Principles of Combustion and Heating Gases

What are the three elements that make up the fire triangle?

Which gas has the highest calorific value?

What is natural gas primarily used for in domestic settings?

Which type of gas is typically too hot for soldering applications?

What is the approximate air/gas ratio for propane?

Which gas is used in barbecues due to its high calorific value?

Which of the following gases requires ventilation when used?

Which gas has the lower flame temperature between propane and butane?

What is the primary chemical reaction that defines combustion?

Which gas is primarily associated with cooking when mains gas is unavailable?

Which gas has the highest flame temperature among the three common gases?

What is the relative density of natural gas?

What is the calorific value of natural gas?

What type of gas is typically used for soldering applications?

Which gases require ventilation and are commonly used in caravans?

In the context of gas usage, what does a higher calorific value indicate?

Principles of Combustion and Heating Gases

Combustion is a chemical reaction with oxygen
Fuel + Oxygen + Heat = Fire
Propane + Oxygen + spark = Flame
Fire is one of the most destructive elements
The three elements of the fire triangle are fuel, oxygen, and heat.

Lesson Intent

Learners will be able to identify the three elements of the fire triangle
Learners will be able to identify the different types of gases used in plumbing situations
Learners will be able to explain the different principles of combustion
Learners will be able to determine where different types of gases are used in plumbing situations

Types of Common Gases

Natural gas
Propane
Butane

Uses of Gases in Plumbing

Soldering
Heating water
Space heating
Cooking

Gas Properties

Gas	Relative Density	Calorific Value (MJ/m³)	Flame Temperature (°C)	Air/Gas Ratio (approx)
Natural gas	0.58	39	1950	2:1
Propane	1.78	95.0	1980	5:1
Butane	2.0	121.5	1996	6.5:1

Specific Applications of Gases

Natural gas: Commonly used for domestic boilers and cookers; ventilation is required for some applications, such as soldering.
Propane: Commonly used for caravan boilers and cooking; also used if mains gas is unavailable; ventilation is required.
Butane: Commonly used in barbecues; too hot for soldering; ventilation is needed.

Review Questions

What are the three elements of the fire triangle?
What are the three most common gases used for plumbing?
Which gas has a higher flame temperature, propane or butane?
What is natural gas used for?
What is the calorific value of butane?

This quiz explores the fundamental principles of combustion and the role of different gases used in plumbing. Learners will identify the three elements of the fire triangle and understand the properties and applications of common gases like natural gas, propane, and butane. Test your knowledge on gas properties and their practical uses.