| Initially, a reaction of the carbonised material with steam occurs, known as the Water-Gas reaction :- |
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| C + H20 -> CO + H2 -175,440 kJ/(kg mol) |
| This reaction being endothermic, temperature is maintained by partial burning of the CO and H2 formed:- |
| 2CO + O2 -> 2CO2 +393,790 kJ/(kg mol) 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O +396,650 kJ/(kg mol) |
| The air is added proportionally so as to burn the gases without burning the carbon |