FUELS AND

COMBUSTION

BY: SUBMITTED TO:

S0NALI SINGH (22119096) DR. R.K YADAV SIR
TUSHAR DHRUW(22119102) (INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES)
UMED KUMAR(22119104) (MECHANICAL ENG. DEPARTMENT)
UPKAR BHAGAT(22119105)
INDEX:
 Introduction
 The basic requirement of I.C. Engine fuels
 Requirement of an ideal gasoline
 Structure of petroleum
 Effect of fuel structure on combustion
 Volatility of liquid fuels
 Effect of volatility on engine performance for starting
 Vapor lock
 Acceleration and Percolation
 Icing and Crank Case Dilution
 Conclusion
Introduction:
Fuels:
• Definition: Fuels are substances that undergo combustion to produce heat or energy. They are typically
used to power engines, heat homes, or generate electricity.
• Role: Fuels provide the necessary energy for various applications, from transportation to heating and
electricity generation.
• Examples: Gasoline, diesel, natural gas, coal, biomass, and hydrogen are all examples of fuels used for
different purposes.
Combustion:
• Definition: Combustion is a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen)
that produces heat, light, and often, flames. It is a rapid oxidation process.
• Role: Combustion is essential for extracting energy from fuels. In engines, it drives pistons, turbines, or
other mechanical systems. In heating, it warms homes and provides energy for cooking.
• Stages: Combustion typically involves three stages: ignition (start of the reaction), propagation (steady
burning), and termination (end of the reaction).
• Examples: The burning of gasoline in car engines, wood in fireplaces, and natural gas in stoves are all
examples of combustion in everyday life.
The basic requirement of I.C. Engine fuels:
1.Energy Content:
• Fuels must provide sufficient energy per unit volume or weight.
• Measured in units like BTU (British Thermal Units) or Joules.
2.Stability:
1. Fuels should remain stable over time without degrading or forming deposits.
2. Prevents clogging of fuel lines and injectors.
3.Volatility:
1. Refers to the ability of a fuel to vaporize easily.
2. Essential for efficient combustion.
3. Too low volatility can lead to hard starting and poor performance.
4.Combustion Characteristics:
1. Fuels should burn cleanly and completely.
2. Minimizing harmful emissions is a key consideration.
Requirement of an ideal gasoline:
1.Octane Rating:
1. Resistance to engine knocking or detonation.
2. Higher octane ratings allow for higher compression ratios.
2.Low Boiling Point:
1. Facilitates easy starting in cold temperatures.
2. Prevents issues like vapor lock in fuel lines.
3.Low Freezing Point:
1. Ensures gasoline remains in liquid form in cold climates.
2. Prevents fuel system blockages.
4.Low Sulfur Content:
1. Reduces harmful emissions such as sulfur oxides (SOx).
2. Contributes to cleaner air and reduced environmental impact.
Structure of petroleum:
A. Crude Oil Composition
• Mixture of hydrocarbons.
• Refined to obtain various products like gasoline, diesel, and lubricants.
B. Distillation
• Separates crude oil into fractions based on boiling points.
• Gasoline: Lower boiling point fraction.
C. Chemical Composition
• Mainly hydrocarbons:
• Paraffins
• Olefins
• Aromatics
Effect of fuel structure on combustion:
1. Paraffins:
1. Less reactive molecules.
2. Clean and efficient combustion.
3. Lower emissions.
2. Olefins:
1. More reactive than paraffins.
2. Higher octane ratings.
3. May lead to deposits if not controlled.
3. Aromatics:
1. Stronger odor, higher energy content.
2. May increase emissions.
3. Useful for enhancing octane ratings.
4. Fuel Additives:
1. Modify fuel properties:
1. Detergents for cleanliness.
2. Anti-knock agents (e.g., tetraethyl lead, now banned).
3. Oxygenates (e.g., ethanol) for cleaner combustion.
Volatility of liquid fuels :
• Factors Affecting Volatility:
1.Temperature:
1. Higher temperatures increase fuel vaporization.
2. Cold starts require fuels with higher volatility.
2.Pressure:
1. Lower pressure promotes vaporization.
2. Higher altitude conditions may require adjustments.
3.Fuel Composition:
1. Different hydrocarbons vaporize at varying rates.
2. Mixtures affect overall volatility.
• Impact on Engine Performance:
1.Starting:
1. High volatility aids cold starts.
2. Low volatility can cause hard starting.
2.Acceleration:
1. Quick vaporization improves throttle response.
2. Enhances engine performance during rapid acceleration.
3.Vapor Lock:
1. Occurs when fuel vaporizes too early in the system.
2. Interrupts fuel flow, leading to engine stalling
Effect of volatility on engine performance for
starting:
• Volatility of a fuel refers to its ability to vaporize and form combustible
mixtures with air.
• Crucial for cold starts in Internal Combustion (I.C.) engines.
• High volatility aids in quick vaporization and combustion during ignition.
Impact on Engine Starting:
1.High Volatility:
1. Facilitates easy cold starts.
2. Rapid vaporization leads to quick engine firing.
3. Ensures smooth engine operation, especially in colder climates.
2. Low Volatility:
1. May result in a hard starting.
2. Fuel vaporizes slowly, causing delayed ignition.
3. Engine struggles to fire up, leading to potential misfires or stalling.
Examples:
• Cold morning starts benefit from fuels with higher volatility.
• Low volatility fuels can cause engine hesitation or prolonged
cranking.

