Lisäilma

Lisäilma, a Finnish term, translates directly to "additional air" or "secondary air." In various technical contexts, it refers to the deliberate introduction of extra air into a system or process beyond the primary air intake. This concept is most commonly encountered in combustion engineering, particularly in relation to furnaces, boilers, and wood-burning stoves.

The purpose of lisäilma in combustion is to ensure more complete burning of fuel. By providing an oxygen-rich environment, additional air helps to oxidize unburned gases and volatile compounds that might otherwise escape as smoke or incompletely combusted byproducts. This leads to increased efficiency, reduced emissions of pollutants like carbon monoxide and soot, and a hotter, cleaner flame.

The precise amount and point of introduction of lisäilma are critical. Too little may result in incomplete combustion, while too much can cool the combustion chamber excessively, hindering efficient heat transfer and potentially leading to incomplete combustion or even extinguishing the flame. Modern heating appliances often feature adjustable mechanisms for controlling the supply of lisäilma, allowing users to optimize performance based on fuel type and burning conditions. Beyond combustion, the concept of adding extra air can also appear in ventilation systems or pneumatic conveying, where it serves to augment airflow for specific purposes.