Furnace Oil is a heavy, viscous petroleum fuel produced from residual fractions of crude oil refining, sometimes blended to meet specific fuel-grade requirements. Its high calorific value makes it a practical energy source for industrial operations requiring sustained heat and steam generation.
Widely used in industries such as steel, cement, ceramics, chemicals, textiles and paper manufacturing, Furnace Oil fuels compatible boilers, furnaces, kilns, dryers and thermic-fluid heaters. Suitable grades are also used in power-generation systems specifically designed for residual fuels. Its economic suitability depends on fuel prices, consumption and the plant’s handling and operating requirements.
Because of its viscosity, Furnace Oil generally requires heated storage and preheating before combustion to support smooth pumping and effective atomisation. Appropriate filtration, temperature control and burner maintenance help achieve stable combustion and efficient heat transfer.
Key quality parameters include viscosity, density, calorific value, flash point, sulphur, water, ash and sediment content. Selecting the correct grade and maintaining suitable combustion conditions support dependable performance, while sulphur content and emission-control systems influence the plant’s environmental performance.
Industry using it
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| Parameter | Test Method | Unit | Reliance | HPCL | BPCL | IMP |
| Inorganic acidity | ASTM D974 | mg KOH/g | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Ash content | IS 1448 [P:4] | % mass | 0.068 | 0.2 | 0.01 | 0.03 |
| Gross calorific value | IS 1448 [P:6] | kcal/kg | 9,874 | 10,300 | 10,253 | 10,200 |
| Density @ 15°C | IS 1448 [P:16] | kg/m³ | 1064.S* | 984.8 | 961.4 | 977.2 |
| Flash point (PMCC) | IS 1448 [P:21] | °C | 97 | 69 | 77 | 71 |
| Kinematic viscosity @ 50°C | IS 1448 [P:25] | cSt | 100.6 | 159.7 | 138 | 160 |
| Sediment | IS 1448 [P:30] | % mass | 0.09 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
