What does the term "purging" refer to in combustion processes?

The term "purging" in combustion processes specifically refers to the action of forcing the removal of combustibles from the firebox before ignition occurs. This is a crucial step to ensure safety and efficiency in combustion systems. By purging, any unburned fuel or potentially explosive mixtures of fuel and air are eliminated, reducing the risk of an explosion or fire hazard when the burner is activated.

The process typically involves using air or an inert gas to clear out the firebox and combustion chamber, ensuring only the appropriate mixture of fuel and air is present for combustion. This step is especially important in systems where fuel may accumulate and become hazardous if not properly cleared away before the ignition process.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of the combustion process. Injecting air into the combustion chamber involves promoting combustion rather than preparing for it. Measuring fuel quality pertains to assessing the fuel's characteristics rather than managing residual combustibles. Examining combustion products involves analyzing emissions after combustion has taken place, which is a separate concern from the purging process itself.