Fuelóleo

Fuelóleo, also known as fuel oil, is a fraction of petroleum. It is a heavy, viscous liquid with a high boiling point and a low cetane number. Fuel oil is produced by the distillation of crude oil and is a byproduct of the refining process. It is primarily used as a fuel for furnaces and boilers in industrial settings and for ships.

There are various grades of fuel oil, categorized by their viscosity, sulfur content, and other properties. For example, light fuel oil is less viscous and has a lower sulfur content, making it suitable for smaller boilers and some diesel engines. Heavy fuel oil, on the other hand, is more viscous and typically contains more sulfur, requiring specialized heating and handling equipment. It is commonly used in large industrial furnaces and for powering large marine vessels.

The combustion of fuel oil produces emissions, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Regulations regarding sulfur content in fuel oil have been implemented globally to reduce environmental pollution. Ongoing research and development focus on improving the efficiency of fuel oil combustion and exploring cleaner alternatives. The price of fuel oil is influenced by the global price of crude oil and market demand.