Adiabatic Flame Temperature

Adiabatic flame temperature is the theoretical maximum temperature a flame would reach if all the heat of combustion stayed in the products, with no losses to the surroundings. It is highest at the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.

Because real flames lose heat by radiation and to excess air, actual temperatures fall short of the adiabatic value, but it sets a useful upper bound. Adding excess air or recirculated flue gas dilutes the products and lowers the peak temperature, which is one way to control nitrogen-oxide formation. The adiabatic flame temperature also indicates the thermal severity a furnace's refractory and burner components must withstand.

Related terms

Stoichiometric Combustion · Excess Air · Regenerative Burner