“Ideal” fuel mixes for various things?

[rottielover]

So I have seen a lot of speculation and comments regarding “fuel” mixes. And I’m using a lot of quotes in this post for good reason.

So let me start by asking: Has anyone done any math or testing of mixes in any scientific method way?

Things requiring “fuel”: Furnace , Welder , Engines

Let’s start with the welder, I have seen posts saying everything from 25/75 H2 to O2 / 50/50 and 75/25 I have not tested this myself. I can say that I have been using a 75% Hydrogen 25% Oxygen mix and it works with a blueish purplish flame, which I have heard on streams saying that means it’s “good”.

Engines: I have not messed about with engines yet. I have seen the same comments about its fuel with 50/50 seeming to be popular mix to run them. In my mind I would think you need double the Hydrogen to Oxygen (H2 with O2 to make heat and H2O means you need double the amount of hydrogen to oxygen in the mix to balance the equation right?).

I save the furnace for last because this seemingly is the most complex “fuel” using device in the game right now. Different mixtures are going to yield different temperatures and pressures when ignited in the furnace. I have seen links to a website where someone compiled a listing of mixes to final outputs and basically made a crafting chart. I have not seen this yet myself.

So let’s figure this out. What is the “ideal fuel mix” and is there “one mix to rule them all” meaning can you setup a magic mix that will run all three of these devices for the bulk of their use cases??

[Weyland-Yutani HR]

I deal with stoichiometry in the automotive world so I did do testing on this and have screenshots on my home computer. Just not here unfortunately.

The most efficient mix in all 3 cases is 66% H2 and 34% O2.

This mixture results in the most complete burn (not EVERYTHING is used but damn near) in the furnace. So if you pump in any amount of this mixture into the furnace you'll have about 1% remaining H2. When you start pumping out the gasses they may relight as the concentrations change. That's normal. This mixture works to make all ores in the furnace including Invar. If you prime the furnace to 350 kPa after venting the ore gasses and light it, you can make Invar every time. Most other ores can be made with 250 or 150 kPa prime.

The welder is similar as you're just looking to minimize waste fuel. You don't want any stray H2 in your pressurized base if you're welding frames for some reason.

In the case of the engine the same idea applies. 66/34 is the most complete burn you can achieve. In addition to that, when you change the mixture in either direction by a few percent, the thrust the engine produces will be reduced. I tested this with all three engines and that statement holds true for all of them.

[rottielover]

Amallore, you are amazing my friend! Thank you!

[Weyland-Yutani HR]

On thinking about it I'm going to add a caveat concerning welder fuel just to make sure all H2 is consumed. It should be a 64/36 H2/O2 mix. This way all the H2 is consumed and you'll have leftover oxygen.


This is only if you're welding in a base pressurized with oxygen. Which I wouldn't recommend in the first place because of the pollutants.

[Nerezza]

Originally posted by Amallore:

On thinking about it I'm going to add a caveat concerning welder fuel just to make sure all H2 is consumed. It should be a 64/36 H2/O2 mix. This way all the H2 is consumed and you'll have leftover oxygen.


This is only if you're welding in a base pressurized with oxygen. Which I wouldn't recommend in the first place because of the pollutants.

This makes for a good point, better to have excess O2 than excess H2.

I'm sure they'll impliment a way to make scrubbing pressurized compartments easier, too. That was a commonly used device in SS13.

[Adam De Beers]

maybe this will help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgOtVjz0aE

[Authorized411]

I wanted to add that there is a community cheat sheet that is being updated as updates are released or new information is discovered. It is current as of 02/03/2018 (mdy) or 03/02/2018 (dmy)

Community Cheat Sheet[docs.google.com]

[Weyland-Yutani HR]

Originally posted by Authorized411:

I wanted to add that there is a community cheat sheet that is being updated as updates are released or new information is discovered. It is current as of 02/03/2018 (mdy) or 03/02/2018 (dmy)

Community Cheat Sheet[docs.google.com]

The base fuel ratio needs to be updated but I don't know how to contract the owner.

In addition to that I'm sure the molar outputs of ore smelting will need to be changed soon if the beta changes carry over.

[Bunyan]

Amallore--great explanation! People like you are what make these forums so helpful.

I just adjusted my mix based on your testing, so thank you!

[Weyland-Yutani HR]

Originally posted by jpdoulos:

Amallore--great explanation! People like you are what make these forums so helpful.

I just adjusted my mix based on your testing, so thank you!

No problem man! I like sharing things I've learned. Whether it was through the school of hard knocks or otherwise. =p

[rottielover]

Originally posted by Amallore:

Originally posted by jpdoulos:

Amallore--great explanation! People like you are what make these forums so helpful.

I just adjusted my mix based on your testing, so thank you!

No problem man! I like sharing things I've learned. Whether it was through the school of hard knocks or otherwise. =p

Seems like that's the best teacher there is, yet the most painful ...