point
The pour point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which it will pour or flow when cooled
under prescribed conditions. It is a very rough indication of the lowest temperature at which
fuel oil is ready to be pumped.
2.1.6 Specific Heat

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

Specific heat is the amount of kCals needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of oil by 10 C.
The unit of specific heat is kcal/kg0 C. It varies from 0.22 to 0.28 depending on the oil specific
gravity. The specific heat determines how much steam or electrical energy it takes to heat oil
to a desired temperature. Light oils have a low specific heat, whereas heavier oils have a
higher specific heat.
2.1.7 Calorific Value
The calorific value is the measurement of heat or energy produced, and is measured either as
gross calorific value or net calorific value. The difference is determined by the latent heat of
condensation of the water vapour produced during the combustion process. Gross calorific
value (GCV) assumes all vapour produced dur ing the combustion process is fully condensed.
Net calorific value (NCV) assumes the water leaves with the combustion products without
fully being condensed. Fuels should be compared based on the net calorific value.
The calorific value of coal varies considerably depending on the ash, moisture content and
the type of coal while calorific value of fuel oils are much more consistent. The typical GCVs
of some of the commonly used liquid fuels are given below:
Table 2. Gross calorific values for different fuel oils (adapted from Thermax India Ltd.)
Fuel Oil
Gross Calorific Value (kCal/kg)
Kerosene
- 11,100
Diesel Oil
- 10,800
L.D.O
- 10,700
Furnace Oil
- 10,500
LSHS
- 10,600
2.1.8 Sulphur
The amount of sulphur in the fuel oil depends mainly on the source of the crude oil and to a
lesser extent on the refining process. The normal sulfur content for the residual fuel oil
(furnace oil) is in the order of 2 - 4 %. Typical figures for different fuel oils are shown in
Table 3.
Table 3. Percentages of sulphur for different fuel oils (adapted from Thermax India Ltd.)
Fuel oil
Kerosene
Diesel Oil
L.D.O
Furnace Oil
LSHS

Percentage of Sulphur
0.05 - 0.2
0.05 - 0.25
0.5 - 1.8
2.0 - 4.0
< 0.5

The main disadvantage of sulphur is the risk of corrosion by sulphuric acid formed during
and after combustion, and condensation in cool parts of the chimney or stack, air pre-heater
and economizer.
2.1.9 Ash Content

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The ash value is related to the inorganic material or salts in the fuel oil. The ash levels in
distillate fuels are negligible. Residual fuels have higher ash levels. These salts may be
compounds of sodium, vanadium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, iron, aluminum, nickel, etc.
Typically, the ash value is in the range 0.03 - 0.07 %. Excessive ash in liquid fuels can cause
fouling deposits in the combustion equipment. Ash has an erosive effect on the burner tips,
causes damage to the refractories at high temperatures and gives rise to high temperature
corrosion and fouling of equipments.
2.1.10 Carbon Residue
Carbon residue indicates the tendency of oil to deposit a carbonaceous solid residue on a hot
surface, such as a burner or injection nozzle, when its vaporizable constituents evaporate.
Residual oil contains carbon residue of 1 percent or more.
2.1.11 Water Content
The water content of furnace oil when it is supplied is normally very low because the product
at refinery site is handled hot. An upper limit of 1% is specified as a standard.
Water may be present in free or emulsified form and can cause damage to the inside surfaces
of the furnace during combustion especially if it contains dissolved salts. It can also cause
spluttering of the flame at the burner tip, possibly extinguishing the flame, reducing the flame
temperature or lengthening the flame.
Typical specifications of fuel oils are summarized in the Table below.
Table 4. Typical specifications of fuel oils (adapted from Thermax India Ltd.)
Properties
Fuel Oils
Furnace Oil
L.S.H.S
L.D.O
Density (Approx.
0.89 - 0.95
0.88 - 0.98
0.85 - 0.87
g/cc at 150C)
Flash Point (0C)
66
93
66
Pour Point (0C)
20
72
18
G.C.V. (kCal/kg)
10500
10600
10700
Sediment, % Wt.
0.25
0.25
0.1
Max.
Sulphur Total, %
Up to 4.0
Up to 0.5
Up to 1.8
Wt. Max.
Water Content, %
1.0
1.0
0.25
Vol. Max.
Ash % Wt. Max.
0.1
0.1
0.02
2.1.12 Storage of Fuel oil
It can be potentially hazardous to store furnace oil in barrels. A better practice is to store it in
cylindrical tanks, either above or below the ground. Furnace oil that is delivered may contain
dust, water and other contaminants.

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

The sizing of the storage tank facility is very important. A recommended storage size
estimate is to provide for at least 10 days of normal consumption. Industrial heating fuel
storage tanks are generally vertical mild steel tanks mounted above the ground. It is prudent
for safety and environmental reasons to build bund walls around tanks to contain accidental
spillages.
As a certain amount of settlement of solids and sludge will occur in tanks over time, tanks
should be cleaned at regular intervals: annually for heavy fuels and every two years for light
fuels. Care should be taken when oil is decanted from the tanker to the storage tank. All leaks
from joints, flanges and pipelines must be attended to at the earliest. Fuel oil should be free
from possible contaminants such as dirt, sludge and water before it is fed to the combustion
system.

