CHAPTER 2 : GASEOUS FUELS

1. Calculate the orsat analysis of the products of combustion upon burning pure hexane
with 38% excess air if:

a) Combustion is complete
Answer: 10.18% CO2, 6.13% O2

b) 85% of the C burns to CO2, the rest to CO, molal ratio of H2 to CO is 1:2.
Answer: 8.49% CO2, 1.5% CO

Solution:

Basis: 1 kmol C6H14

Air 38% in
excess

Exhaus
Burner t

C6H14

a) C6H14 + 19/2 O2 6 CO2 + 7 H2O

theo O2 = 6 + 14/4 = 9.5
excess O2 = (9.5)(0.38) = 3.61
O2 from air = 9.5 + 3.61 = 13.11
N2 from air = (13.11)(79/21) = 49.32
CO2 = C = 6

Orsat analysis

Mole % composition
CO2 6 10.18
O2 3.61 6.13
N2 49.32 83.69
 b) CO2 = (6)(0.85) = 5.1
CO = 6 – 5.1 = 0.9
H2 = (1)(0.9/2) = 0.45
O2 = 3.61 + (0.9/2) + (0.45/2) = 4.285

Orsat analysis

Mole % composition
CO2 5.1 8.49
CO 0.9 1.5
H2 0.45 0.75
N2 49.32 82.12
O2 4.285 7.14
60.055

2. The synthesis of methane enriched gas from water gas is a promising solution to the
problem of the hydrocarbon shortages in the future. In one such process, the following
gas composition is obtained: 34% methane, 3% CO2, 11% CO, 39% H2, and 13% N2.
determine the gross calorific value and net calorific value of the gas in

a) MJ/kgmol Ans: GCV: 445.62 NCV: 398.5

b) kcal/kgmol 106.43 106.43
c) MJ/dSCM 18.8 16.82
d) MJ/SCM 18.48 16.53

Basis: 1kmol of fuel

N Hc, MJ/kmol (n)(Hc) at H MW (n)(MW)
CH4 0.34 890.95 302.9232 7.36 16 5.44
CO 0.3 ----- ----- ----- 44 7.32
CO 0.11 283.18 31.1498 ----- 28 3.08

H2 0.39 286.03 111.5517 6.78 2 6.78

N2 0.13 ----- ----- ----- 28 3.64

GCV
(a) MJ/kgmol = 445.6245

(b) kcal/kgmol = 445.6245(1/4.187) = 106.43

(c) MJ/dSCM = (445.6245 MJ/kgmol)(kgmol/22.4)(273/273+15.56)

= 18.82

(d) log VP = 7.96681 – {1668.21/(228+15.56)}

 VP = 13.1mmHg
MJ/SCM = (445.6245MJ/kgmol)(kgmol/22.4){273/(273+15.56)}(760-13.1/760)
= 18.48

NCV
Total moles H2O formed = 2.14/2 = 1.07

(a) MJ/kgmol = 445.6245 – (44.04)(1.07) = 398.5017

(b) kcal/kgmol = 398.5017/4.187 = 95.18
(c) MJ/dSCM = (398.5017)(0.0422) = 16.82
(d) MJ/SCM = (398.5017)(0.04147) = 16.53

3. Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG from a US based plant) has the molar composition:
96.59% CH4, 1.29% H2, 0.22% CO and 1.9% CO2. Calculate the GCV and NCV in

a) MJ/kgmol Ans: (864.88 ; 779.24)

b) kcal/gmol (206.56 ; 186.11)
c) kcal/kg (12612.19 ; 11363.55)
d) kcal/SCM (8566.04)

Basis:1kgmol synthetic NatGas

Gas n Hc,MJ/kgmol nxHc atH MW nxMw

CH4 0.9659 890.95 860.5686 3.8636 16 15.544

H2 0.0129 286.03 3.6898 0.0258 2 0.0258
CO 0.002 283.18 0.6230 28 0.0616
CO2 0.019 44 0.836
1.00 864.8814 16.3533

Ave. molecular Weight = 16.3533kg/kgmol

Log VP = 7.96683 -1668.21/(228+15.56) = 13.1 mmHg

Gross Calorific Value

a. MJ/kgmol = 864.8814
b. kcal/gmol = 864.8814/4.184 = 206.7116
c. kcal/kg = 206.7116/16.3533 = 12.6404
d. kcal/SCM = kcal/kgmol x kgmol/22.4m3 x 273/(273+15.56) x (760- 13.1)/760
=206.7116x 0.04147 = 8.723

