Combustion is defined as a chemical reaction of a fuel with an oxidizing agent that is accompanied by the release of energy in the form of heat, light and sound. The process of combustion is divided into three stages, namely, pre-combustion, combustion and post-combustion.
Pre-combustion
Pre-combustion is the initial stage of combustion which involves the preparation of combustible substances to be used as the fuel of choice. In this stage, the fuel is heated, vaporized, and mixed with the oxidizer before it gets exposed to the flame ignited in the next stage. This stage is also known as fuel preparation and is usually carried out in the fuel chamber of any combustion device.
Combustion
In the combustion stage, heat is generated through the rapid reaction of the heated and vaporized fuel with the oxidizer. This heat is used to increase the pressure inside the fuel chamber, resulting in the production of a flame which further reacts with the fuel-air mixture present in the chamber. As the combustion reaction proceeds, various combustion byproducts such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat energy are produced.
Post-combustion
Post-combustion is the final stage of combustion. In this stage, the combustion byproducts are allowed to cool and disperse in the environment. The heat released from the combustion reaction is used to power various machines and equipment. In addition, the light and sound produced during the combustion process can be used for various purposes.
Conclusion
Combustion is an essential reaction in any modern day industry. Without it, most of the equipment and machines that are used daily would not be able to function. The end products of combustion, such as heat, light, and sound, are also used in various ways which make the process even more important. Although combustion can be a dangerous reaction if handled carelessly, it is an essential and inevitable part of everyday life.
