combustion analysis

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sawhai
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Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 9:30 am

combustion analysis

Post by sawhai »

A fuel oil burned in a steam generator has a composition that may be represented as C15H32.

A dry basis analysis of the flue gas yields the following molar composition: CO2 10.111%,
CO 1.000%, O2
5.611%, and N2 83.278%.

Determine the following:
(a). The percent excess air used to burn the fuel oil;
(b). The flue gas molar composition on a wet basis, reporting all constituents, including
water vapor, to the nearest 0.001%; and
(c). The dew point temperature (°C) of the flue gas, if the pressure exiting the combustion

I am trying to balance the combustion equation:
aC5H32 + bO2 + cN2 = 10.111CO2 + 1.000CO + 5.611O2 + 83.278N2 + dH2O

Any idea of how to do it considering #N2=#O2*3.76 ?

Thanks
stack is 180 kPa
expert
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Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:08 pm

Post by expert »

Separate your equation into independent reactions and balance each. After that you can mix these reactions in any required proportions.
C5H32 + O2 = CO2 + H2O
C5H32 + O2 = CO + H2O
Add nitrogen in required proportion: it is not participating in burning process, so it should be equal and unchanged in the reagents and in the products.
Remember safety first! Check MSDS and consult with professionals before performing risky experiments.
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