Net Calorific Value

Total moles H2O formed = atH/2 = 3.8894/2 = 1.9447

 NCV = GCV – Moles H2O from combustion x Lc of water
Total mole of fuel
= 864.8814- 1.9447 x 44.04 = 779.2368

a. MJ/kmol = 779.2368
b. Kcal/mol = 779.2368/4.184 = 186.2421
c. MJ/ kg = 779.2368/ 16.533 = 47.6501
d. MJ/SCM = 779.2368 x 0.04147 = 32.3150

4. A fuel containing 75% ethane and 25% propane is burned with dry air. All the H 2
burns to H2O and the CO2 to CO ratio is 10:1. Fifteen percent excess air is supplied.
Calculate:

a) moles stack gas/100 moles fuel (22.95)

b) Orsat analysis of stack gas (10.38% CO2, 1.04% CO)
c) Complete analysis of stack gas (8.91% CO2, 0.89%CO)
d) m3 dry air at 28oC, 765 mmHg/kmole fuel (520.66)

basis: 100kmol fuel

n at C at H
C2H6 75 150 450
C3H8 25 75 200
225 650

Theo O2 = 225 + 650/4 = 387.5

Excess O2 = (387.5)(0.15) = 58.125
O2 air = 387.5 + 58.125 = 445.625
N2 air = (445.625)(79/21) = 1676.4

CO2 = (225)(10/11) = 204.55

CO = (225)(1/11) = 20.45
H2O = 650/2 = 325
Free O2 = 58.125 + (20.45/2) = 68.35

(a) CO2 204.55

` CO 20.45
N2 1676.4
O2 68.35
H2O 325___
2294.75

Mole stack gas = 2294.75 = 22.9475

100 kgmol fuel100
 (b) CO2 204.55 10.38%
CO 20.45 1.04%
N2 1676.4 73.05%
O2 68.35__ 3.47%
1969.75

(c) CO2204.55 8.91%

` CO 20.45 0.89%
N2 1676.4 73.05%
O2 68.35 2.98%
H2O 325___ 14.16%
2294.75

(d) (1676.4 + 68.35)(22.4)(760/765){(273+28)/273}/100 = 428.09

5. Blue Water Gas is obtained by passing steam over red hot carbon enriched coal (coke).
The gas is called “Blue” water gas because of its blue flame, a characteristic of the
combustion of CO. A typical composition shows 4.7% CO 2, 41% Co, 49% H2, 0.8% CH4
and 4.5% N2. if blue water gas at 25oC, 745 torrs and 90% RH is burned in wet air, 30%
in excess, supplied at the same conditions as BWG with 85% RH, calculate:

a) Orsat analysis of the stack gas if the molar ratio of CO 2 to CO 1:8; H2 to CO is

1:4
Ans: (11.56% CO2, 1.44% CO)
b) m3 air/m3 BWG (2.88)
c) m3 stack gas(100 kPa; 300oC)/ 100 moles dry BWG (17036.81)
d) GCV of BWG (263.39 MJ/kgmol)
e) % Calorific Value lost due to
i) CO (5.55)
ii) H2 (1.4)
iii) H2O (8.24)
iv) sensible heat (12)
f) thermal efficiency (72.9%)

basis : 1kmol fuel

gas mol at C at H at O2
CO2 0.047 0.047 ------ 0.047
CO 0.41 0.41 ------ 0.205
H2 0.49 ------ 0.98 -------
CH4 0.008 0.008 0.032 -------
N2 0.045 ------ ----- -------
0.465 1.012 0.252
Theo O2 = 0.465 + (1.012/4) – 0.252
= 0.466

Excess O2 = (0.466)(0.3)
= 0.1398
O2 from air = 0.6058
N2 from air = 2.279
CO2 formed = (0.465)(1/9)
= 0.05167
CO formed = 0.4133
H2 formed = (1/4)(0.4133)
= 0.103325
Free O2 = 0.13998 + (0.4133/2) + (0.103325/2)
= 0.3981125
N2 = 2.279 + 0.045 = 2.324

