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 […]
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 […]
