In which component is the main combustion process conducted in an oil heating system?

The main combustion process in an oil heating system takes place in the burner. This component is specifically designed to atomize the fuel oil and mix it with air to create a combustible mixture. Once the oil is atomized into fine droplets, an ignition source typically ignites this mixture, allowing for efficient combustion to generate heat.

The burner is crucial because it not only determines the efficiency of combustion but also controls the rate at which fuel is injected, helping to manage the overall heating output of the system. Effective combustion in the burner leads to optimal heat production while minimizing the formation of pollutants and black smoke, thereby ensuring a clean-burning operation.

In contrast, the heat exchanger serves the purpose of transferring heat from the combustion gases to the water, but it does not conduct combustion itself. The flue pipe's role is to vent the combustion gases outside, facilitating the removal of exhaust products from the system. The fuel tank's function is to store the oil before it is delivered to the burner, but it does not participate in the combustion process either.