H2O from air = (0.6058 + 2.279){(23.6)(0.85)/(745-(23.6x0.85)}

= 0.0798
H2O from BWG = (1kmol){(23.6)(0.9)/(745-(23.6x0.9)}
= 0.0293

(b) m3 air = (0.6058 + 2.279 + 0.0798)(22.2/1)(760/745)(273+25/273)

m3BWG (1+0.0293)(22.4/1)(760/745)(273+25/273)
= 2.88

(c) m3 stack gas = (3.29+0.0798+0.0293) = 18 149

100 mol BWG

(d) gas n Hc nxHc

CO2 0.047 ----- -----
CO 0.41 283.18 116.1038
H2 0.49 286.03 140.1547
CH4 0.008 890.95 7.1276
N2 0.045 ----- -----____________
263.3861 MJ/kmol
GCV = 266.33861 MJ/kmol

(e) i. due to CO = (0.4133)(283.18) x 100

263.3861
= 44%
ii. due to H2 = (0.103325)(286.03) x 100
263.3861
= 11.22%
iii. H2O = 0.506
 iv. sensible heat
n Cp nCp
CO2 5.33 43.52 231.9616
CO 0.933 29.63 27.64479
SO2 0.05 45.34 2.267
O2 4.8715 30.98 150.91907
N2 44.245 29.61 1310.09445
H2O 2.595 34.16 90.02055

Sum nCP = 1812.90746

%sensible heat loss = 1812.90746/1000 x (300-25)/31.472 x 100

= 15.;8471%

(f) thermal efficiency = 100-(44.404+11.21+7.591+12.2) = 75.41%

6. Carburetted water gas is produced in the same way as blue water gas except that it is
done in the presence of cracked oil vapors in a carburetor . A typical gas analysis
shows 4.7% CO2, 7.8% C2H4, 0.3% O2, 36.5 H2, 35% CO, 8.6% CH4 and 6.6% N2. if this
is saturated with H2O at 20oC, 742 torrs and burned in 10.434 m 3 air at 30oC, 101kPa
and 60% RH per m3 fuel, calculate:

a) % excess O2
b) Orsat analysis of the stack gas (400 oC, 760 torrs) if 85% of C burns to CO 2;
all H2 burns to H2O
c) GCV in LJ/ kgmol
d) % calorific value loss due to:
i) CO
ii) Uncondensed water vapor
iii) Sensible heat

Basis: 1000m3 fuel wet

moles wet CWG= (1000m3 CWG)(1kmol/22.4m3){273.15/(273.15+20)}(742/760)

=40.6119 kmol
H2O in fuel = 40.6119kmol wet CWG (VP@20/742)
= 0.9515 kmol

at 20oClog VP = 7.96681- {1668.21/(228+20)}

= 17.3843 mmHg
at 30oClog VP = 7.96681- {1668.21/(228+30)}
= 31.6869 mmHg

dry CWG = 40.6119 – 0.9515 = 39.6604 kmol

mole wet air = 1000m3 CWG x 10.434m3 air x _1kmol_ x __273.15__ x __101__
m3 fuel 22.4m3 273.15+30 101.325
= 418.3610 kmol

H2O in air = 418.361 kmol x 0.6(31.6869)(101.325/760)

101 kPa

dry air = 418.361 kmol – 10.4994 = 407.8616 kmol

O2 in air = (407.8616)(0.21) = 85.6509 kmol
N2 in air = (407.8616)(0.79) = 322.2107 kmol

% n at C at H mol O2
CO2 4.7 1.864 1.864
C2H4 7.8 3.0935 6.187
O2 0.3 0.119
H2 36.5 14.476
N2 6.6 2.6176
CO 35.5 14.0794
CH4 8.6 3.4108_ _______ _______ ______
39.6004 25.5412 54.9693 9.0227

theo O2 = at C + at H/4 – O2
= 30.2608 kmol

% excess air = 85.6509 – 30.2608 x 100 = 183.04%

30.2608

CO2 formed = (25.5412)(0.85) = 21.71

CO formed = (25.5412(0.15) = 3.83118
N2 formed = 322.2107 + 2.617 = 324.8283
free O2 = 85.6509 – 30.2608 + (3.83112/2) = 57.30564
H2O formed = at H/2 = 54.9693/2 = 27.48465
total H2O at SG = 27.48465 + 0.9515 + 10.4994 = 38.9356

