What is the term for air that passes through the combustion chamber in excess of that required for complete combustion?

The term for air that passes through the combustion chamber in excess of that required for complete combustion is excess air. This concept is crucial in combustion processes because it refers to the additional air supplied beyond what is necessary for the fuel to burn completely.

In a properly functioning combustion system, there is an optimal ratio of fuel to air, known as the stoichiometric ratio. However, in practice, providing a slight excess of air can help ensure that all the fuel is burned and can also reduce harmful emissions. If there isn't enough air, incomplete combustion can occur, resulting in pollutants such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Thus, controlling the amount of excess air is vital for both efficiency and environmental protection.

Understanding the role of excess air in combustion helps in optimizing burner operation, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact. The other terms, such as draft air, make-up air, and combustion air, refer to different aspects of air supply in combustion systems and do not specifically denote the concept of air supplied in excess for combustion purposes.