Flue gas is a term used to describe the gas that is generated while burning fossil fuels in industrial processes. The word is pronounced as /fluː ɡæs/, with the first syllable being pronounced as "flu" and the second syllable being pronounced as "gas". The spelling of the word is a combination of the word "flue", which refers to the chimney which removes gases from a furnace or fireplace, and "gas", which is a term used to refer to any substance that is in a gaseous state at room temperature.
Flue gas refers to the mixture of gases emitted from a combustion process in a chimney or flue. It is commonly produced when burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas in industrial processes or residential heating systems. Flue gas composition can vary depending on the type of fuel and the combustion process, typically consisting of nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and traces of other pollutants.
Flue gas is typically hot, particularly immediately after combustion, and it is funneled through chimneys or flues to safely and efficiently remove it from the combustion area. This process prevents the buildup of harmful gases indoors and allows for the safe discharge of potentially dangerous byproducts. In industrial settings, flue gas may also be treated using additional equipment or processes to remove pollutants before being released into the atmosphere, mitigating potential environmental impacts.
Due to its composition and origin from combustion, flue gas is considered a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and other pollutants that can contribute to air pollution and climate change. The analysis and management of flue gas emissions are crucial in maintaining air quality and reducing the environmental impact of combustion processes.
The word "flue gas" is derived from two main components: "flue" and "gas".
1. Flue: The term "flue" originated from the Middle English word "flue" or "flewe", which referred to a channel or duct through which smoke, gases, or waste materials could exit a building, particularly a chimney. This Middle English term can be traced back to the Old English word "fliugan", meaning "to fly" or "to flee", which eventually evolved to mean "to flow".
2. Gas: The word "gas" has its roots in Greek. It can be traced back to the Greek word "khaos", which originally referred to the formless primordial state of the universe and later came to mean "gaseous substance" or "vapor". The term "gas" was adopted into English in the early 17th century.