Orsat analysis

CO2 21.71 5.3253 44.796 972.5213

CO 3.8318 0.9398 30.1886 115.6581
O2 57.30569 14.0567 31.8574 1796.9574
N2 324.8283 79.6782 29.83 9689.6282
407.6752

GCV = (3.0935)(1411.91) + (14.476)(286.02) + (14.0794) + (3.4108)(890.95)

= 15 534.17062 MJ
7. Bottled Gas ( Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is found to contain 1.4% ethane, 23.8%
propane, 20.7% i-butane and 54.1% n-butane. It is available at P 15/kg. Associated gas
analyzing 83.6% methane, 9.6% ethane, 1.2% propane, 0.9% n-butane and 4.7% i-
butane is available at P 2.50/SCM. A fuel is to be selected between the two for curing a
refractory lined furnace. Which is cheaper?

Basis: 1 kgmol gas

(a) Bottled gas

n MW (n)(MW)
C2H6 0.014 30 0.42
C3H8 0.238 44 10.472
C4H10 0.207 58 12.006
C4H10 0.547 58 31.378___
54.276 kg

Bottled gas = 54.276 kg x P15 = P814.17

MJ/kg = 2702.33 MJ/kgmole

54.276 kg/kgmole
= 49.789 MJ/kg

Cost = P15/kg(1kg/49.789 MJ)

= P0.301/MJ

For Associated Gas

Gas n Hc nHc
CH4 0.836 890.95 744.8342
C2H6 0.096 1560.92 144.8483
C3H8 0.012 2221.52 26.6582
n-C4H10 0.009 2879.01 25.91109
i-C4H10 0.047 2870.63 134.91961

MJ/SCM = 1077.17146 MJ/kgmole x 0.04147 = 44.6703

Cost = P2.50/SCM (SCM/44.6703) = P0.056/MJ
8. A pure saturated hydrocarbon is burnt with excess air. Orsat analysis of the stack gas
shows 7.9% CO2, 1.18% CO, 0.24% H2, 5,25% O2, and 85.93% N2. Air is substantially
dry. The stack gases leave at 750 mmHg pressure.
Calculate:

a) % excess air (24.986%)

b) Kg air/ kg fuel (21.58)
c) Formula of the hydrocarbon (CH4)
d) Dew point of the stack gas (54.29oC)

Basis: dry SG 100 kmol

% x’ss = x’ss O2/ theo O2 x 100

theo O2 = at C + at H/4 – mol O2

Solving for O2 from air through N2

85.93 kmol N2 (21/79) = 22.8422 kmol O2 supp.
X’ss O2= 5.25 – 1.18/2 – 0.24/2 = 4.54
X’ss air = 4.54/ (22.84-4.54) X 100
= 24.809%

b.) kg air/kg fuel

kg air = kg N2 + kg O2 supp
= 85.93 + 22.84
= 108.77 kmol X 29 kg/2901 kmol
= 3154.33 kg air
For kg fuel:
At C = mol C of CO2 + mol C of CO
= 7.9 + 1.18
= 9.08 kmol
O2 supp:
22.84 – 7.9 – 1.18/2 – 5.25
O2 unaccounted for = O2 = 9.1 kmol O2 unaccounted
H2O formed : 9.1 kmol O2 X 2 H2O/ 1 O2
= 18.2 kmol H2O
Net H = 9.1 kmol O2 X 2 H2/ 1 O2 X 2H/H2 = 36.4
 At H = net H + 0.24 kmol H2 X 2H/ 1 H2 = 0.48
At H = 36.4 + 0.48 = 36.88 kmol H
At C/at H = n/ 2n + 2 = 9.08/36.88 = n= 1 :. CH4
Kg fuel = 9.08 kmol C X 1 CH4/ 1 mol C X 16 kg/ 1 CH4
= 145.28 kg fuel
Kg air/kg fuel = 3154.33 / 145.28 = 21.7121
c.) formula: CH4
d.) dew pt. SG
use the pressure of the SG
log VP = 7.96681 – 1668.21/228+T dpt
P H2O @ SG = PT (n H2O/ n SG) = (18.2/100+18.2)750
VP = 115.4822 mm Hg
T dew = 54.5418OC

