How much combustion air is required to burn one cubic foot of natural gas completely?

To understand the amount of combustion air required to burn natural gas completely, it is important to know the stoichiometric relationship between the fuel and the air. For natural gas, which is primarily composed of methane (CH₄), complete combustion typically requires a specific ratio of combustion air to ensure that all of the fuel is utilized without producing excess carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbons.

When burning one cubic foot of natural gas, it is necessary to supply approximately 10 cubic feet of air to achieve complete combustion. This ratio takes into account the chemical requirement for the combustion process, which allows for the creation of carbon dioxide and water vapor as byproducts when the gas burns completely.

This specific air-to-fuel ratio is critical for optimal furnace operation, ensuring efficiency and safety in the combustion process. If too little air is provided, the combustion may be incomplete, leading to the production of harmful gases and a decrease in efficiency. Thus, 10 cubic feet represents the appropriate amount of combustion air necessary for one cubic foot of natural gas to ensure it burns fully and cleanly.