Difference Between the Fuel Injector and Spark Plug [PDF]
Hello readers, In the last article, we had discussed the Components and Classification of IC Engines whereas, in this session, we will be discussing the Difference Between the Fuel Injector and Spark Plug in a detailed way along with their definitions.
What is a fuel injector?
As the name indictes that it injects the fuel into the combustion chamber in suitable intervals.
In C.I Engine, there will be no spark plug and instead of it, the Fuel injector is replaced but due to the high compression ratio employed by the air in the engine cylinder, the combustion will takes place due to the presence of heat in the air and the fuel injection from the top of the engine head.
The Fuel injector is the advance of the Carburettor because at whatever the speed it might be, the carburettor will be sending the same amount of fuel into the combustion chamber whereas the Fuel Injector decides the suitable amount of fuel supply depending upon the speed of the vehicle.
Now, let's talk about Spark Plug...
What is a Spark Plug?
A spark plug is a component which is located in the cylinder head is used to ignite the fuel at the end of the compression stroke and at the beginning of the expansion stroke in the engine cylinder.
The main aim is to produce the spark in the combustion chamber for the ignition of charge (fuel and air mixture) present in the cylinder. The proper location of the spark plug in the cylinder head and the distance between the reciprocating piston provide correct timing for Ignition.
You can see the Spark plug in the case of Internal Combustion Engines.
Now, let's understand the major difference Between the Fuel Injector and Spark Plug.
Difference Between the Fuel Injector and Spark Plug
The Difference Between the Fuel Injector and Spark Plug was presented below in the tabular column.
| Fuel Injector | Spark Plug |
|---|---|
| The Fuel Injector is used in C.I.Engines. | The Spark Plug was used in S.I Engines. |
| Only Air is used in the cylinder and the fuel is injected from the top of the cylinder head. | Air-Fuel mixture is used in the S.I. Engines. |
| There is no need for a spark plug in the case of C.I. Engines. Only Compressed air and fuel injection are responsible for the ignition. | The Spark plug is used to ignite the air-fuel mixture entering into the combustion chamber for the conversion of reciprocating motion into rotary motion of the piston. |
| The fuel injector is costlier than the spark plug. | The spark plug is cheaper than the fuel injector. |
| The maintenance is very less compared to the spark plug. | Inspection is done for the formation of corrosion on the spark plug else it encounters starting problem in vehicles. |
So these are the Differences Between the Fuel Injector and the Spark Plug. If you have any doubts, you can contact us and we will reply to you within 24 hrs.
More Resources:
Differences between SI and CI Engine [With PDF]
Difference between Shaper and Planer Machine [PDF]
Difference Between a Refrigerator, Heat Pump, and Heat Engine [PDF]
References [External Links]:
- Spark plug fuel injector | Download Scientific Diagram
- Effect of spark plug and fuel injector location on mixture stratification in a GDI engine - A CFD analysis