9. Bottled gases are the liquefied petroleum gases propane and butane. If a sample of
this gas were burned in excess air , a burner gas of the following analysis is obtained:
8.62% CO2, 1.38% CO, 6.45% O2, and 83.55% N2. Calculate
a) % excess air (35.02)
b) composition of the bottled of gas (55.17% propane)

Basis: 100 kmol SG

% x’ss = x’ss O2/ theo O2 x 100
From N2 = 83.55 kmol N2 (21/79) = 22.2095 kmol O2 supplied
X’ss O2 = 6.45 – 1.38/2
= 5.76 kmol O2
a.) % x’ss = 5.76/ 22.2095 – 5.76 x 100 = 35.02%
b.) Composition of the bottled gas
At C at H
C7H8 3 8
C4H10 4 10
 O2 unaccounted for= O2 supp – O2(O2 – O2 CO – O2 H2 – free O2)
= 22.2095 – 8.62 – 1.38/2 – 0 – 6.45
=6.4495 O2
6.4495 O2 x 2 H2O / 1 O2 – 12.8995 H2O
Net H= 6.4495 O2 x 2 H2O/ 1 O2 x 2H/ 1 H2
Net H= 25.798 H
At H = net H
At H= 25.798
At C= 8.62 + 1.38
At C= 10
C balance
(3x + 4y = 10)10 = 30x + 40y = 100
4(8x + 10y= 25.798) = 32x + 40y = 103.192
-2x = -3.192 y= 10-3(1.596)/4
x= 1.596 = 1.303
% C3H8 = 1.596/1.303+1.596 x 100
= 55.05%
% C4H10 = 100- 55.05 = 44.95%

10. The burning of pure ethane with dry air gives a stack gas which analyzes 9.92% CO 2.
The stack gases leaves at 745 mmHg. Assuming complete combustion,determine:

a) % excess air
b) Complete orsat analysis of the stack gas
c) Dew point of stack gas

Basis: 100 kmol C2H6

Theo O2 = 200 + 600/4 = 350
X’ss O2 = x
O2 from air= x + 350
N2 from air = (x + 350)(79/21)
Free O2 in SG = x
 Tie component: C
200= 0.0992 (kmol DSG)
Kmol DSG= 2016.129032
DSG balance:
2016.129032= 200 + x + (350+x)(79/21)
X= 449.4623653/ 4.761904762
X= 104.88709767
% x’ss = x/ 350 x 100
= 29.96774192%

b.) Complete analysis (orsat)

CO2 200 0.92%

O2 104.887 5.20%
N2 1711.241935 84.88%
2016.129032

c.) dew pt. SG

PSG = 745 mm Hg Log VP = 7.96681 – 1668.21/228 + TDP
PPH2O = PT (n H2O/ nT) TDP= 50.86OC
= 745( 300/ 2016.129032)
=96.4972 mmHg

11. Producer gas analyzing 25.3% CO, 13.2% H2, 0.4% CH4, 5.4% CO2, 0.5% O2, and
55.2% N2 is burned in excess air at 25 oC, 745 torrs and 60% RH. Partial Orsat analysis
of the stack gas shows 16.13%CO2, 1.79% CO and 0.72% H2. Calculate:

a) % excess air
b) Complete Orsat analysis of the stack gas
c) GCV
d) % Calorific value lost due to CO and H2
Basis: 100 kmol PG(dry)

At C At H O2 HC N HC
CO 25.3 25.3 12.65 283.18 7164.454
H2 13.2 26.4 286.03 3775.596
CH4 0.4 0.4 1.6 890.95 356.36
CO2 5.4 5.4 5.4
O2 0.5 0.5
N2 55.2
31.1 28 18.55 11296.4

