In this note, we are going to know about Chemical Composition of Fuels, and their Calorific Values and Applications. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
Chemical Composition of Fuels
Here in this table we have discussed about Chemical Composition of Different Types of Fuels, Calorific Values of Different types of Fuels, and Applications of Different Types of Fuels –
| Gas Type | Chemical Composition | Calorific Value | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) | Propane (C₃H₈): ~60% Butane (C₄H₁₀): ~40% Small traces of ethane and other hydrocarbons | ~46,000 kJ/kg | – Domestic cooking and heating – Industrial heating and furnaces – Fuel for vehicles (autogas) – Backup generators |
| Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) | Methane (CH₄): ~90% Small amounts of ethane, propane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide | ~50,000 kJ/kg | – Fuel for vehicles (environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline/diesel) – Industrial heating – Power generation – Domestic cooking and heating |
| Water Gas | Carbon monoxide (CO): ~50% Hydrogen (H₂): ~40% Small amounts of CO₂ and N₂ | ~11,000 kJ/m³ | – As a reducing agent in metallurgy – Intermediate in chemical synthesis (e.g., methanol production) – Source of hydrogen for industrial processes |
| Coal Gas | Hydrogen (H₂): ~50% Methane (CH₄): ~30% Carbon monoxide (CO): ~10% Small amounts of CO₂, N₂ | ~20,000 kJ/m³ | – Illuminating gas for lighting (historically) – Fuel for heating and cooking – Industrial processes like ammonia synthesis |
| Producer Gas | Carbon monoxide (CO): ~30% Nitrogen (N₂): ~50% Hydrogen (H₂): ~10% Methane (CH₄): Trace amounts | ~5,000–6,000 kJ/m³ | – Fuel for internal combustion engines – Industrial heating – Metallurgical processes |
| Biogas | Methane (CH₄): ~50–75% Carbon dioxide (CO₂): ~25–50% Small traces of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and other gases | ~20,000–25,000 kJ/m³ | – Cooking and heating in rural areas – Electricity generation in biogas plants – Fuel for vehicles – Organic waste management and fertilizer production |