What occurs when oil pumped to the combustion chamber is not properly broken up?

When oil pumped to the combustion chamber is not properly broken up, the process known as atomization is not occurring effectively. Atomization is essential in the operation of an oil burner because it refers to the breaking down of the oil into fine droplets, allowing for a more efficient and complete combustion process. If this atomization fails, the oil will enter the combustion chamber in larger droplets or as a more viscous mass, leading to inadequate mixing with air and improper combustion.

Improper atomization can result in a range of issues, including inefficient burning, increased emissions, and the potential for burner shutdowns due to flame instability. Therefore, achieving proper atomization is critical for the burner’s performance and overall efficiency in converting fuel into energy through combustion.

In contrast, combustion refers to the actual process of burning the fuel, filtration involves the separation of impurities from the oil before it reaches the burner, and heating refers to the process of raising the oil's temperature to enable easier flow and better combustion characteristics. These processes are related but distinctly separate from the specific requirement of atomization in oil burner operation.