Fuel oil is a broad category of liquid fuels derived from petroleum, obtained through distillation, and used for heat or power. No. 1 fuel oil represents a lighter fraction, classified as a distillate fuel. It is also known as kerosene, range oil, or stove oil. This fuel is distinct from heavier fuel oils, which are residues remaining after more volatile components have been extracted.
Key Characteristics and Properties
No. 1 fuel oil is characterized by low viscosity, meaning it is thin and flows easily even in colder temperatures. This low viscosity helps it atomize effectively in burners. The fuel also has a low pour point, resisting gelling or solidifying at cold temperatures. This property makes it suitable for outdoor storage or use in unheated environments.
This fuel oil exhibits high volatility, meaning it readily vaporizes. This volatility is important for vaporizing pot-type burners, where the fuel converts into vapor by contact with a heated surface. Chemically, No. 1 fuel oil is primarily composed of kerosene-type hydrocarbons (C9 to C16 carbon chains). It contains mostly aliphatic hydrocarbons, with smaller amounts of olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. This composition contributes to its clean-burning nature and minimal residue formation during combustion.
Primary Applications
No. 1 fuel oil is commonly used for residential heating, especially in colder climates or for homes with smaller heating systems. Its low pour point prevents gelling in outdoor tanks, ensuring consistent fuel flow. This fuel is also suitable for portable outdoor stoves and heaters due to its clean-burning characteristics.
Beyond residential use, No. 1 fuel oil serves as a blending agent for other fuels. It can be mixed with heavier fuel oils, such as No. 2 fuel oil, to lower their viscosity and improve cold-weather performance. This blending enhances the overall efficiency and flow properties of the combined fuel. Equipment designed for clean combustion or requiring a highly volatile fuel in industrial processes may also utilize No. 1 fuel oil.
How No 1 Fuel Oil Differs
No. 1 fuel oil is part of a classification system for fuel oils, often defined by standards like ASTM D396, which categorizes them by their properties and intended uses. A key distinction lies in its comparison to No. 2 fuel oil, which is a common home heating oil and similar to diesel fuel.
No. 1 fuel oil is lighter and less viscous than No. 2 fuel oil. This lower viscosity allows it to flow more readily, especially in cold conditions, where No. 2 fuel oil might thicken or gel. No. 1 fuel oil also has a higher volatility and a lower boiling range compared to No. 2 fuel oil. Its boiling range spans approximately C9 to C16 hydrocarbons, while No. 2 fuel oil typically ranges from C11 to C20.
This difference in molecular composition affects their combustion characteristics and energy content; No. 1 fuel oil generally produces fewer British Thermal Units (BTUs) per gallon than No. 2 fuel oil. While No. 1 fuel oil is adapted for vaporizing burners, No. 2 fuel oil is more suited for atomizing burners. Their primary applications also differ, with No. 1 often used in outdoor or smaller systems, and No. 2 being a more general-purpose heating oil.