What can lead to the production of carbon monoxide (CO) during combustion?

The production of carbon monoxide (CO) during combustion is primarily linked to incomplete combustion and flame impingement. Incomplete combustion occurs when there is not enough oxygen available for the fuel to fully oxidize, which can result in the formation of CO rather than carbon dioxide (CO₂). This situation is often exacerbated by conditions such as poor air supply, improper air-to-fuel ratios, or inefficient burner operation.

Flame impingement refers to the flames touching surfaces that can either cool the flame or disrupt its proper burning characteristics. This can lead to a less stable flame and further contribute to incomplete combustion, increasing the likelihood of CO production.

Complete combustion, on the other hand, occurs when fuel burns efficiently with sufficient oxygen, resulting in minimal CO production. Similarly, excess oxygen would typically assist in achieving more complete combustion rather than causing CO formation. High temperatures can enhance combustion efficiency but do not directly cause an increase in CO unless combustion is already incomplete. Thus, the complexities introduced by incomplete combustion and flame impingement make these factors critical in the context of CO production.