The list below is arranged in order of lightest to heavy oil. Some of these fuel oils may be familiar to you, while others are only used in specific situations:
Kerosene
The lightest fuel oil on this list is kerosene, which is the first of the distillates. It’s made by refining and purifying No. 1 fuel oil till it’s cleaner and purer. It is less viscous and has a lower boiling point than any of the following fuel oils because it is one of the lightest oils. Kerosene heaters are frequently used by anyone who require portable heat, especially if they are working indoors on new construction. Because kerosene is one of the cleaner-burning fuels, it’s quite safe to use indoors.
When the electricity goes out, one of the most popular ways individuals use kerosene is to fuel kerosene lamps for emergency lighting. Kerosene lamps are also attractive to some people. Regardless, “lamp oil” is frequently offered at high costs in stores and has additions like scents and odour eliminators to make it more pleasant to burn.
No. 1 Fuel Oil
No. 1 fuel oil is similar to kerosene but thicker. This means it has a greater boiling point, is less refined, and has a higher viscosity. It has a lighter consistency than No. 2 fuel oil. As a result, as compared to No. 2 fuel oil, it generates fewer British thermal units (Btu). The fraction of oil that boils out during the petroleum distillation process just before the manufacture of gasoline is known as No. 1 fuel oil.
Outdoor stoves and portable heaters use No. 1 fuel oil as a source of energy. Because of its heavier nature, it’s recommended to limit the usage of No. 1 fuel oil for heating to the outdoors. It emits additional contaminants into the air as it burns, which can be unhealthy to breathe over time.
Diesel Fuel
This fuel oil is well-known, as it can be found at many gas stations across the Northeast and the United States. It’s similar to No. 2 fuel oil, but it’s used for a variety of reasons. Diesel fuel is provided in two varieties:
- Diesel fuel that hasn’t been taxed: This type of diesel hasn’t had any government taxes added to it. Companies dye it red to distinguish it from taxed diesel fuel, making it easily recognisable as tax-free. Because it has a reduced sulphur level, people utilise untaxed diesel fuel to power off-road vehicles like construction machinery. In certain circumstances, untaxed diesel fuel is a preferable choice for the environment. It is prohibited to use untaxed diesel in situations where taxed diesel is required.
- Taxed diesel fuel is transparent with a faint greenish tint and is undyed. Taxes are included in the price of this type of diesel at the pump. When travelling on public highways, people utilise taxed diesel in their diesel-powered vehicles. Off-road vehicles can run on taxed diesel, but you’ll pay a higher premium for the privilege.
Some people are concerned that the dye in untaxed diesel may diminish its efficiency and cause pollution. During combustion, however, the dye burns alongside the fuel with no signs of diminished efficiency or pollution. In an off-road vehicle, remember to use only untaxed diesel fuel. Police will occasionally check for taxable diesel fuel in road cars, and if you use untaxed fuel improperly, you could face significant fines and possibly jail time.
The “diesel fuel winter mix” is a different sort of diesel. Regular diesel fuel is mixed with a modest amount of No. 1 fuel oil in this mixture. The goal is to reduce sludge and gel, which can be a problem with ordinary diesel during the winter. The winter diesel fuel blend can survive the cold weather’s detrimental effects.
No. 2 Fuel Oil
Number two Although fuel oil and diesel fuel are essentially identical, they are used for distinct purposes. More than a distinction in chemical makeup, the different names reflect the fuels’ different purposes.
Because No. 2 fuel oil is not taxed, it has the same red-dyed appearance as untaxed diesel fuel. Because consumers use it to heat their houses with boilers or furnaces, No. 2 fuel oil is tax-free. To distinguish No. 2 oil from diesel fuel, many people call it “home heating oil” or “normal fuel oil.”
No. 2 fuel oil, like diesel fuel, comes in a winterized form known as “home heating oil winter mix.” This blend blends No. 2 and No. 1 heating oils to make it less viscous and easier to use in your furnace or boiler. To underline its cleaner-burning and less viscous features, some businesses term this product “kerosene blend.”
No. 3 Fuel Oil
Because of its low viscosity, No. 3 fuel oil was originally a popular choice for burners. This changed when ASTM International merged No. 3 and No. 2 fuel oils to phase out No. 3 fuel oil. No. 3 fuel oil is no longer often used or mentioned. Its effect has been assimilated into the No. 2 fuel oil specification since the mid-1900s.
No. 4 Fuel Oil
The transition fuel that separates the distillate oils from the residual oils is No. 4 fuel oil. No. 4 fuel oil is made by blending a distillate, such as No. 2 fuel oil, with the remaining No. 5 fuel oil. Power plants, stationary engines, and commercial heating boilers without preheaters are the most common applications. “Bunker oil,” “diesel distillate,” “residual fuel oil,” or “heavy distillate” are all terms used to describe this oil. It emits pollutants like as sulphur and nickel when burned.
