What is calorific value (GCV) of fuel?

The calorific value is the measurement of heat or energy produced. It is measured either as gross calorific value or net calorific value. The difference is determined by the latent heat of condensation of the water vapor produced during the combustion process.

Gross calorific value (GCV) assumes all vapor produced during the combustion process is fully condensed. Net calorific value (NCV) assumes the water leaves with the combustion products without fully being condensed. Fuels should be compared based on the net calorific value.

Measuring unit of solid fuel is Kcal/kg.

Example: - 5600 Kcal/kg.

Bomb calorie meter is used to measure the calorific value of Fuel.

A bomb calorie meter is a completely closed vessel which is used to determine the heat of reaction of a liquid and solid fuel sample.

Efficiency of heating furnace is very by changing the GCV of coal. It is very important to know the actual value of GCV.

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Introduction to Solid fuels

Solid fuels have been used by humanity for many years to create fire.
Solid fuel include wood, charcoal, peat coal,hexamine fuel tablets.
Coal was the fuel source which enabled the industrial revolution, from firing engines to running steam engine.
COAL
Coal is the combustible, sedimentary, organic rock, which is composed mainly of carbon hydrogen and oxygen.
Coal is classified intothree major type namely anthracite, bituminous,and lignite.
Grade of coal-based on its calorific value.

1. Grade A - exceeding 6200 kCal/ kg
2. Grade B - 5600 to 6200 kCal/kg
3. Grade C - 4940 to 5600 kCal/kg
4. Grade D - 4200 to 4900 kCal/kg
5. Grade E - 3360 to 4200 kCal/kg
6. Grade F - 2400 to 3360 kCal/kg
7. Grade G - 1300 to 2400 kCal/kg

Introduction of fuels

Today, natural gas and oil has replaced wood as main source of fuel. In power generation and production Industries water steam are used. Boiler are used to generate steam from water. oil and coal are use as fuel in boilers. These fuels - coal,oil and natural gases are often referred to as fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels are defined as ,"A hydrocarbon deposit, Such as petroleum, Coal, Or natural gases, derived from living matter of a previous geologic time and used for fuel".

it is a major source of energy, But other source are also used alternatively. it is alternative energy fuels and it is less impact on environment.

Alternative energy are wind energy, solar energy, tidal energy and biomass.

Three types of energy, liquid solid and gaseous are used to fire in boiler, Furnaces and other combustion chamber.

Following factors of fuel is consider in selection of right fuel.

1. Availability of fuel

2. Storage of fuel

3. Handling of fuel

4.Pollution and landed cost of fuel