Asian Organics – Furnace Oil
Furnace Oil (FO) is a petroleum fraction obtained from the distillation of crude oil, either as a distillate or a residue. Broadly, fuel oil refers to any liquid petroleum product that can be burned in a furnace, boiler, or engine for generating heat or power, except oils with a flash point around 40°C and those used in cotton/wool-wick burners.
In this sense, diesel is also considered a type of fuel oil. However, the term “fuel oil” is more commonly used for the heavier fractions obtained from crude oil—products heavier than gasoline and naphtha.
Furnace oil is composed mainly of long hydrocarbon chains (alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics) and serves as one of the heaviest commercial fuels available in the market.
Properties of Furnace Oil
- Furnace Oil is a residual fuel, unlike gasoline, high-speed diesel, or kerosene which are distillate fuels.
- It appears as a dark, viscous liquid at room temperature.
- It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily with carbon atoms ranging from C20 to C55.
- It is produced by blending refinery residues with small quantities of middle distillates to achieve desired viscosity and flow characteristics.
Effects of Exposure & Symptoms
- Reactivity Data: Chemically stable under normal conditions but incompatible with strong oxidizers. May react with oxidizing agents.
- Health Hazards: Entry routes include inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.
