Carburetting is the process of mixing air and fuel in an internal combustion engine. The word is spelled C-A-R-B-U-R-E-T-T-I-N-G and is pronounced kɑː(r)ˈbjuːrɪtɪŋ. The first syllable, "car," is pronounced with an open central unrounded vowel, the "u" in the second syllable is pronounced with a long "oo" sound, and the final three syllables are pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a nasal "ng" sound. Mis-spellings of this word are common, with variations such as "carbureting" and "carburection" being used.
Carburetting is a process that refers to the act of supplying or mixing fuel with air in an internal combustion engine, particularly in older engines equipped with a carburetor system. The term is derived from the word "carburetor," which is the device responsible for mixing the fuel and air in the required proportion before it enters the engine cylinders.
During carburetting, the carburetor regulates the flow of liquid fuel, such as gasoline, and atomizes it into tiny droplets or vapor, ensuring even combustion. This fuel vapor is then mixed with air drawn in through the engine's intake manifold. The carburetor, through its various components, manages the fuel-to-air ratio according to engine demand and speed, enabling optimal combustion efficiency.
In the carburetting process, precise adjustments are made to control the richness or leanness of the air-fuel mixture, depending on factors like temperature, altitude, and load. These adjustments are critical in achieving the proper air-to-fuel ratio for efficient engine operation, as a too rich or too lean mixture can negatively impact performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
Although modern engines predominantly employ fuel injection systems, carburetting remains an essential concept in understanding the historical and technical background of internal combustion engines. Learning about carburetting provides insight into the early advancement of engine technology and is still relevant for maintaining and tuning classic vehicles equipped with carburetors.
The word "carburetting" has its origins in the field of chemistry and is derived from the noun "carburet". The term "carburet" was originally coined in the late 18th century to refer to a compound or substance formed by combining carbon with another element. This term was in use by chemists when the concept of carburetion was introduced in the context of fuel combustion.
The verb form "carburetting" emerged as a result of the development of carburetors in the late 19th century. A carburetor is a device used in internal combustion engines to mix air and fuel, creating a combustible mixture. The process of mixing fuel with air in the carburetor became known as "carburetting".