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Stoichiometric Ratios For Biogas
Stoichiometric Ratios For Biogas
written by: Chief Engineer Mohit Sanguri•edited by: Lamar Stonecypher•updated: 10/8/2010
The stoichiometric ratio is the chemically correct ratio of air and fuel to ensure complete combustion of fuel.
It is also called the ideal air-fuel ratio. In this article we shall discuss the values for the stoichiometric ratios of
various fuels including biogas, biodiesel, and kerosene.
When the air fuel ratio is rich ,then complete combustion does not take place and loss of fuel in the form of
unburnt hydrocarbons is there resulting in less efficiency to the engine. When the air fuel ratio is lean, then
combustion is complete but cooling down of the engine occurs causing loss of efficiency. Thus it is the
endeavor of all engine manufacturers to provide a Stoichiometric air to fuel ratio for better combustion.
However practically it is not possible as extra air has to be supplied for the scavenging function.
1. The ideal stoichiometric equation means no extra air is added for combustion.
2. Write the equation for the combustion. For example CH4 + O2 = CO2 + H2O
3. Substances always combine in definite proportions, and these proportions are determined by the molecular masses
of the substances involved and the products formed.
4. Balance the left hand side and the right hand side of the equation. That is CH4 + 2O2 = CO2 +2H2O
5. Convert to molecular mass. For example, one molecule of CH4 weight is 1x12+4x1 = 16 and oxygen weighs 2x2x16
=64 for complete combustion.
6. Now you know how much oxygen is required to completely burn the fuel. This means 64/16 = 4 kgs of oxygen is
required for complete combustion of one Kg of methane.
7. However remember some fuels have oxygen and it has to be subtracted accordingly.
8. Remember oxygen in 21% by volume and 23% by weight in air and calculate accordingly. This means 4/0.23 = 17.39
or 17.4 Kgs of air is required for complete combustion of one kg of methane. So the stoichiometric air fuel ratio for
methane is 17.4 : 1.
Bio Ethanol (22 % mix) has an air fuel ratio of 12.7 : 1 as it is an oxygenated fuel as compared to Gasoline, and
E85 has an air fuel ratio of 9.765.