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 […]
Difference between Kerosene and Premium Kerosene
Premium kerosene is standard kerosene enhanced with additives that improve performance. Standard kerosene is a clean-burning petroleum fuel suitable for most oil boilers and heaters. In contrast, premium kerosene contains detergents, corrosion inhibitors, and anti-wax/anti-freeze agents that provide cleaner combustion, reduced soot and odour, improved cold-weather flow, and longer storage stability. Kerosene is one […]
Best Time to Buy Heating Oil
The best time to buy heating oil is usually in spring or summer, when demand is low and prices are more stable. Buying during these months helps you avoid winter price spikes, secure cheaper rates, and reduce the risk of delivery delays. For the best savings, it’s recommended to monitor market forecasts, compare suppliers, and […]
HVO Fuel Pros and Cons
HVO fuel pros and cons: HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is a renewable diesel alternative made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Its advantages include up to 90% lower carbon emissions, compatibility with existing diesel engines, longer storage stability, and cleaner combustion. The disadvantages include its higher cost, limited availability, and sustainability concerns related to the […]
Why Do I Smell Heating Oil in My House?
Smelling heating oil in your house usually means a spill, leak, or poor ventilation. While a faint odour after delivery can be normal, persistent smells may indicate a leaking oil boiler, faulty pipework, or fumes escaping into living spaces. Oil fumes can be dangerous if inhaled over time, so it is important to ventilate the […]
Crude Oil and Fractional Distillation: Complete Guide
Crude oil is separated by fractional distillation, where it is heated and its vapours rise through a distillation column. The lighter hydrocarbons, such as LPG, petrol and naphtha, condense at the top, while middle fractions like kerosene and diesel condense further down. Heavier products, including lubricating oils, heavy fuel oils and bitumen, remain at the […]
What Is Fuel Oil Used For in the UK? Applications, Types & Uses
If you’ve ever heard someone mention “fuel oil,” you might wonder: what exactly is it? What is it used for, especially here in the UK? The truth is, fuel oil plays a lot of roles—some obvious, others less so—and its uses are shaped by laws, costs, and energy needs. Let’s explore. What Exactly Is “Fuel […]
What Is Oil Central Heating and How It Works
If your home isn’t connected to the gas mains (as many rural homes aren’t), oil central heating is often a reliable choice. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and what should you know before deciding if it’s right for your home? Let’s walk through everything in clear, human terms. What You Actually […]
