barbas UNIVERSAL-6 70 Instructions For Use & Maintenance Manual page 27

UNIVERSAL-6 70
Decomposition
At moderate - high temperatures (150°C - 350°C), the decomposition process can be
discerned. This is when the chemical structure of the fuel breaks down. This process
involves the creation of volatile compounds such as carbon monoxide (CO), water
vapour (H O) and methane (CH ). In addition, substances which are volatile at
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decomposition temperature but condense at lower temperatures are often released.
These are the tar-like components (this by-product is also known as creosote, which is
deposited in the chimney and cold parts of the appliance in poor burning conditions).
Combustion of the products of decomposition
The volatile compounds burn in the gas phase if O (air) is added. The ignition
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temperature of these volatile compounds is approx. 550°C.
Combustion of solid hydrocarbons
The solid component that remains consists of pure hydrocarbons, which will burn at
approx. 800°C if O (air) is added.
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Instructions for use 27