No. 5 Fuel Oil
People make No. 5 fuel oil by combining a distillate oil with a residual oil, much like they do with No. 4 fuel oil. It is used in identical situations as No. 4 fuel oil, with the exception that it must be prepared in order to atomise properly and ignite. Its viscosity can be reduced by mixing it with No. 2 fuel oil, allowing it to be pumped without the requirement for preheating. Fuel oil No. 5 is also known as “Navy special” or “furnace fuel oil.”
No. 6 Fuel Oil
After the following fuels have been distilled or boiled off, No. 6 fuel oil is what’s left in the petroleum distillation process. Pavers make asphalt from No. 6 fuel oil, which is used to pave roads and driveways. This fuel is also used in commercial generators and heavy-duty engines to generate energy. It, like No. 4 fuel oil, can leave pollutants such as nickel and sulphur behind when used in commercial boilers for heating buildings.
Is it possible to utilise two heating oils in a diesel engine?
In almost all furnaces, diesel, as supplied at many gas stations, is a suitable replacement for home heating oil. Both diesel and heating oil No. 2 are petroleum distillates that provide nearly the same amount of heat and can be used in the same systems.
Is there a difference between fuel oil and diesel fuel?
The difference between heating oil, off-road diesel fuel, and on-road diesel fuel is a frequent question and misconception that I receive from customers. Is there a distinction? Yes. Price, efficiency, taxation, and even equipment failure can all be affected by the variances between these fuels. I’m writing this specifically for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and each individual fuel.
Heating Oil – Heating oil is a coloured fuel with a sulphur concentration of 2,000 parts per million (parts per million). Pennsylvania is the only Northeastern state that has yet to vote on or adopt legislation lowering the sulphur content of heating oil to 15 parts per million. If they haven’t already, most Northeastern states have paved the way for a drop in the sulphur content of heating oil, either in phases or all at once. Most states now have a heating oil specification with a minimal sulphur concentration of st, 2016, but there are still numerous political obstacles to overcome. Almost all state, local, and independent heating oil dealers in Pennsylvania support switching to the Ultra-Low Sulfur spec (ULS) as soon as possible.
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel or Off-Road Diesel Fuel Dyed Diesel Fuel (Off-Road Diesel Fuel is known by a variety of acronyms, including Dyed Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel and Non-Road Locomotive Marine, to name a few.) Off-Road Diesel Fuel (or, as we’ll refer to it in this article, Off-Road Diesel Fuel) is not the same as heating oil. Even though they are the same colour, red (the red dye in the fuel is used to identify for tax purposes), Heating Oil and Off-Road Diesel Fuel are not the same fuel. Off-Road Diesel Fuel in Pennsylvania is Ultra-Low Sulfur, which means it won’t damage your equipment’s warranty. Dye has no effect on performance and has no effect on the equipment. Please double-check with the manufacturer before using to ensure that this is the case, since some manufacturers have used this tactic in the past to avoid paying warranty claims. Boroughs and municipalities will save money by using NRLM since they will not have to pay taxes on the fuel when it is delivered.
On-Road Diesel Fuel On-Road Diesel Fuel is clear or has a subtle greenish tint to it. The state requires that on-road diesel fuel have a minimum of 2% biodiesel blend and be Ultra-Low Sulfur.
Finally, many individuals are unaware of the benefits of biodiesel fuel. To be clear, Bio-Diesel or BIOHEAT is a mixture of biodegradable organic ingredients like soybean oil. It’s a soy-based fuel made in the United States that helps to sustain our country’s farmers while also reducing our reliance on foreign oil. It has the highest BTU concentration of any alternative fuel and burns exceedingly cleanly. It is not manufactured in the same way as ethanol is, in that it removes food from the food chain. It’s actually a byproduct of the standard soy bean processing. It can also be created from a variety of other ingredients, including used cooking oil and grease, linseed oil, coconut oil, and coffee beans, to mention a few.
What exactly is #2 fuel?
Simply put, distillate home heating oil is referred to as #2 heating oil in the United States. The most common type of fuel oil given by most fuel providers in this region of the country is No. 2 fuel oil, which is typically utilised in the northeastern United States. It’s a liquid petroleum product with a low viscosity that’s used as a fuel for your furnace or boiler, and it’s commonly abbreviated HHO. The American Society for Testing and Materials, or ASTM, has established a standard for No. 2 fuel oil in the United States.
In the Utica, NY area, Fred F. Collis & Sons sells high-quality #2 fuel oil. We provide dependable, 24-hour service at reasonable rates. You can plan automatic #2 fuel oil delivery with our service department, and we are always ready for emergency assistance. Not only that, but Fred F. Collis & Sons also provides oil furnace repair, maintenance, and installation, so you’ll never have to worry about your #2 fuel oil delivery – or the health of your heating system. You can rely on Fred F. Collis to:
- Oil Furnace Installation: A new oil furnace from Fred F. Collis & Sons will help you save money on energy expenses while also improving the comfort of your family. If your existing oil furnace is more than ten years old, you’re probably overpaying on your energy expenses. The increased efficiency of today’s systems could help you save up to 40% on your power bills while also providing a new level of home comfort.
What is Type 2 oil, and how does it differ from Type 1 oil?