2.2 Solid Fuel (Coal)

2.2.1 Coal classification
Coal is classified into three major types namely anthracite, bituminous, and lignite. However,
there is no clear demarcation between them. Coal is further classified as semi-anthracite,
semi-bituminous, and sub-bituminous. Anthracite is the oldest coal from a geological
perspective. It is a hard coal composed mainly of carbon with little volatile content and
practically no moisture. Lignite is the youngest coal from a geological perspective. It is a soft
coal composed mainly of volatile matter and moisture content with low fixed carbon. Fixed
carbon refers to carbon in its free state, not combined with other elements. Volatile matter
refers to those combustible constituents of coal that vaporize when coal is heated.
The common coals used in for example Indian industry are bituminous and sub-bituminous
coal. The gradation of Indian coal based on its calorific value is as follows:
Grade
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

Calorific Value Range

(in kCal/kg)
Exceeding 6200
5600 6200
4940 5600
4200 4940
3360 4200
2400 3360
1300 2400

Normally D, E and F coal grades are available to Indian industry.

The chemical composition of coal has a strong influence on its combustibility. The properties
of coal are broadly classified as physical properties and chemical properties.
2.2.2 Physical and chemical properties of coal
Physical properties of coal include the heating value, moisture content, volatile matter and
ash.

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

The chemical properties of coal refer to the various elemental chemical constituents such as
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulphur.
The heating value of coal varies from coal field to coal field. The typical GCVs for various
coals are given in the Table below.
Table 5. GCV for various coal types
Parameter
Lignite
Indian Coal
(Dry Basis)
*
GCV (kCal/kg)
4,000
4,500

Indonesian
Coal
5,500

South African
Coal
6,000

*GCV of lignite on as received basisis 2500 3000

2.2.3 Analysis of coal
There are two methods to analyze coal: ultimate analysis and proximate analysis. The
ultimate analysis determines all coal component elements, solid or gaseous and the proximate
analysis determines only the fixed carbon, volatile matter, moisture and ash percentages. The
ultimate analysis is determined in a properly equipped laboratory by a skilled chemist, while
proximate analysis can be determined with a simple apparatus. (It may be noted that
proximate has no connection with the word approximate).
Measurement of moisture
The determination of moisture content is carried out by placing a sample of powdered raw
coal of size 200- micron size in an uncovered crucible, which is placed in the oven kept at 108
+2 o C along with the lid. Then the sample is cooled to room temperature and weighed again.
The loss in weight represents moisture.
Measurement of volatile matter
A fresh sample of crushed coal is weighed, placed in a covered crucible, and heated in a
furnace at 900 + 15 o C. The sample is cooled and weighed. Loss of weight represents
moisture and volatile matter. The remainder is coke (fixed carbon and ash). For detailed
methodologies (including for determination of carbon and ash content), refer to IS 1350 part
I: 1984, part III, IV.
Measurement of carbon and ash
The cover from the crucible used in the last test is removed and the crucible is heated over the
Bunsen burner until all the carbon is burned. The residue is weighed, which is the
incombustible ash. The difference in weight from the previous weighing is the fixed carbon.
In actual practice Fixed Carbon or FC derived by subtracting from 100 the value of moisture,
volatile matter and ash.
Proximate analysis
The proximate analysis indicates the percentage by weight of fixed carbon, volatiles, ash, and
moisture content in coal. The amounts of fixed carbon and volatile combustible matter
directly contribute to the heating value of coal. Fixed carbon acts as a main heat generator
during burning. High volatile matter content indicates easy ignition of fuel. The ash content is
important in the design of the furnace grate, combustion volume, pollution control equipment
and ash handling systems of a furnace. A typical proximate analysis of various coal types is
given in Table 6.
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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

Table 6. Typical proximate analysis of various coals (percentage)

Parameter
Indian Coal Indonesian Coal South African Coal
Moisture
Ash
Volatile matter
Fixed Carbon

5.98
38.63
20.70
34.69

9.43
13.99
29.79
46.79

8.5
17
23.28
51.22

These parameters are described below.

Fixed carbon:
Fixed carbon is the solid fuel left in the furnace after volatile matter is distilled off. It consists
mostly of carbon but also contains some hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen not driven
off with the gases. Fixed carbon gives a rough estimate of the heating value of coal.
Volatile matter:
Volatile matters are the methane, hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and
incombustible gases like carbon dioxid e and nitrogen found in coal. Thus the volatile matter
is an index of the gaseous fuels present. A typical range of volatile matter is 20 to 35%.
Volatile matter:
Proportionately increases flame length, and helps in easier ignition of coal
Sets minimum limit on the furnace height and volume
Influences secondary air requirement and distribution aspects
Influences secondary oil support
Ash content:
Ash is an impurity that will not burn. Typical range is 5% to 40%. Ash
Reduces handling and burning capacity
Increases handling costs
Affects combustion efficiency and boiler efficiency
Causes clinkering and slagging
Moisture content:
Moisture in coal must be transported, handled and stored. Since it replaces combustible
matter, it decreases the heat content per kg of coal. Typical range is 0.5 to 10%. Moisture:
Increases heat loss, due to evaporation and superheating of vapour
Helps to a certain extent with binding fines
Aids radiation heat transfer
Sulphur content:
Typical range is 0.5 to 0.8% normally. Sulphur:
Affects clinkering and slagging tendencies
Corrodes chimney and other equipment such as air heaters and economizers
Limits exit flue gas temperature
Ultimate analysis

