What does the term "flue gas" refer to?

The term "flue gas" specifically refers to the gases that are produced as a byproduct of the combustion of fuel within a boiler or combustion chamber. When fuel, such as natural gas, oil, or coal, is burned in the presence of oxygen, various byproducts are generated, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other combustion products. This mixture of gases exits the combustion area through a flue, which is a duct or pipe designed to carry away these exhaust gases safely.

Flue gas is essential to understand in the context of power engineering because it not only contributes to the efficiency of the combustion process but also plays a crucial role in environmental considerations, as flue gases often contain pollutants that must be managed to meet regulatory standards. Proper analysis and management of flue gas can help in improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions, which is a key focus in power engineering practices.