MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Will a flamable liquid burn better as a foam ao atomized mist?

Date: Wed Jul 26 17:36:04 2000
Posted By: Imack Collins, Staff, none, Adventech
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 963610296.Ch
Message:

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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