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

The ultimate analysis indicates the various elemental chemical constituents such as carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur, etc. It is useful in determining the quantity of air required for
combustion and the volume and composition of the combustion gases. This information is
required for the calculation of flame temperature and the flue duct design etc. Typical
ultimate analyses of various coals are given in the table below.
Table 7. Typical ultimate analysis of coals
Indian Coal, %
Indonesian Coal, %
Moisture
5.98
9.43
Mineral Matter (1.1 x Ash)
38.63
13.99
Carbon
41.11
58.96
Hydrogen
2.76
4.16
Nitrogen
1.22
1.02
Sulphur
0.41
0.56
Oxygen
9.89
11.88
Parameter

Table 8. Relationship between ultimate analysis and proximate analysis

=
0.97C+ 0.7(VM - 0.1A) - M(0.6-0.01M)
2
=
0.036C + 0.086 (VM -0.1xA) - 0.0035M (1-0.02M)

%C
%H
%N

2.10 -0.020 VM

Where
C
=
% of fixed carbon
A
=
% of ash
VM
=
% of volatile matter
M
=
% of moisture
Note: the above equation is valid for coal with a greater than 15% moisture content
2.2.4 Storage, handling and preparation of coal
Uncertainty in the availability and transportation of fuel necessitates storage and subsequent
handling. Storing coal has its own disadvantages like build-up of inventory, space constraints,
deterioration in quality and potential fire hazards. Other minor losses associated with the
storage of coal include oxidation, wind and carpet loss. A 1% oxidation of coal has the same
effect as 1% ash in coal. Wind losses may account for nearly 0.5 1.0 % of the total loss.
The main goal of good coal storage is to minimize carpet loss and the loss due to spontaneous
combustion. Formation of a soft carpet, comprising of coal dust and soil, causes carpet loss.
On the other hand, if the temperature gradually rises in a coal heap, then oxidation may lead
to spontaneous combustion of coal stored. Carpet losses can be reduced by:
1. Preparing a hard solid surface for coal to be stored
2. Preparing standard storage bays of concrete and brick
In industry, coal handling methods range from manual and conveyor systems. It would be
advisable to minimize the handling of coal so that further generation of fines and segregation
effects are reduced.

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

The preparation of coal prior to feeding into the boiler is an important step for achieving good
combustion. Large and irregular lumps of coal may cause the following problems:
Poor combustion conditions and inadequate furnace temperature
Higher excess air resulting in higher stack loss
Increase of unburnts in the ash
Low thermal efficiency
Note: A detailed description for the preparation of coal is given under the section Energy
Efficiency Opportunities.

2.3 Gaseous Fuel

Gas fuels are the most convenient because they require the least amount of handling and are
used in the simplest and most maintenance-free burner systems. Gas is delivered "on tap" via
a distribution network and so is suited for areas with a high population or industrial density.
However, large individual consumers do have gasholders and some produce their own gas.
2.3.1 Types of gaseous fuel
The following is a list of the types of gaseous fuel:
Fuels naturally found in nature:
Natural gas
Methane from coal mines
Fuel gases made from solid fuel
Gases derived from coal
Gases derived from waste and biomass
From other industrial processes (bla st furnace gas)
Gases made from petroleum
Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG)
Refinery gases
Gases from oil gasification
Gases from some fermentation process
Gaseous fuels in common use are liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), Natural gas, producer
gas, blast furnace gas, coke oven gas etc. The calorific value of gaseous fuel is expressed in
Kilocalories per normal cubic meter (kCal/Nm3 ) i.e. at normal temperature (20 0 C) and
pressure (760 mm Hg).
2.3.2 Properties of gaseous fuels
Since most gas combustion appliances cannot utilize the heat content of the water vapour,
gross calorific value is of little interest. Fuel should be compared based on the net calorific
value. This is especially true for natural gas, since increased hydrogen content results in high
water formation during combustion.
Typical physical and chemical properties of various gaseous fuels are given in Table 9.

