1. Background

The present Combustion File (CF) is intended to present the potential CF Author with a set of guidelines concerning the types and goals of the different CFs, and the general style in which new CFs should be authored.

The potential author is strongly recommended to read CF122 “How do I acquire and use a template for the preparation of a Combustion File?” in parallel with the present CF. CF122 concentrates more on the text attributes, and the methods of incorporating glossary terms and graphics and so forth.

A template can also be downloaded on the CF122 page, although the Producer will normally email a more configured template (including credits information) to a potential author. Templates, in MS Word format, are used to streamline the production of new Combustion Files, making it easier both on the author and on the publisher.

2. The Combustion File approach

The objective of a Combustion File is to present succinct information on any aspect relating to industrial combustion in order to answer two general classes of questions:

·         What is ………………..?

·         How do I ………………?

A third type of Combustion File may contain data required to undertake combustion design, consultancy, R&D and operational activities and will take the general form of “What data is available for………?.

In general a Combustion File, including figures and equations, when printed out should not amount to more than 2 to 3 pages A4 maximum. If it turns out to be significantly longer, then the author should give serious thought to splitting it into two Combustion Files.

Each Combustion File should contain enough information to be self-sufficient. For example it should not say: “……………..go to Combustion File 27, take equation 4 and …………..”, or equivalent.

A ‘glossary of terms list’ may be provided by the author, which can be ‘programmed’ into the system. When a specific term is defined within that Combustion File, the short explanation will be displayed within a “flying window” when the cursor is passed over that word – see section 7 below for instructions. This will allow the author to be more economic with words.

3. Forms of Publication

The information prepared by the Author and the Sub-Editor (in MS Word format) is published in two file types, made by the Handbook team from the Word document provided.

The html file

Initially it is published as an [GLOSS]html[/GLOSS] file, which is the version that is normally displayed in the Handbook display screen. This can be downloaded by the user (client), from the server, at any time when the client computer is “on-line”. This is always the most up-to-date version of the CF.

The pdf file

In addition the CF is published as a [GLOSS]pdf[/GLOSS] file, which can be downloaded by the client from the server when the client computer is “on-line”, by clicking the pdf icon on the left hand side of the “Title Bar”. This file contains essentially the same information as the html version, but presented differently. What is important to note is that it may be saved on the client computer hard-disk, and/or printed out and filed in manner most convenient for its subsequent use.

Thus a client working in the field may access the contents of the file whilst not being “on-line”.

4. Types of Combustion File

What is …………?

These are general explanation Combustion Files, which give the handbook reader a phenomenological description of any combustion, or combustion related, process, or a general description of associated hardware, including combustion equipment or measurement/control systems. Examples might be:

·          What are the properties of an isothermal free jet?

·          What is a suction pyrometer?

·          What is a slab-reheating furnace?

How do I ………?

These Combustion Files essentially contain a set of instructions. They should contain sufficient explanatory material to allow the reader to follow the instructions. They should not contain material intended to justify the method. This applies equally to graphics. The author can of course refer the reader to one or more “What is …..?” Combustion Files, in order to allow the reader the possibility to acquire a deeper understanding of the method.

Instructions may contain sets of procedures to attain a given end, and will often give solutions/worked examples for [sets of] equations.

Examples might be:

·          How do I calculate the flue gas flow rate for a natural gas fired furnace; or,

·          How do analyse coal ash chemistry?

5. Text, Equations and Graphics

These topics are explained in CF122 How do I acquire and use a template for the preparation of a Combustion File? along with a downloadable template.

6 Provision of Glossary Terms

As mentioned above, a ‘glossary of terms list’ may be provided by the Author, which can be ‘programmed’ into the system.

The aim is when a specific term (which authors should highlight in the text in bold RED) is defined within that Combustion File, the short explanation will be displayed at that point in a flying window, when the cursor is passed over that word. Click on the word and the full glossary will be displayed.

Thus as Authors you should note where you use a ‘standard’ word or phrase (e.g. Calorific Value) and include a short definition in a list at the end of the Combustion File. We will add these to the glossary database. However Authors should check to see if the definition is already contained in the Glossary and if it is suitable for this case. If the word is already defined, the Handbook team will include the word and definition during production.

This only applies to general definitions, which can, for example, be used in other Combustion Files. This system cannot be used to define terms/symbols, which only apply to the Combustion File under preparation – e.g. ‘d’ could mean different things in different Combustion Files. Thus, such nomenclature when used, should be introduced at the first occurrence in the Combustion File.

7. Provision of Keywords

Good keywords are essential to assist the user to find the CF using the ‘Search Combustion File’ utility and should be proposed by the Author in the format:

keyword; keyword; keyword

(In alphabetic order – separated by semi-colons)

8. Related Combustion Files

Related Combustion Files are the links through which the User can track related information in the Handbook directly from the ‘Open’ Combustion File. The author needs not concern his/her-self with this section. They will be proposed initially by the Sub-Editor as a basis for a final check by the Editor in Chief.

9. Sources

Normally a single source can be stated in the ‘Credits’ at the head of the template. In cases where the sources are too numerous/too detailed to be stated simply in the credits the phrase “see CF” should be placed in the credits and the sources should be presented at this point in ‘Reference Style’ by the Author.

[n] Name of Author(s), Title of the reference, location, date

10. Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements are optional at the discretion of the Author, and of course should be proposed by Author.

Prepare in Normal but in Dark Blue font.

11. File Placing

The Editor in Chief in agreement with the Sub-Editor decides on the placement of a Combustion File. The author needs not concern his/her-self with this section. The Sub-Editor will (will have) agree(d) with the Editor in Chief on the local placement of the CF in question.

12. Access Domain

The Editor in Chef should propose to the Producer and agree the ‘domain’, which should have access to the Combustion File. The author needs not concern his/her-self with this section. There are two possibilities:

‘Open Domain’

Accessible to all comers – thus the full ‘International Combustion Community’.

‘Members’ Domain’

Accessible only to IFRF Individual Members following authentication by User Name and Password.

13. What do I do with completed Combustion File?

On completion of the draft CF, the Author should send it to the Sub-Editor for refereeing via handbook@ifrf.net . The Referee should return it with comments to the Author and iterate until both parties are satisfied with the result.

Finally after having the Referee’s approval, the Author should place the completed template and the associated graphics files in a zip file and send it as an email attachment, to: handbook@ifrf.net with a copy to the Sub-Editor/Referee.

Sources

Authors