Fuel

We all use fuel for one function or the other. Typically, fuel is defined as anything that you remove heat energy and light energy when you burn it. There are different sources and different types of fuels. We also use these fuels for different purposes.

Fuel uses

We use fuel for

Cooking
Electricity production
In automotive
For heating

Three Types of Fuels

Solid Fuels

These are those sources of heat and light energy that occur as solids in room temperature. Examples include wood, coal, charcoal, cow dung, and others.

Advantages

Quick transportation
Low production cost
Convenient for storage
Ignition temperature is moderate

Disadvantages

High ash content
Heat wastage
Difficult to control combustion operation

Liquid fuels

These are those that occur as liquids in room temperature. They originate from fossils of plants and animals. When they are under heat and pressure, they form liquid fuels. Examples include petroleum, oils, alcohols, coal tar, and others.

Advantages

Ease of transportation
Their calorific value is very high
It is easy to fire it up and put out the fire
They do leave behind ashes or dust
You can store them for a very long time
They have great cleanliness, and thus heat loss is minimal
Do not need excess air for combustion

Disadvantages

Their odor is bad
Need unique vessels for storage
They need burners with unique construction or spraying apparatus
They can be hazardous when highly flammable

Gaseous fuels

Most of these fuels are made of hydrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, or mixtures. Some examples include natural gases, liquid petroleum gases, gases from coal, refinery gases, and more.

Advantages

They are clean
Ease of transportation
They are easy to light
Do not produce smoke
They do not leave dust or ashes
They do not have impurities
High heat contents

Disadvantages

they are highly flammable
need excellent storage tanks

All these fuels are essential and beneficial at one point or the other. They are all good for what they do.

By Lorah

Fuel

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