Is Heating Oil the Same as Diesel?
Heating oil and diesel are similar but not the same. Both come from crude oil and share similar chemical properties, but they differ in additives, usage, and taxation. Heating oil is designed for boilers and furnaces, while diesel is formulated for engines and contains extra additives for lubrication and performance. Using diesel in your heating […]
How Long Does an Oil Tank Last?
Most domestic oil tanks last between 10 and 20 years, depending on the material, steel tanks typically last 15–20 years, while plastic tanks last around 10–15 years. Key factors that shorten life are corrosion, poor installation, and lack of maintenance, water contamination, and harsh exposure. Regular inspections, cleaning, and using quality fuel will help extend […]
What is a bunded oil tank?
A bunded oil tank is a double-walled fuel storage system designed to prevent leaks and environmental contamination. It features an inner tank that holds the oil and an outer tank (the bund) that acts as a secondary containment layer. If the inner tank leaks, the outer bund captures the oil, preventing spills. Bunded tanks are […]
Buying a House with Oil Central Heating
Buying a house with oil central heating can be a smart choice for rural or off-grid areas. These systems use heating oil stored in an external tank to fuel an oil-fired boiler that provides heat and hot water. They are efficient, reliable, and powerful, but require regular maintenance, annual servicing, and oil deliveries. Before buying, […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Kerosene
The advantages of kerosene include its high energy efficiency, affordability, easy storage, and long shelf life, making it ideal for heating and lighting. However, the disadvantages of kerosene include its carbon emissions, strong odour, risk of indoor air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels, all of which can affect both health and the environment. Kerosene […]
How Much Heating Oil Am I Using?
To find out how much heating oil you’re using, check your tank level regularly or use a Heating Oil Usage Calculator. Record the oil level, wait a set period (like a week or a month), then subtract the new reading from the previous one to see how much oil was consumed. Multiply this by the […]
What Is Bitumen Used For?
Bitumen is used for road construction, roofing, waterproofing, and industrial protection. It acts as a binding and sealing agent, providing durability, water resistance, and flexibility. Bitumen is also used in soundproofing, damp-proofing, and protective coatings for metals and pipelines, making it essential in construction and infrastructure projects. Bitumen is one of the most versatile and […]
Can Domestic Heating Oil Freeze?
Domestic heating oil doesn’t freeze solid like water, but it can thicken or “gel” in very cold temperatures. When the temperature drops below around -9°C to -12°C, the paraffin wax in the oil begins to crystallise, forming a waxy substance that can block filters, pipes, and fuel lines. This restricts the oil flow to your […]
Why Is Crude Oil Heated?
Crude oil is heated to separate it into useful components such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, and lubricating oils. During the refining process, crude oil is heated to around 350°C–400°C in a furnace and then sent to a fractionating column, where different hydrocarbons are separated based on their boiling points. Lighter hydrocarbons, such as petrol, vaporise […]
Why Is Bitumen Not Used as a Fuel?
Bitumen is not used as a fuel because it is too thick, heavy, and non-volatile to burn efficiently. It has a low combustion efficiency, high sulphur and metal content, and produces excessive smoke and toxic gases when burned. Unlike petrol or diesel, bitumen does not vaporise easily and provides low energy output, making it unsuitable […]