Why Study Fuels?

1. Fuels are the resources which had played on important role in the development of
human being since their discovery.
2. As an engineer we will make advancements in our respective field. If the technology
we are working on require fuels to run them then paper knowledge of fuels is
required.
3. Thus for us to have fair knowledge about various aspects of fuels is required.
Definition
1. Fuels are defined as, substances which undergo combustion in the presence of air
to produce a large amount of heat that can be used economically for domestic and
industrial purpose.
2. This definition does not include unclear fuel because it cannot be used by common
man
3. The various fuels are wood, coal, kerosene, petrol etc.
4. The fossil fuels are wood, vegetable oils etc which burn to produce heat are known
as chemical fuels.
Classification of Chemical Fuels
The diagram given below shows the classification of chemical fuels
Solid
E.g. Wood, Coal, dung

Primary Physical
Or Natural
State

Liquid

E.g. Crude Oil, Vegeta

Gaseous

E.g. Natural G

Chemical
Origin
Fuels
Solid
E.g. Charcoal, Coke, Pulverized coke etc.

Secondary Physical
Or Derived
State

Liquid E.g. Alcohol, Petrol, diesel

Characteristic Properties of Good Fuels

An ideal fuel should possess following properties.

Gaseous
E.g. Water gas, LPG

1. Colorific value should be as high as possible (concept of colorific value is discussed

in further modules)
2. Its viscosity should be adequate
3. Moisture content in the fuel should be as low as possible
4. Ash matter in the fuel should be absent
5. Easy transportation should be possible
6. Harmless products should be produced on combustion.
The chemical properties of the fuel include the compositional analysis of the fuel.
This includes
For Solid and Liquid Fuels
1. Percentage of elements like C,H, N, D,S etc,
2. Percentage of moisture
3. Percentage of volatile matter.
For gaseous Fuels
1. Percentage of combustible gases e.g.- CO, CH4,C2H4 etc
2. Percentage of non combustible gases e.g. N2, CO2 etc