Combustion in a Furnace

In a furnace, as soon as the liquid fuel particles enter the combustion zone, the following takes place:

a. Water, if present in the fuel, is vaporized

b. Combustible components of fuel are converted into vapor

c. Furnace temperature raises the temperature of the fuel to the ignition temperature (or higher).

d. Since oxygen is already present in the furnace, the fuel is combusted.

e. The combustion process generates some new substances known as combustion products.

f. This chemical reaction (combustion) is an exothermic reaction. That means heat energy is released.

g. The released heat energy heats up the combustion air and the furnace cavity – making it ready to heat additional fuel as it enters the furnace and repeat the whole combustion process again.