Combusting Hydrocarbons

The raw material used in most of our fuels is called Crude Oil. 

We call Hydrocarbon "fuels" as they only consist of Hydrogen.

When hydrocarbons are combusted with lots of oxygen, they burn completely; this then leads to only carbon and dioxide being created, this is called complete combustion.

When fuels undergo incomplete combustion, the products can be very harmful. For example, carbon monoxide and solid particles. These are harmful to both human beings and the earth. With carbon monoxide being lethal to humans if inhaled too much and particles blocking the sunlight causing something called "global dimming"; incomplete combustion occurd when there is little oxygen.

Methane + Oxygen --> Carbon Dioxide + Water

Ethane + Oxygen --> Carbon Dioxide + Water

Propane + Oxygen --> Carbon Dioxide + Water

Butane + Oxyen --> Carbon Dioxide + Water