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

Table 9. Typical physical and chemical properties of various gaseous fuels
Fuel Gas Relative
Higher
Heating Air/Fuel
Flame
Flame
o
Density
Value kcal/Nm3
ratioSpeed m/s
3
3 Temp. C
m of air to m
of Fuel
Natural
0.6
9350
10
1954
0.290
Gas
Propane
1.52
22200
25
1967
0.460
Butane
1.96
28500
32
1973
0.870
2.3.3 LPG
LPG is a predominant mixture of propane and Butane with a small percentage of unsaturates
(Propylene and Butylene) and some lighter C as well as heavier C fractions. Included in the
2

LPG range are propane (C H ), Propylene(C H ), normal and iso-butane (C H )and

3

10

Butylene(C H ). LPG may be defined as those hydrocarbons, which are gaseous at normal
4

atmospheric pressure, but may be condensed to the liquid state at normal temperature, by the
application of moderate pressures. Although they are normally used as gases, they are stored
and transported as liquids under pressure for convenience and ease of handling. Liquid LPG
evaporates to produce about 250 times volume of gas.
LPG vapour is denser than air: butane is about twice as heavy as air and propane about one
and a half times as heavy as air. Conseque ntly, the vapour may flow along the ground and
into drains sinking to the lowest level of the surroundings and be ignited at a considerable
distance from the source of leakage. In still air vapour will disperse slowly. Escape of even
small quantities of the liquefied gas can give rise to large volumes of vapour / air mixture and
thus cause considerable hazard. To aid in the detection of atmospheric leaks, all LPGs are
required to be odorized. There should be adequate ground level ventilation where LPG is
stored. For this very reason LPG cylinders should not be stored in cellars or basements,
which have no ventilation at ground level.
2.3.4 Natural gas
Methane is the main constituent of natural gas and accounting for about 95% of the total
volume. Other components are: Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Nitrogen, Carbon
Dioxide, and traces of other gases. Very small amounts of sulphur compounds are also
present. Since methane is the largest component of natural gas, generally properties of
methane are used when comparing the properties of natural gas to other fuels.
Natural gas is a high calorific value fuel requiring no storage facilities. It mixes with air
readily and does not produce smoke or soot. It contains no sulphur. It is lighter than air and
disperses into air easily in case of leak. A typical comparison of carbon contents in oil, coal
and gas is given in the table below.

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

Carbon
Hydrogen
Sulphur
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Ash
Water

Table 10. Comparison of chemical composition of various fuels

Fuel Oil
Coal
Natural Gas
84
41.11
74
12
2.76
25
3
0.41
1
9.89
Trace
Trace
1.22
0.75
Trace
38.63
Trace
5.98
-

3. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF FUELS

This section explains the principles of combustion, how fuel performance can be evaluated
using the stochiometric calculation of air requirement, the concept of excess air, and the draft
system of exhaust gases.

3.1 Principles of Combustion

3.1.1 Combustion process
Combustion refers to the rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat, or
heat and light. Complete combustion of a fuel is possible only in the presence of an adequate
supply of oxygen.
Oxygen (O 2 ) is one of the most common elements on earth making up 20.9% of our air.
Rapid fuel oxidation results in large amounts of heat. Solid or liquid fuels must be changed to
a gas before they will burn. Usually heat is required to change liquids or solids into gases.
Fuel gases will burn in their normal state if enough air is present.
Most of the 79% of air (that is not oxygen) is nitrogen, with traces of other elements.
Nitrogen is considered to be a temperature reducing diluter that must be present to obtain the
oxygen required for combustion.
Nitrogen reduces combustion efficiency by absorbing heat from the combustion of fuels and
diluting the flue gases. This reduces the heat available for transfer through the heat exchange
surfaces. It also increases the volume of combustion by-products, which then have to travel
through the heat exchanger and up the stack faster to allow the introduction of additional
fuel-air mixture.
This nitrogen also can combine with oxygen (particularly at high flame temperatures) to
produce oxides of nitrogen (NOx ), which are toxic pollutants. Carbon, hydrogen and sulphur
in the fuel combine with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide, water vapour and sulphur
dioxide, releasing 8,084 kcals, 28,922 kcals and 2,224 kcals of heat respectively. Under
certain conditions, carbon may also combine with oxygen to form carbon monoxide, which
results in the release of a smaller quantity of heat (2,430 kcals/kg of carbon). Carbon burned
to CO2 will produce more heat per unit of fuel than when CO or smoke are produced.

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C
2C
2H 2
S

+ O2
+ O2
+ O2
+ O2

CO 2 + 8,084 kcals/kg of Carbon

2 CO + 2,430 kcals/kg of Carbon
2H2O + 28,922 kcals/kg of Hydrogen
SO2
+ 2,224 kcals/kg of Sulphur

Each kilogram of CO formed means a loss of 5654 kCal of heat (8084 2430).
3.1.2 Three Ts of combustion
The objective of good combustion is to release all of the heat in the fuel. This is
accomplished by controlling the "three T's" of combustion which are (1) Temperature high
enough to ignite and maintain ignition of the fuel, (2) Turbulence or intimate mixing of the
fuel and oxygen, and (3) Time, sufficient for complete combustion.
Commonly used fuels like natural gas and propane generally consist of carbon and hydrogen.
Water vapor is a by-product of burning hydrogen. This removes heat from the flue gases,
which would otherwise be available for more heat transfer.
Natural gas contains more hydrogen and less carbon per kg than fuel oils and as such
produces more water vapor. Consequently, more heat will be carried away by exhaust while
firing natural gas.
Too much, or too little fuel with the available combustion air may potentially result in
unburned fuel and carbon monoxide generation. A very specific amount of O2 is needed for
perfect combustion and some additional (excess) air is required for ensuring complete
combustion. However, too much excess air will result in heat and efficiency losses.
Not all of the fuel is converted to heat and absorbed by the steam generation equipment.
Usually all of the hydrogen in the fuel is burned and most boiler fuels, allowable with today's
air pollution standards, contain little or no sulfur. So the main challenge in combustion
efficiency is directed toward unburned carbon (in the ash or incompletely burned gas), which
forms CO instead of CO2.

