Furnace Oil is a dark, viscous residual fuel oil, which is obtained by blending residual products from various refining processes with suitable diluents, usually middle distillates, to obtain the required fuel oil grades. These fuel oil grades are similar in nature and have been marketed under different specifications in various countries. In India it is sold under BIS specification under IS 1593-1982, Medium Grade 2. Furnace oil is a class C product having Flash Point above 66OC. Since this is a residual fuel, there has to be gradual filtration system to prevent the filter choking and fuel nozzles choking. Due to its viscous nature, it has to be heated to improve its flow ability and to a proper temperature for proper atomization. Normally gear pumps are preferred to avoid cavitation problems.
Uses - As fuel for Power Generation in DG Sets
- As fuel for Boilers/ Furnaces/ Air preheater/ Any other Heaters
- Fuel for Bunkering
- Fuel/ Feedstock in Fertilizer Plants
Furnance Oil Storage Petroleum RulesAs far as storage of Furnace Oil storage is concerned, the rules governing the same are less stringent when compared to more volatile fuels like Petrol, diesel etc.
Purpose for which granted : - To import and store other wise than in bulk (a) Petroleum Class A in quantities exceeding 300 litres (b) Petroleum Class B in quantities exceeding 2500 litres (c) petroleum Class C in quantities exceeding 45000 litres or (d) partly one class and partly two classes of petroleum
Safety Information : - Reactivity Data - Chemically stable and incompatible with strong oxidizers. Does not React vigorously with common materials but can react with oxidizing agents
- Health Hazard Data - Routes of entry may be through inhalation/ ingestion/ skin/ eye
Effects of Exposure /Symptoms : - Ingestion - may cause spontaneous vomiting, irritation of mouth throat and gastro intestinal tract
- On prolonged exposure it makes skin dry, erythema oil acne, development of warty growths which may lead to skin cancer, skin cracking and contact dermitites. As it is handled at a high temperature, skin contact could produce burns
- On exposure to eye it may cause light to moderate irritation
- Ingested - do not induce vomiting as it may lead to chemical pneumonitis. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash affected area with water and soap. If eyes are affected, irrigate liberally with copious amounts of water and seek medical advice
Handling and Storage Precaution : - Store in a dry cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and flame and keep away oxidizing agents
- Avoid contact with liquid or vapours. To use gumboots while handling the product
- The fire fighting media to be used is foam, DCP/CO2