Wood charcoal combustion and the effects of water application

Abstract The ash layer formed at the burning surface is found to play a major role in establishing the combustion characteristics of wood charcoal. The dynamics of wood charcoal combustion are examined both experimentally and theoretically. The chemical kinetic rate parameters are determined after taking into account the effects of the ash layer on the heat and mass transfer to the burning surface. A correlation between the grain structure and the burning characteristics is observed. The effects of applying moisture to the burning surface are examined over a range of moisture and oxidizer (air) flow conditions. It is found that the application of a small amount of liquid water removes the ash layer and enhances the burning rate.