In an air atomizing oil burner, the compressed air used is referred to as:

In an air atomizing oil burner, the compressed air referred to as primary air plays a crucial role in the combustion process. Primary air is the air that is mixed with the fuel to create an atomized fuel spray, which helps in achieving a more efficient and complete combustion. In air atomizing burners, fuel oil is forced through a nozzle where it is atomized into fine droplets as it is mixed with the compressed primary air. This atomization is essential for ensuring that the fuel burns properly in the combustion chamber.

This setup enables better mixing between the fuel and the air, leading to improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The characteristics and pressure of the primary air can affect how well the fuel is atomized, demonstrating its importance in the operation of the burner.

While other terms, such as secondary air and excess air, are relevant to the combustion process, they differ in function. Secondary air is introduced later in the combustion process to support combustion, while excess air refers to the additional air provided beyond the stoichiometric requirements to ensure complete combustion. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why primary air is the correct term for the compressed air used in the atomizing process of an oil burner.