If 1 cubic foot of natural gas is 1000 Btuh, what is the ratio of combustion air?

To determine the ratio of combustion air when burning natural gas, it is essential to recognize that the combustion process requires a specific amount of air to completely combust the fuel. Natural gas primarily consists of methane (CH4), and its combustion requires approximately 10 parts of air to 1 part of gas by volume for complete combustion.

In this context, the question states that 1 cubic foot of natural gas equates to 1000 Btuh (British Thermal Units per hour). For every 1,000 Btuh of natural gas combustion, the guideline for the air-to-gas ratio often cited in practice is around 10:1 for efficient combustion. This means that for every cubic foot of natural gas (which yields approximately 1,000 Btuh), you would typically require 10 cubic feet of combustion air to ensure that the gas burns efficiently and completely.

This understanding aligns with common guidelines followed in the industry for ensuring proper combustion while minimizing harmful emissions and maximizing efficiency. Hence, the answer of 10 reflects the appropriate ratio of combustion air needed for the combustion of natural gas in this scenario.