What determines the amount of ash produced in a combustion process?

The amount of ash produced in a combustion process is primarily determined by the type of fuel being burned. Different fuels contain varying amounts of inorganic materials and minerals, which contribute to ash production upon burning. For instance, biomass fuels like wood often produce more ash due to their higher mineral content, whereas gaseous fuels typically produce little to no ash because they are cleaner and contain fewer impurities.

While factors such as burning temperature, oxygen supply, and combustion duration can influence combustion efficiency and emissions, they do not significantly alter the fundamental composition of the fuel. Therefore, the intrinsic properties of the fuel, including its ash content determined by its chemical composition, are the key factors leading to the amount of ash produced during combustion.