| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Any flammable liquid or solid will burn better pulverized. The reason is because more molecular surface of the combustible is exposed to the oxygen in the air. Since oxygen is necesary for combustion, the foamed liquid has very little contact with oxygen, so the combustion is very incomplete. Why a foaming agent for gasoline??? For what, just if it spills??? How about what happens inside the engine? The foaming agents will inhibit particulate formation and interfere with the combustion. So - better as an atomized mist. This is due to the better interaction of oxygen with the combustible molecules. Foam contains less oxygen per mol than the fully atomized mixture.
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