Thermodynamics-MEC 554/ LS 6/ Rev.

00-2006

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL
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Program
:
Bachelor in Engineering (Mechanical)
Course
:
Thermodynamics
Code
:
MEC 554
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LAB SHEET NO:

COMBUSTION LABORATORY SHEET

TITLE : The effects of Air/Fuel ratio on combustion and gas products.
INTRODUCTION
Combustion is a process of converting chemical energy stored in fuels to useful heat energy. The 3
main components of combustion is fuel, oxygen ( air ) and heat. The study of air/fuel ratio is
stressed in this experiment. Air/fuel ratio controls whether the combustion reaction is complete or
incomplete. Complete combustion generates maximum heat energy, while incomplete reaction will
yield other flue gases than CO 2, H2O and N2. As combustion is a complex science, comparison
between theoretical and actual gas emissions as well as energy evaluations are required.
APPARATUS
1) Combustion Unit
2) Gas Analyzer
3) Kerosene (C12H26, CV = 43.1 MJ/kg, stoichiometric air/fuel ratio = 14.7 : 1)
PRE-CALCULATIONS
1) Determine the stoichiometric air flow rate for kerosene flow of 4.5 kg/h.
2) Determine the corresponding air flow rates for air/fuel ratios from 11 : 1 to 18 : 1, at constant
fuel flow of 4.5 kg/h.
3) Determine the water flow rate required to keep outlet water temperature between 60 oC
80oC.
PROCEDURE
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

Light-up the burner and allow the unit to stabilise.

Adjust fuel & air from the conditions set at ignition. Set for kerosene constant at 4.5 kg/h.
Initially, set air flow rate at stoichiometric.
Let steady conditions develop.
Read the exhaust temperature and cooling water inlet outlet temperatures.
Simultaneously, take flue gas readings using the gas analyzer.
Increase/ decrease the air flow rate to correspond to air/fuel ratios from 11 : 1 to 18 : 1.
Repeat steps 4 to 6.
Note variations in flame conditions (visually, if possible).

Thermodynamics-MEC 554/ LS 6/ Rev. 00-2006

DISCUSSION
1) Determine the theoretical flue gas analysis for air/fuel ratios from 11:1 to 18:1.
2) Plot a graph to compare the theoretical and actual gas analysis, for CO 2, CO and O2 gases.
3) Calculate and plot the actual enthalpy of combustion for each air/fuel ratios.
TEST SHEET
Static gas delivery pressure.
Ambient air temperature.
Water inlet temperature.
Water outlet temperature.
Water mass flow rate.
Air fuel ratio

Air mass flow

rate

Indicated fuel
flow

Exhaust
temperature

GIVEN ( TO DETERMINE REQUIRED WATER FLOW RATE )

Qfuel = fuel flow rate X calorific value (CV)
Qwater = water flow rate X CV X temperature different.

Remarks