If the fuel is not supplied with the proper amount of oxygen, what is the amount of BTU of heat that is liberated?

When fuel combusts, it requires an appropriate mix of fuel and oxygen to achieve complete combustion, which maximizes the release of energy measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen, which leads to lower efficiencies and production of harmful byproducts such as carbon monoxide.

The amount of BTUs liberated during combustion is generally defined by the type of fuel, its combustion efficiency, and the oxygen available. In a situation where fuel is not provided with the adequate amount of oxygen, it is known that a specific amount of heat will still be released despite the inefficiency.

The correct amount of BTU heat liberated under these conditions is 4,480. This figure represents the energy yield from combustion where the fuel did not receive the optimal oxygen supply, reflecting the energy's minimum potential under sub-optimal conditions. It indicates that, even with insufficient oxygen, combustion reactions still release considerable heat, but this figure would be less than what would be achieved with full combustion efficiency.

Understanding this concept is crucial for an oil burner operator, as managing the air-to-fuel ratio directly impacts the efficiency of the equipment and the safety of the burning process.