Fuel Overview

Fuels and Combustion Overview

Fuels can be classified into three categories: solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. The choice of fuel depends on factors such as availability, cost, pollution, and specific application properties. Assessing fuel quality involves understanding various fuel properties determined through laboratory tests.

Classification of Fuels

Chemical Fuels

• Primary Fuels: Naturally occurring, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
• Secondary Fuels: Derived from primary fuels, examples include coke and gasoline.

Types of Fuels

Solid Fuels

• Coal: Varieties include peat, lignite, and anthracite, characterized by differing calorific values and moisture contents.

Liquid Fuels

• Petroleum: A viscous oil mainly made up of hydrocarbons, with various constituents. Manufacturing processes can produce synthetic variants.
• Power Alcohol: Ethanol used in combustion engines, often mixed with petrol.

Gaseous Fuels

• Natural Gas: Composed primarily of methane. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is a clean alternative to petroleum.
• LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas): A product from refining and natural gas processing, possessing a high calorific value.