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The blue flame of LPG gas is due to complete combustion of propane and butane, which have low carbon content. This results in no smoke or pollution and indicates maximum heat at 1,980 degrees Celsius
A blue flame indicates that the gas is undergoing complete combustion. (News18 Hindi)
The government has decreased the price of LPG gas cylinders by Rs 7. LPG is one of the most commonly used methods for cooking throughout the nation, and its usage is encouraged by the government. Even though this gas comes from fossil fuels and can be costly, it remains widely utilised. However, have you ever wondered why flames are typically yellow, red, or orange, yet the flame from an LPG gas stove is always blue? Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
What Is LPG?
LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. It is a component of petroleum and is primarily a blend of propane and butane gases. It is kept in liquid form within gas cylinders. When utilised, it converts back into gas when exposed to air and under reduced pressure. It is mainly employed as domestic gas, for cooking, and other energy requirements.
Convenient And Secure
One of the key advantages of LPG is its convenience and safety. Its use is greatly facilitated under controlled conditions. Once this gas is released from the stove and ignites, it continues to burn in a well-defined area. Many countries, including India, have established an effective system for the filling and distribution of gas cylinders to support its use.
Why Does The Flame Burn Blue?
To comprehend why the LPG flame is blue, one must grasp the combustion process. If you’ve observed a candle flame, you may have noticed various colours — red, orange, yellow, and blue. Science explains that these colours manifest at different stages of the combustion process. A blue flame indicates complete combustion, while the other colours in a candle flame suggest incomplete burning.
This is one reason. However, the primary reason the gas flame is blue is due to the low carbon content in the gas. Fuels that contain more carbon will produce a red or yellow flame. This explains why the flames from a matchstick, coal, or oil lamp appear yellow or red, rather than blue.
There is no soot or pollution produced. Hydrocarbons like propane and butane present in LPG combust completely when mixed with oxygen, leading to no pollution or smoke generation. This type of burning is termed “complete combustion”, which is why a blue and white flame is produced. Thus, a blue flame indicates that the gas is undergoing complete combustion.
What Do Other Colours Signify?
Interestingly, at times, the flame of this gas may also appear red, yellow, or orange. In such cases, this is abnormal as colours other than blue suggest that the combustion process is incomplete, leading to the emission of carbon monoxide and smoke.
And The Temperature?
Temperature is another critical aspect of LPG combustion; generally, a blue flame signifies that your gas stove is producing the highest heat. The temperature of a blue flame reaches 1,980 degree Celsius. In contrast, if a red flame is present, then its temperature hovers around only 1,000 degrees.
