What is the term for the air that contacts the oil prior to leaving the nozzle?

The term for the air that contacts the oil prior to leaving the nozzle is primary air. This air plays a critical role in the combustion process of an oil burner. Primary air is introduced into the spray of oil as it is atomized by the nozzle. This mixture helps to create a more efficient and complete combustion of the fuel.

Understanding primary air is essential for oil burner operators, as the correct amount of primary air is necessary to ensure that the oil is properly atomized and ignited. If the primary air supply is insufficient or excessive, it can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in wasted fuel and potentially harmful emissions.

Recognizing the function of primary air also differentiates it from secondary air, which is introduced later in the combustion process to ensure further mixing and support combustion after the fuel is initially lit. Knowing these distinctions is crucial for maintaining efficient operation and safety in oil burner systems.