What is the maximum percentage of air required in the combustion mixture for natural gas?

Natural gas combustion requires a specific ratio of air to gas in order to ensure efficient and complete combustion. The maximum percentage of air in the combustion mixture is critical because it influences both the efficiency of the combustion process and the emission of pollutants.

The correct answer is 86%, which reflects the optimal air-fuel mixture for natural gas combustion. When 86% of the combustion mixture is air, it allows for the complete combustion of the gas, ensuring that there is enough oxygen present to convert all of the fuel to carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are the desired products of combustion. This balanced mixture helps to minimize the production of harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, and enhances burner performance.

Air that exceeds this percentage can lead to excessively lean mixtures, which may cause incomplete combustion, increased emissions, and potential operational issues in burners. Therefore, maintaining this maximum air percentage is vital for safety and efficiency in natural gas applications.