FURNANCE OIL (FO)
Furnace Oil (FO) is a type of fuel oil used for heating, power generation, and industrial processes. Here’s an overview:
Definition: Furnace Oil is a residual fuel oil, heavier than diesel and lighter than coal, derived from crude oil refining.
| Category | Property / Item | Value / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | Density | 0.95-1.04 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity | 150-400 mm²/s (at 50°C) | |
| Sulphur content | 1-3.5% (max) | |
| Flash point | 66-93°C | |
| Cetane number | 30-40 | |
| Uses | Industrial furnaces | Heat treatment, cement, steel |
| Power generation | Thermal power plants | |
| Boilers | Steam generation | |
| Marine vessels | Bunker fuel | |
| Space heating | Large buildings, industrial facilities | |
| Types | High Sulphur Furnace Oil (HSFO) | Standard high sulphur content |
| Low Sulphur Furnace Oil (LSFO) | Reduced sulphur content | |
| Ultra Low Sulphur Furnace Oil (ULSFO) | Lowest sulphur content for compliance | |
| Benefits | Energy Content | High energy density |
| Economic | Cost-effective compared to natural gas or electricity | |
| Availability | Wide availability | |
| Drawbacks | Emissions | High emissions (SOx, NOx, particulate matter) |
| Environmental Impact | Concerns regarding air pollution and climate change | |
| Logistics | Storage and handling challenges | |
| Specifications | ASTM D396 | USA Standard |
| EN 589 | European Standard | |
| IS 1593 | Indian Standard | |
| Comparison with Other Fuels | Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | Lighter, lower sulphur content |
| Heavy Diesel Oil (HDO) | Similar density, higher sulphur content | |
| Coal | Heavier, higher carbon content | |
| Natural Gas | Cleaner, lower emissions |