What is defined as incomplete combustion?

Incomplete combustion occurs when a portion of the fuel remains unburned. This situation typically arises when there is not enough oxygen supplied during the burning process for all the fuel to react completely. As a result, byproducts such as soot, carbon monoxide, and other hydrocarbons may be produced, indicating that the combustion process wasn't entirely efficient.

Understanding incomplete combustion is essential in stationary engineering since it can affect efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. For example, carbon monoxide produced from incomplete combustion is toxic, and ensuring complete combustion is vital for both health and performance of the equipment.