% x’ss O2 = x’ss/ O2 x 100

Let x= x’ss O2
O2 supplied: 19.55 + x
N2 from air: (19.55 + x )(79/21)
N2 from SG: N2 air + N2 fuel
100% = 10.13% + 1.79% + 0.72% + N2 + free O2
Free O2 = x + CO/2 = H2/2
Total mol DSG
C bal:
31.1= 0.1613 DSG + 0.0179 DSG
Kmol DSG= 173.594
CO2 in SG= 173.594(0.1613) = 27.9935
CO in SG= 3.1065
H2 in SG= 1.2494
H bal:
Total at H in fuel= 2 H2O in SG + 2H2
H2O prod: 28/2 – 1.2496
H2O= 12.7504 kmol H2O
O2 unaccounted for = H2O produced. ½ O2/1 H2O = 6.3752
N2 SG= 55.2 + 79/21 (19.55)+ 79/21(x)

O2 unaccounted= O2 supp – O2 from CO2 – O2 CO – free O2

173.549= 27.9935 + 3.1065 + 1.2496 + 128+ 3.7617x + x + 3.1065/2 + 1.2496/2
 X= 2.15784

12. A pure saturated hydrocarbon is burned in excess air. Air is supplied at the rate of
284.14 m3/kgmol of the hydrocarbon. Air enters at 30 oC, 1atm and saturated with water
vapor. Partial orsat analysis of the stack gas shows 8.68% CO 2 and 1.3% Co.
Calculate:
a) % excess air
b) Formula of the hydrocarbon
c) Complete orsat analysis

Basis: 284.14 m3/ kgmol

Saturated with water VP

Moles of wet air= 11.4288
= 12.6848 kgmol Air
=(273/273+30 X 31.687/760)
= 0.4765 = moles of H2O air

30OC at log VP = 7.96681 – 1668.21 / 258

= 31.6869 mm Hg

C balance:
12.6848 C = 8.6 + 1.3
C = 0.78046

Theo O2 = 8.6 + 1.3 / 2

Free O2 = 7.6 + H/4 – 1.6/2
Free O2 = -7.03 – H/4

Moles of dry air = 10.9524

O2 supp= 2.300
X’ss = supp – theo O2
X’ss = 2.3 – (9.98 + H/4)
X’ss O2 = -7.68 – H/4
N2 from air = 8.65 %
H2O in combustion = H/2
Moles of CO2 = 9.98 (DSG)
DSG = 9.98
CO= 0.1297

13. A mixture of a saturated hydrocarbon and N2 is burned in excess air supplied at 25oC,
740 torrs with 90% RH. An orsat analysis of the stack gas shows 7.6% CO 2, 22.28%
Co, 1.14% H2, 6.03% O2 and 82.95% N2 with a dew point of 53.46oC. The stack gases
leave at 300oC, 765 mmHg with a volume ratio of 2.049 m3 wet air. Calculate:

a) formula of the hydrocarbon

b) vol% analysis of the fuel
c) % excess

Basis: 100kgmol of SG

N2 Balance

N2 fuel + N2 air = N2 SG
100- Cx Hy + N2 air = 82. 95%

Excess O2 = 4.32
Free O2 = Supply Air – Theo O2

Total Water SG = water air + water from combustion

H2O air = (N2 + O2)air x (23.61)0.9/760-23.61(0.9) = 0.0296 (N2 + O2)air

Log VP = 7.96683 – 1668.21/(228+ 25) = 23. 61 mmHg

2.043 m3 wet SG/wet air = H2O SG/ H2O air = H2O air/(N2+O2+ H2O)air 0.0696

C balance:

9.88(100)/100 = 9.88 moles C fuel

2.043 m3 wet SG/wet air = (100+ 16.73)(22.4)(760/765)(273+300/273)

M3 wet air= 2660.925m3= (N2 + O2 H2O)air(22.4)(760/740)(298/273)
=105.9618=N2 + O2 + H2O air
H2O air= 0.0699 x 105.9618 = 7.4067

0.0296(N2 + O2)air = 105.9618-(N2 + O2)air

(N2 + O2)air = 102.9155
H2O air = 105. 9618- H2O air/0.0296 = 3.0463
N2air = 102.9155 x 0.79mol/air = 81. 3032
O2 air = 21.6123

Theo O2 = 17.2923
17.2923= 9.88 + H/4 = 29.6492
%Excess O2 = 4.32/172923 = 24.982%

9.88/29.6492= n/(n+2)
N=2 C2H6

WET SG = 5436.2928 m3 WSG