Furnace Oil (H3)
Furnace oil is a dark, viscous residual fuel derived from crude oil refining, primarily used in industrial settings for heating and power generation. Types are typically classified by their viscosity and sulfur content, which dictate their handling requirements and applications.
Types: (H4)
- Light Fuel Oil (LFO): Domestic and small commercial heating, some slow-speed engines, backup generators.
- Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO): Large industrial boilers and furnaces (steel, power plants), marine vessel engines (bunker fuel).
- Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (LSFO): Marine industry (outside Emission Control Areas), environmentally sensitive industrial areas.
- Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (ULSFO): Emission Control Areas (ECAs), some industrial applications.
Key Features: (H4)
- Viscosity: The most crucial characteristic, determining the required handling and preheating temperatures for proper flow and atomization. Heavier oils are more viscous and need significant heating.
- High Calorific Value: Furnace oil provides a high energy output, making it an efficient fuel source for continuous, high-heat operations.
- Density: Generally higher than lighter fuels, contributing to high energy density.
- Flash Point: A safety parameter; furnace oil typically has a flash point above 66°C, classifying it as a Class C product in some standards.
- Sulfur Content: Ranges from less than 0.1% to over 3.5%, with content levels heavily regulated due to environmental concerns over sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions.
- Ash/Sediment Content: Non-combustible residues can cause soot buildup and reduce efficiency; proper filtration and maintenance are necessary, especially with heavier grades.
- Composition: A complex blend of hydrocarbons (alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics) derived as a byproduct of the crude oil distillation process.