Figure 1. Perfect, good and incomplete combustion

(Bureau of Energy Efficiency, 2004)

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3.2 Stochiometric Calculation of Air Requirement

3.2.1 Calculation of stochiometric air needed for combustion of furnace oil
For combustion air is needed. The amount of air needed can be calculated using the method
given below.
The first step is to determine the composition of the furnace oil. Typical specifications of
furnace oil from lab analysis is given below:
Constituents
% By weight
Carbon
85.9
Hydrogen
12
Oxygen
0.7
Nitrogen
0.5
Sulphur
0.5
H2O
0.35
Ash
0.05
GCV of fuel
10880 kcal/kg
If we take these analysis data, and considering a sample of 100 kg of furnace oil, then the
chemical reactions are as follows:
Element
Molecular Weight (kg / kg mole)
C
12
O2
32
H2
2
S
32
N2
28
CO2
44
SO2
64
H2O
18
C
H2
S

+
+
+

O2
1/2O2
O2

Constituents of fuel
C
+
O2
12
+
32

CO2
H2O
SO2

CO2
44

12 kg of carbon requires 32 kg of oxygen to form 44 kg of carbon dioxide therefore 1 kg of

carbon requires 32/12 kg i.e 2.67 kg of oxygen
(85.9) C

2H2
4

O2
32

+
+

(85.9 x 2.67) O2

315.25 CO2

2H2O
36

4 kg of hydrogen requires 32 kg of oxygen to form 36 kg of water, therefore 1 kg of hydrogen

requires 32/4 kg i.e. 8 kg of oxygen.

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(12) H2

S
32

O2
32

+
+

(12 x 8) O2

(12 x 9 ) H2O

SO2
64

32 kg of sulphur requires 32 kg of oxygen to form 64 kg of sulphur dioxide, therefore 1 kg of

sulphur requires 32/32 kg i.e. 1 kg of oxygen
(0.5) S

(0.5 x 1) O2

Total oxygen required

(229.07+96+0.5)
Oxygen already present in
100 kg fuel (given)
Additional oxygen required

1.0 SO2

325.57 kg

0.7 kg

=
=

325.57 0.7
324.87 kg

Therefore quantity of dry air needed =

(air contains 23% oxygen by weight)
=

(324.87) / 0.23

Theoretical air required

(1412.45) / 100
14.12 kg of air / kg of fuel

=
=

1412.45 kg of air

Therefore, in this example, for each kg of furnace oil burnt, 14.12 kg of air is required.
3.2.2 Calculation of theoretical CO2 content in the flue gases
It is necessary to also calculate the CO2 content in the flue gases, which then can be used to
calculate the excess air in the flue gases. A certain amount of excess air is needed for
complete combustion of furnace oils. However, too much excess air points to heat losses and
too little excess air points to incomplete combustion. The CO2 in flue gases can be
calculated as follows:
Nitrogen in flue gas

=
=

1412.45 324.87
1087.58 kg

Theoretical CO2% in dry flue gas by volume is calculated as below:

Moles of CO2 in flue gas
Moles of N2 in flue gas
Moles of SO2 in flue gas

=
=
=

(314.97) / 44 =
(1087.58) / 28 =
1/64
=

7.16
38.84
0.016

Theoretical CO2 % by Volume

= (Moles of CO2 x 100) / Total Moles (Dry)

= (7.16 x 100) / (7.16 + 38.84 + 0.016)
= 15.5%

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3.2.3 Calculation of constituents of flue gas with excess air

Now we know the theoretical air requirements and the theoretical CO2 content of flue gases.
The next step is to measure the actual CO2 percentage in the flue gases. In the calculation
below it is assumed that the measured %CO2 in the flue gas is 10%.
% Excess air

=
=
=

[(Theoretical CO2%/Actual CO2) 1] x 100

[(15.5/10 1)] x 100
55%

Theoretical air required for 100kg of fuel burnt

Total quantity of air supply required with 55% excess air

=
=
=

1412.45 kg
1412.45 x 1.55
2189.30 kg

Excess air quantity (actual theoretical excess air)

=
=
=
=
=
=

2189.30 1412.45
776.85
776.85 x 0.23
178.68 kg
776.85 178.68
598.17 kg

O2 (23%)
N2 (77%)

The final constituents of flue gas with 55% excess air for every 100 kg fuel is as follows:
CO2
H2O
SO2
O2
N2

=
=
=
=
=

314.97 kg
108.00 kg
1 kg
178.68 kg
1685.75 kg (= 1087.58 in air + 598.17 in excess air)

