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.

 Characteristics:

 1. Density: 0.95-1.04 g/cm³

2. Viscosity: 150-400 mm²/s (at 50°C)

3. Sulphur content: 1-3.5% (max)

4. Flash point: 66-93°C

5. Cetane number: 30-40

 

Uses:

 1. Industrial furnaces (heat treatment, cement, steel)

2. Power generation (thermal power plants)

3. Boilers (steam generation)

4. Marine vessels (bunker fuel)

5. Space heating (large buildings, industrial facilities)

 

Types:

 1. High Sulphur Furnace Oil (HSFO)

2. Low Sulphur Furnace Oil (LSFO)

3. Ultra Low Sulphur Furnace Oil (ULSFO)

 

Benefits:

 1. High energy density

2. Cost-effective compared to natural gas or electricity

3. Wide availability

 

Drawbacks:

 1. High emissions (SOx, NOx, particulate matter)

2. Environmental concerns (air pollution, climate change)

3. Storage and handling challenges

              

Specifications:

 Furnace Oil meets various international standards, including:

 1. ASTM D396 (USA)

2. EN 589 (Europe)

3. IS 1593 (India)

 

Comparison with other fuels:

 1. Light Diesel Oil (LDO): lighter, lower sulphur content

2. Heavy Diesel Oil (HDO): similar density, higher sulphur content

3. Coal: heavier, higher carbon content

4. Natural Gas: cleaner, lower emissions