What does the equivalence ratio represent?

The equivalence ratio is defined as the ratio of the actual air-fuel ratio to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. It provides insight into how the combustion process is operating in terms of fuel and oxidizer availability. A value of 1 represents a perfect stoichiometric mixture, where all fuel is completely combusted with the exact amount of air required. Values greater than 1 indicate a rich mixture, where there is more fuel than needed for complete combustion, while values less than 1 indicate a lean mixture, where there is more air than required for the fuel available.

Understanding the equivalence ratio helps engineers and operators assess the combustion efficiency, emissions, and performance of combustion systems, but it specifically conveys the relationship between the actual and stoichiometric ratios. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in optimizing combustion processes and ensuring effective energy production while minimizing pollutants.