Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

Air that is mixed with fuel prior to ignition is called:

1. primary air

2. secondary air

3. excess air

4. theoretical air

The correct answer is: primary air

The term for air that is mixed with fuel prior to ignition is primary air. This air is essential for the combustion process, as it combines with the fuel to create a mixture that can be ignited effectively. The primary air is crucial for achieving the desired fuel-to-air ratio, which influences the efficiency of combustion and the production of emissions. In a combustion system, the amount of primary air can be finely adjusted to optimize performance, support complete combustion, and minimize the formation of harmful emissions. The correct use of primary air ensures that the mixture is suitable for efficient burning, leading to better energy output and a reduced environmental impact. Secondary air, excess air, and theoretical air refer to different concepts related to combustion. Secondary air typically refers to additional air introduced after the initial fuel-air mixture has ignited, which can help maintain or improve combustion efficiency. Excess air is the amount of air supplied beyond what is theoretically required for complete combustion, while theoretical air represents the calculated amount of air needed to completely combust a specific quantity of fuel without any excess. These terms describe different aspects of combustion and air-fuel mixing but do not specifically denote the air that is mixed with fuel before ignition.