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Characteristics of a Good Fuel
1. High Calorific Value A good fuel should possess high calorific value because calorific value
determines the efficiency of the fuel. Higher the calorific value, greater is the heat liberated
per unit mass or volume.
2. Ignition Temperature It is the lowest temperature to which a fuel must be preheated so
that it starts burning smoothly. An ideal fuel should have moderate ignition temperature. Low
ignition temperature can cause fire hazards, making storage and transportation difficult. Fuel
with low ignition temperature can burn spontaneously leading to explosion. High ignition
temperature, on the other hand, makes it difficult to kindle (ignite) the fuel.
3. Moisture Content Moisture content should be low because the presence of moisture lowers
the calorific value of the fuel.
4. Non-combustible Matter After combustion, the non-combustible matter is left behind
as ash or clinkers. Non-combustible matter reduces the calorific value of the fuel and also
requires additional money investment for storage, handling and disposal of the waste products
produced.
5. Velocity of Combustion If the velocity of combustion is low, then a part of the liberated
heat may get radiated instead of raising the temperature; hence, the required high temperature
may not be attained. On the other hand, if the velocity of combustion is very high then the
rate of combustion might become uncontrollable. For a continuous supply of heat, fuel must
burn with a moderate rate.
6. Combustion Products The products obtained during combustion of the fuel should be
harmless and non-polluting. Harmful gases such as CO2
, SO2
, H2
S, PH3
and PbBr2 not be produced, and also the amount of smoke produced should be less.
7. Cost of the Fuel A good fuel should be readily available at a low cost.
8. Storage and Transportation A good fuel should be easy to handle, store and transport at
low cost.
9. Size In case of solid fuels, the size should be uniform so that combustion is regular.
10. Combustion Should Be Controllable The combustion process should be controllable, that
is it can be started or stopped when required.