Sunoco Type II Transformer Oil is a high-quality oil with full corrosion inhibition for use in transformers and other oil-filled electrical equipment. Because of its exceptional dielectric strength, it is made with wax-free naphthenic base oil.
Is off-road diesel the same as heating oil for the house?
Heating oil and red diesel are not the same thing (off-road fuel). Despite the fact that they are both tax-free and painted red, they contain varying amounts of sulphur. Sulfur content in heating oil is 500 parts per million, while red diesel is less than 15 parts per million. Red diesel can be used to replace heating oil, however heating oil cannot be used to replace red diesel due to its high sulphur level, which is harmful to the environment.
What is the difference between home heating oil and diesel?
Diesel fuel is essentially No. 2 home heating oil, which is used in diesel-powered automobiles and other engines. The only distinction is that home heating oil is dyed to differentiate it from untaxed or lower-taxed fuels. Over-the-road vehicles use the higher-taxed diesel fuels. If an emergency arose, such as a residence running out of heating oil, diesel fuel could be acquired at a nearby service station. While waiting for home heating oil to be delivered, homeowners can substitute diesel fuel for it in any quantity.
What is the definition of #2 heating oil?
Diesel oil and Number 2 fuel oil have a chemical composition that is nearly identical. The way they’re employed is the main distinction. Number 2 fuel oil is tax-free, ensuring low pricing at all times. This is due to the fact that it is used for home heating, making it a necessary item in the winter. It has the same red dye as untaxed diesel fuel and is used in boilers and furnaces. Many people refer to it as “home heating oil” because it is used for residential heating.
Number 2 fuel oil is frequently mixed with number 1 fuel oil. As a result, it has a lower viscosity and improved efficiency. This is known as the home heating oil winter blend or kerosene mix by some oil companies.
Because #2 and #1 fuel oils have so many similarities, they’re supposed to be interchangeable. This is not, however, a common practise. If your furnace runs out of fuel, you can buy diesel at the nearby gas station to keep it running. Because diesel is more expensive than Number 2 fuel oil, it is not suggested that you do this for longer than required. It can, however, be utilised in an emergency.
Keep in mind, though, that you should never use Number 2 fuel oil in your car. This is unlawful, and if officers catch you using red-dyed fuel, you could face charges. Always remember to observe the law and use each fuel oil for its specified use.
Is diesel #2 identical to diesel?
The fundamental difference between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2 is the cetane rating, which, like the octane of gasoline, indicates igniting ease. It’s all about fuel efficiency, volatility, and seasonality, really.
Less wear on your engines’ batteries implies a faster and more efficient start. The increased cetane grade also helps diesel engines run more smoothly by lowering maintenance requirements.
The additional lubricants in Premium Diesel assist keep fuel system parts moving freely. The fuel pump’s and other fuel system components’ lives are extended as a result of the reduced friction.
Fuel systems can become clogged with sediments and other particles over time. While the engine is operating, detergents are injected to Diesel #1 to clean injectors and other fuel system components. Not only does a clean fuel system last longer, but it also enhances fuel efficiency and horsepower output.
Diesel #1 contains lubricants and detergents, as well as other fuel additives that improve engine performance and save downtime. Even in a well-sealed fuel system, air moisture can find its way in and cause major engine problems. Demulsifiers in premium Diesel work to separate emulsified water from the fuel so that it can be filtered out; even in a well-sealed fuel system, air moisture can find its way in and cause major engine problems. Corrosion inhibitors keep rust and corrosion at bay, while stabilisers keep blockages and buildup at bay.
Diesel #1 is sometimes known as winter diesel since it operates better in colder conditions than Diesel #2. It has a lower viscosity and does not gel when exposed to cold temperatures. Most stations sell a premium Diesel blend that is tailored to the local climate.
While premium diesel has a number of advantages, such as fewer maintenance and equipment downtime, regular diesel is less expensive at the pump, which is an essential consideration. However, total cost of ownership should take into account not only the cost savings from the fuel, but also the impact on ongoing maintenance costs. The age and size of your fleet may play a role in deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2.
When deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2 for your fleet, keep in mind that premium Diesel quality differs from station to station. If you choose Diesel #1, make sure your drivers get their fuel at reliable high-volume stations.
Do you want to learn more about the effects of diesel choices on fuel systems? To talk with an equipment professional, contact your nearest Pap Kenworth office now.
What’s the difference between diesel and heavy fuel oil?
(b) Marine diesel or heavy fuel oil Marine diesel, also known as heavy fuel oil, is a harmful byproduct of crude oil distillation with a boiling point of 350C to 500C and a substantially higher viscosity than diesel. Marine diesel, sometimes known as heavy fuel oil, refers to a variety of fuels.
Is it possible to run a diesel tractor on heating oil?
While heating oil and diesel #2 are quite similar, diesel fuel has additives that improve the efficiency of the diesel fuel. Heating oil has not been refined and is not intended for use as a vehicle fuel; when used in your tractor, it may smoke or contain pollutants not found in diesel fuel.