3.2.4 Calculation of theoretical CO2% in dry flue gas by volume

Now that we have the constituents by weight, we can calculate the constituents on a volume
basis as follows:
Moles of CO2 in flue gas
Moles of SO2 in flue gas
Moles of O2 in flue gas
Moles of N2 in flue gas

=
=
=
=

Theoretical CO2% by volume =

=
=
Theoretical O2% by volume =
=

314.97 / 44
1/64
178.68 / 32
1685.75 / 28

=
=
=
=

7.16
0.016
5.58
60.20

(Moles of CO2 x 100) / Total moles (dry)

(7.16 x 100) / (7.16 + 0.016 + 5.58 + 60.20)
10%
(5.58 x 100) / 72.956
7.5%

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3.3 Concept of Excess Air

For optimum combustion, the real amount of combustion air must be greater than that
required theoretically. Part of the stack gas consists of pure air, i.e. air that is simply heated to
stack gas temperature and leaves the boiler through the stack. Chemical analysis of the gases
is an objective method that helps to achieve finer air control. By measuring CO2 or O2 in flue
gases (by continuous recording instruments or Orsat apparatus or some cheaper portable
instruments) the excess air level and stack losses can be estimated. The excess air to be
supplied depends on the type of fuel and the firing system.
A faster way to calculate the excess air is by using the figures 2 and 3, provided the
percentage of CO2 or O2 in the flue gases have been measured.

Figure 2. Relation between CO2 & Excess Air

(Bureau of Energy Efficiency, 2004)

Figure 3. Relationship between residual oxygen and excess air

(Bureau of Energy Efficiency, 2004)

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For optimum combustion of fuel oil the CO2 or O2 in flue gases should be maintained as
follows:
CO2 =
14.515 %
O2
=
23 %

3.4 Draft System

The function of draft in a combustion system is to exhaust the products of combustion, i.e.
flue gases, into the atmosphere. The draft can be classified into two typ es namely natural
draft and mechanical draft.
3.4.1 Natural draft
Natural draft is the draft produced by a chimney alone. It is caused by the difference in
weight between the column of hot gas inside the chimney and column of outside air of the
same height and cross section. Being much lighter than outside air, chimney flue gas tends to
rise, and the heavier outside air flows in through the ash pit to take its place. Draft is usually
controlled by hand-operated dampers in the chimney and breeching connecting the boiler to
the chimney. Here no fans or blowers are used. The products of combustion are discharged at
such a height that it will not be a nuisance to the surrounding community.
3.4.2 Mechanical draft
It is draft artificially produced by fans. Three basic types of drafts that are applied are:
Balanced draft: Forced-draft (F-D) fan (blower) pushes air into the furnace and an
induced draft (I-D) fan draws gases into the chimney thereby providing draft to remove
the gases from the boiler. Here the pressure is maintained between 0.05 to 0.10 in. of
water gauge below atmospheric pressure in the case of boilers and slightly positive for
reheating and heat treatment furnaces.
Induced draft: An induced-draft fan draws enough draft for flow into the furnace,
causing the products of combustion to discharge to atmosphere. Here the furnace is kept
at a slight negative pressure below the atmospheric pressure so that combustion air flows
through the system.
Forced draft: The Forced draft system uses a fan to deliver the air to the furnace, forcing
combustion products to flow through the unit and up the stack.

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES

This section includes energy efficiency opportunities in Fuel Combustion

4.1 Pre-heating of the Combustion Oil

The viscosity of furnace oil and LSHS (Low Sulphur Heavy Stock) increases with decreasing
temperature, which makes it difficult to pump the oil. At low ambient temperatures (below 25
0
C), furnace oil cannot be pumped easily. To circumvent this, preheating of oil is
accomplished in two ways:
The entire tank may be preheated. In this form of bulk heating, steam coils are placed at
the bottom of the tank, which is fully insulated;

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The oil can be heated as it flows out with an outflow heater. To reduce steam
requirements, it is advisable to insulate tanks where bulk heating is used.

Bulk heating may be necessary if flow rates are high enough to make outflow heaters of
adequate capacity impractical, or when a fuel such as LSHS is used. In the case of outflow
heating, only the oil, which leaves the tank, is heated to the pumping temperature. The
outflow heater is essentially a heat exchanger with steam or electricity as the heating
medium.
4.2 Temperature control of Combustion Oil
Thermostatic temperature control of the oil is necessary to prevent overheating, especially
when oil flow is reduced or stopped. This is particularly important for electric heaters, since
oil may get carbonized when there is no flow and the heater is on. Thermostats should be
provided at a region where the oil flows freely into the suction pipe. The temperature at
which oil can readily be pumped depends on the grade of oil being handled. Oil should never
be stored at a temperature above that necessary for pumping as this leads to higher energy
consumption.

