EXPERTMENT 1 - COMBUSTION OF NATURAL GAS (BUTANE)

OBJECTIVES

 Demonstration of boiler operation

 To observe the flame characteristics of butane
 To determine the combustion efficiency of the burner
 To determine the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger
 To compare experimental combustion ehthalpy with calculated theoretical values

PROCEDURES
1. The mains power switch was switched on.
2. The water circulation pump was switched on.
3. By using the fuel selector switch, 'Gas' was selected as the combustion fuel.
4. The burner was switched on. A gentle hissing sound was audible - this indicated that
the fuel pump is working. This was followed by a gentle 'poof', which indicated that the
fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber. This start-up process took no longer than 30
seconds.
5. Precaution: Should the burner fail to start, immediately cease operation. Switch off the
burner and shut the gas regulator on the gas cylinders. Check for leaks in the gas supply
lines.
6. Once the burner was in operation, data was captured using Data Acquisition Software
and allowed to run for approximately 1 minute.
7. Meanwhile, the flame shape and colour through the sight glass. was observed and noted
down.
8. From the Data Acquisition Software, the temperature of the flame was checked to
ensure that it has achieved steady-state.
9. Select 'Natural Gas' as the fuel using the exhaust gas analyser. Direct the probe at the
exhaust and press the 'Run' button to take readings. Maintain the position of the probe
for at least 10 seconds, then press the 'Run' button again to keep the reading.
10. Once all readings have been taken, the system was shut down.
11. The burner was switched off, followed by the water circulation pump.
12. Main power was switched off.
13. Ensured that the gas regulator on the gas cylinder is fully shut.
DISCUSSION
1. Using the results obtained from the experiment, From the T-s diagram, calculate the
following:
a. turbine exit temperature
b. compression ratio
c. air flow rate
d. thermal efficiency

2. lnstead of using the thermal efficiency, many different methods (e.9. isentropic and ram
efficiencies, thrust coefficient) have been developed to better describe the performance of
axial flow turbines. Explain why, based on your understanding of an axial flow turbine's
operating principles.
EXPERTMENT 2 - COMBUSTION OF DIESEL

OBJECTIVES

 Demonstration of boiler operation

 To observe the flame characteristics of diesel
 To determine the combustion efficiency of the burner
 To determine the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger
 To compare experimental combustion ehthalpy with calculated theoretical values

PROCEDURES
1. The mains power switch was switched on.
2. The water circulation pump was switched on.
3. By using the fuel selector switch, Oil was selected as the combustion fuel.
4. The burner was switched on. A gentle hissing sound was audible - this indicated that
the fuel pump is working. This was followed by a gentle 'poof', which indicated that the
fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber. This start-up process took no longer than 30
seconds.
5. Precaution: Should the burner fail to start, immediately cease operation. Switch off the
burner and shut the gas regulator on the gas cylinders. Check for leaks in the gas supply
lines.
6. Once the burner was in operation, data was captured using Data Acquisition Software
and allowed to run for approximately 1 minute.
7. Meanwhile, the flame shape and colour through the sight glass. was observed and noted
down.
8. From the Data Acquisition Software, the temperature of the flame was checked to
ensure that it has achieved steady-state.
9. Select 'Natural Gas' as the fuel using the exhaust gas analyser. Direct the probe at the
exhaust and press the 'Run' button to take readings. Maintain the position of the probe
for at least 10 seconds, then press the 'Run' button again to keep the reading.
10. Once all readings have been taken, the system was shut down.
11. The burner was switched off, followed by the water circulation pump.
12. Main power was switched off.
13. Ensured that the gas regulator on the gas cylinder is fully shut.
DISCUSSION
1. Using the results obtained from the experiment, From the T-s diagram, calculate the
following:
a. turbine exit temperature
b. compression ratio
c. air flow rate
d. thermal efficiency

2. lnstead of using the thermal efficiency, many different methods (e.9. isentropic and ram
efficiencies, thrust coefficient) have been developed to better describe the performance of
axial flow turbines. Explain why, based on your understanding of an axial flow turbine's
operating principles.