• Volatility directly affects engine starting performance.

• Choosing fuels with appropriate volatility ensures reliable cold starts
and smooth engine operation.
Vapor Lock:
Definition:
• Vapor lock is a phenomenon where a fuel vaporizes prematurely, forming
bubbles in the fuel line.
• These bubbles interrupt the flow of fuel to the engine, leading to engine
stalling or hesitation.
Causes:
• High Temperatures: Heat from the engine or surrounding environment
causes fuel to vaporize.
• Low-Pressure Areas: Reduced pressure in fuel lines due to elevation
changes or faulty components.
• Fuel Composition: Certain fuel blends are more prone to vaporization.
Symptoms:
• Engine stalling or hesitating, especially at high temperatures or under
heavy load.
• Loss of power and rough engine operation.
• Often occurs in hot weather or after prolonged periods of engine
operation.
Prevention:
• Insulating Fuel Lines: Wrap fuel lines with heat-resistant materials to
minimize heat transfer.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure fuel system components are vented correctly
to prevent pressure build-up.
• Using Correct Fuel: Choose fuels with appropriate volatility for the
engine and conditions.
Acceleration and Percolation:
Acceleration:
• Acceleration refers to the rate at which the engine speed increases, typically in
response to pressing the accelerator pedal.
• Crucial for vehicle performance, especially during overtaking or merging onto
highways.
Fuel Requirement:
Quick Vaporization: During acceleration, rapid fuel vaporization is needed for
immediate combustion.
High Volatility: Fuels with high volatility ensure quick response to throttle input.
Benefits:
• Swift acceleration improves driving experience and maneuverability.
• High volatility fuels aid in immediate power delivery.
Percolation:
• Percolation occurs when fuel vaporizes in hot engine parts, such as the carburetor or
fuel lines, when the engine is shut off.
Causes:
• Hot Engine Components: Heat from the engine continues to affect the fuel.
• Prolonged Engine Shutdown: Fuel continues to flow and vaporize even after the
engine is turned off.
• Low-Boiling Fuel: Fuels with low boiling points are more prone to percolation.
Effects:
• Hard Starting: Vaporized fuel can flood the engine, making it difficult to start.
• Stalling: The engine may stall due to excessive fuel vapor.
Prevention:
• Heat Insulation: Wrap fuel lines and carburetors with insulating materials.
• Proper Shutdown Procedures: Allow the engine to cool down before shutting off.
• Fuel Selection: Choose fuels with higher boiling points to reduce percolation risk.
Icing and Crank Case Dilution:
Icing:
• Icing refers to the formation of ice in the carburetor or throttle body due to the cooling effect of fuel
vaporization.
Causes:
• Humid Conditions: Moisture in the air can freeze on cold engine parts.
• Low Temperatures: Cold weather exacerbates icing.
• Venturi Effect: Fuel vaporization cools the intake air, leading to ice formation.
Effects:
• Reduced Airflow: Ice restricts airflow, affecting engine performance.
• Engine Stalling: Severe icing can lead to engine stalling or hesitation.
Prevention:
• Carburetor Heat System: Some engines have a carburetor heat control to prevent icing.
• Fuel Additives: Use of anti-icing additives in fuel.
• Avoid High Humidity Conditions: Be cautious in humid environments.
Crankcase Dilution:
• Crankcase dilution occurs when fuel leaks past the piston rings and contaminates the engine oil.
Causes:
• Short Trips: The engine doesn't reach full operating temperature, leading to incomplete fuel
combustion.
• Frequent Cold Starts: Cold starts cause fuel to wash down cylinder walls.
• Poorly Tuned Carburetor: Incorrect fuel-air mixture can lead to excess fuel in the cylinder.
Effects:
• Reduced Lubrication Effectiveness: Diluted oil loses its lubricating properties, increasing wear.
• Increased Engine Wear: Contaminated oil accelerates wear on engine components.
• Oil Degradation: Fuel in the oil breaks down its properties, reducing effectiveness.
Prevention:
• Proper Engine Warm-Up: Allow the engine to warm up fully before driving.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure the carburetor is tuned correctly.
• Longer Drives: Longer trips allow the engine to reach full operating temperature.
Conclusion:
• Fuel selection for I.C. engines is crucial for performance and longevity.
• Ideal gasoline should meet octane, boiling, freezing point, and sulfur content
requirements.
• Petroleum's structure impacts fuel properties like reactivity and cleanliness.
• Fuel additives play a role in modifying combustion characteristics.
• Volatility affects starting, vapor lock, acceleration, and percolation.
• Issues like carburetor icing and crankcase dilution can disrupt engine
function.
• Understanding these factors guides fuel selection and engine maintenance
for optimal performance and reduced emissions.
THANK
YOU