4.3 Preparation of Solid Fuels

4.3.1 Sizing of coal
Proper coal sizing is one of the key measures to ensure efficient combustion. Proper coal
sizing, with specific relevance to the type of firing system, helps towards even burning,
reduced ash losses and better combustion efficiency.
Coal is reduced in size by crushing and pulverizing. Pre-crushed coal can be economical for
smaller units, especially stoker-fired units. In a coal handling system, crushing is limited to
an upper size of 6 or 4mm. The devices most commonly used for crushing are the rotary
breaker, the roll crusher and the hammer mill.
It is necessary to screen the coal before crushing, so that only oversized coal is fed to the
crusher. This helps to reduce power consumption in the crusher. Recommended practices in
coal crushing are:
Incorporation of a screen to separate fines and small particles to avoid extra fine
generation in crushing.
Incorporation of a magnetic separator to separate iron pieces in coal, which may damage
the crusher.
Table 11 gives the proper size of coal for various types of firing systems.
Table 11. Proper size of coal for various types of firing system
No. Types of Firing System Size (in mm)
1.
Hand Firing
(a) Natural draft 25-75
(b) Forced draft 25-40

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

2.

Stoker Firing
(a) Chain grate
i) Natural draft
ii) Forced draft
(b) Spreader Stoker
3.
Pulverized Fuel Fired
4
Fluidized bed boiler
*1 Micron = 1/1000 mm

25-40
15-25
15-25
75% below 75 micron*
< 10 mm

4.3.2 Conditioning of coal

The fines in coal present problems in combustion on account of segregation effects.
Segregation of fines from larger coal pieces can be reduced to a great extent by conditioning
coal with water. Water helps fine particles to stick to the bigger lumps due to surface tension
of the moisture, thus stopping fines from falling through grate bars or being carried away by
the furnace draft. While tempering the coal, care should be taken to ensure that moisture
addition is uniform and preferably done in a moving or falling stream of coal.
If the percentage of fines in the coal is very high, wetting of coal can decrease the percentage
of unburnt carbon and the excess air level required for combustion. The table below shows
the extent of wetting, depending on the percentage of fines in coal.
Table 12. Extent of wetting: fines vs surface moisture in coal
Fines (%)
Surface Moisture (%)
10 - 15
4 - 5
15 - 20
5 - 6
20 - 25
6 - 7
25 - 30
7 - 8

4.3.3 Blending of coal

In the case of coal containing excessive fines, it is advisable to blend the predominantly
lumped coal with lot of coal that contains excessive fines. Coal blending may thus help to
limit the extent of fines in coal being fired to not more than 25%. Blending of different
qualities of coal may also help to supply a uniform coal feed to the boiler.

4.4 Combustion Controls

Combustion controls assist the burner in regulation of fuel supply, air supply, (fuel to air
ratio), and removal of gases of combustion to achieve optimum boiler efficiency. The amount
of fuel supplied to the burner must be in proportion to the steam pressure and the quantity of
steam required. The combustion controls are also necessary as safety device to ensure that
the boiler operates safely.
Various types of combustion controls in use are:
On/Off control: The simplest control, ON/OFF control means that either the burner is
firing at full rate or it is OFF. This type of control is limited to small boilers.
High/low/off control: Slightly more complex is HIGH/LOW/OFF system where the
burner has two firing rates. The burner operates at slower firing rate and then switches to

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Thermal Equipment: Fuels and Combustion

full firing as needed. Burners can also revert to the low firing position at reduced load.
This control is fitted to medium sized boilers.
Modulating control: The modulating control operates on the principle of matching the
steam pressure demand by altering the firing rate over the entire operating range of the
boiler. Modulating motors use conventional mechanical linkage or electric valves to
regulate the primary air, secondary air, and fuel supplied to the burner. Full modulation
means that boiler keeps firing, and fuel and air are carefully matched over the whole
firing range to maximize thermal efficiency.

5. OPTION CHECKLIST
This section includes most important options to improve energy efficiency of fuel use and in
combustion processes.

Fuel Checklist

Daily check: Oil temperature at the burner and oil/steam leakages

Weekly task: Cleaning of all filters and draining of water from all tanks
Yearly task: Cleaning of all tanks

Troubleshooting for fuels

1. Oil not pumpable
Viscosity too high
Blocked lines and filters
Sludge in oil
Leak in oil suction
Vent pipe choked
2. Blocking of strainers
Sludge or wax in oil
Heavy precipitated compounds in oil
Rust or scale in tank
Carbonization of oil due to excessive heating
3. Excess water in oil
Water delivered along with oil
Leaking manhole
Seepage from underground tank
Ingress of moisture from vent pipe
Leaking heater steam coils
4. Pipeline plugged
Sludge in oil
High viscosity oil
Foreign materials such as rags, scale and wood splinters in line
Carbonization of oil

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Combustion Checklist
1. Start up
Check for correct sized burner/nozzle.
Establish air supply first (start blower). Ensure no vapour/gases are present before
light up.
Ensure a flame from a torch or other source is placed in front of the nozzle.
Turn ON the (preheated) oil supply (before start-up, drain off cold oil).
2. Operations
Check for correct temperature of oil at the burner tip (consult viscosity vs.
temperature chart).
Check air pressure for LAP burners (63.5 cm to 76.2 cm w.c. air pressure is
commonly adopted).
Check for oil drips near burner.
Check for flame fading/flame pulsation.
Check positioning of burner (ensure no flame impingement on refractory walls or
charge).
Adjust flame length to suit the conditions (ensure flame does not extend beyond the
furnace).
3. Load changes
Operate both air and oil valves simultaneously (For self-proportioned burner, operate
the self-proportioning lever. Do not adjust valve only in oil line).
Adjust burners and damper for a light brown (hazy) smoke from chimney and at least
12 percent CO2.
4. Shut down
Close oil line first.
Shut the blower after a few seconds (ensure gases are purged from combustion
chamber).
Do not expose the burner nozzle to the radiant heat of the furnace. (When oil is shut
off, remove burner/nozzle or interpose a thin refractory between nozzle and furnace).

