If one cubic foot of Natural Gas is 1000 BTUH, what is the ratio of Excess Air?

To understand the concept of Excess Air in relation to the combustion of natural gas, it is important to grasp that air is needed for gas combustion to occur efficiently. When we talk about the ratio of Excess Air, we refer to the amount of air that exceeds the theoretical air requirement necessary for complete combustion.

In the case of natural gas, which typically requires a combustion air-fuel ratio of about 10:1 by volume for complete combustion, the excess air is often expressed as a ratio. The ratio of 5 indicates that for every part of fuel, five parts of air are supplied, which signifies that there is a substantial amount of air being provided beyond what is strictly necessary for complete combustion.

In practical terms, this ensures more complete combustion of the fuel, which not only maximizes energy extraction from the fuel but also minimizes the production of pollutants such as carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbons. This understanding aligns with good combustion practices in the gas industry, where managing air-fuel ratios is crucial for efficiency and safety.

Thus, a ratio of 5 indicates an appropriate level of excess air to ensure clean and efficient combustion of one cubic foot of natural gas, thereby confirming that the chosen answer is valid based on combustion theory and best practices in the