Whirlpool 4322452 manual Characteristics of GAS Fuels

CHARACTERISTICS OF GAS FUELS

Each of the four types of gas has a specific boiling point (see Figure 1-2). The boiling point is referred to as the temperature where gas turns from a liquid to a gas at atmospheric pressure. If temperatures fall below the freezing point (32˚F), the liquid will not turn into a gas, and there will be no flame.

By itself, gas cannot be ignited. Fuel, oxygen, and heat are necessary for combustion to occur. Remove one of these, and combustion cannot take place (see Figure 1-3).

200
100	Butane
32
Zero	Propane
– 44				L.P.
–100			Natural
– 200			Mixed
– 300			Manufactured
Degrees		Fahrenheit

BOILING POINT OF GAS

Figure 1-2

FUEL OXYGEN

HEAT

THE COMBUSTION PROPERTIES

Figure 1-3

Gases will ignite at temperatures between 900˚F and 1200˚F.

A proper mixture, or ratio, of gas and air is needed to produce a flame. If the air-to-gas ratio is not correct, incomplete combustion, or an improper flame, will result. The ratio needed to ignite natural gas (10:1) is shown in Figure 1-4, and the ratio for L.P. gas (24:1) is shown in Figure 1-5.

1000 BTU Heat

1 cu.ft.

Gas10 cu.ft. Air

Natural Gas (10:1)

10 cu. ft. Air To 1 cu.ft. Gas

Figure 1-4

1000 BTU Heat

1 cu.ft.

Gas24 cu.ft. Air

Figure 1-5

L.P. Gas (24:1)

24 cu. ft. Air To 1 cu.ft. Gas

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