Troubleshooting for combustion

The checklist in the Table below can help find the causes and solutions for typical problems
found with fuel combustion.

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No
1.

2.

3.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART FOR COMBUSTION

Problems
Causes & solutions
Starting difficult
1. No oil in the tank.
2. Excess sludge and water in storage tanks.
3. Oil not flowing due to high viscosity/low temperature.
4. Choked burner tip.
5. No air.
6. Strainers choked.
Flame goes out or
1. Sludge or water in oil.
splutters
2. Unsteady oil and air pressures.
3. Too high a pressure for atomizing medium which tends to blow
out flame.
4. Presence of air in oil line. Look for leakages in suction line of
pump.
5. Broken burner block, or burner without block.
Flame flashes back
1. Oil supply left in ONposition after air supply cut off during
earlier shut off.
2. Too high a positive pressure in combustion chamber.
3. Furnace too cold during starting to complete combustion (when
temperature rises, unburned oil particles burn).
4. Oil pressure too low.
Smoke and soot
1. Insufficient draft or blower of inadequate
2. Oil flow excessive.
3. Oil too heavy and not preheated to
4. Suction air holes in blower plugged.
5. Chimney clogged with soot/damper
6. Blower operating speed too low.

5.

Clinker on refractory

6.

Cooking of fuel in
burner

7.

Excessive fuel oil

consumption

1. Flame hits refractory because combustion chamber is too small

or
2. is not correctly aligned.
3. Oil dripping from nozzle.
4. Oil supply not cut offbefore the air supply during shut-offs.
1. Nozzle exposed to furnace radiation after shut2. Burner fed with atomizing air over 300 C.
3. Burner block too short or too wide.
4. Oil not drained from nozzle after shut off.
1. Improper ratio of oil and air.
2. Burner nozzle oversized.
3. Excessive draft.
4. Improper oil/air mixing by burner.
5. Air and oil pressure not correct
6. Oil not preheated properly.
7. Oil viscosity too low for the type of burner used.
8. Oil leaks in oil pipelines/preheater.
9. Bad maintenance (too high or rising stack gas temperature).

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6. WORKSHEETS
Worksheet 1: Excess Air Calculation
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Parameters
Carbon (C)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxygen (O 4 )
Nitrogen
Sulphur
H2 O
Ash
GCV of Fuel
Oxygen Required for
burning of Carbon (O 1 )
Oxygen Required for
burning of Hydrogen (O 2 )
Oxygen Required for
burning of Sulphur (O 3 )
Total Oxygen Required
(O)
Stochiometric Amount of
Air Required (S.A)
Excess Air (EA)
Actual Amount of Air
Required

Formula

C x (32/12)

Units
% by Weight
% by Weight
% by Weight
% by Weight
% by Weight
% by Weight
% by Weight
kCal/kg
kg/100 kg of Fuel

H x (32/4)

kg/100 kg of Fuel

S x (32/32)

kg/100 kg of Fuel

O1 + O 2 + O3 O4

kg/100 kg of Fuel

O / 0.23

kg/100 kg of Fuel

S.A x (1+ EA/100)

%
kg/100 kg of Fuel

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7. REFERENCES
Bureau of Energy Efficiency. Energy Efficiency in Thermal Utilities. Chapter 1. 2004
Department of Coal, Government of India. Coal and Cement Industry Efficient utilization.
1985
Department of Coal, Government of India. Coal and Furnace Operation Improved
techniques. 1985
Department of Coal, Government of India. Coal and Industrial Furnaces Efficient
utilization. 1985
Department of Coal, Government of India. Coal and Pulp and Paper industry Efficient
utilization. 1985
Department of Coal, Government of India. Coal and Textile Industry Efficient utilization.
1985
Department of Coal, Government of India. Coal Combustion Improved techniques for
efficiency. 1985
Department of Coal, Government of India. Fluidised Bed Coal Fired Boilers. 1985
Petroleum Conservation Research Association. www.pcra.org
Shaha, A.K. Combustion Engineering and Fuel Technology. Oxford & IBH Publishing
Company
Thermax India Ltd. Technical Memento
Copyright:
Copyright United Nations Environment Programme (year 2006)
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without
special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate
receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale
or any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission from the United Nations Environment Programme.

Disclaimer:
This energy equipment module was prepared as part of the project Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction from Industry in
Asia and the Pacific (GERIAP) by the National Productivity Council, India. While reasonable efforts have been made to
ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct and properly referenced, UNEP does not accept
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be
occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.

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