oilburning

Oil burning refers to the process of combusting petroleum-based fuels, commonly known as fuel oil, to generate heat or power. This method is widely employed in various applications, including industrial furnaces, boilers for heating buildings, and in some types of internal combustion engines, though diesel engines are more common for mobile applications. Fuel oils are derived from crude oil through fractional distillation and are categorized into different grades based on their viscosity and sulfur content. Lighter oils like kerosene and heating oil are used for domestic and commercial heating, while heavier fuel oils, often referred to as bunker fuel, are utilized in large industrial boilers and marine engines. The efficiency and emissions of oil burning are dependent on the type of fuel used, the design of the combustion equipment, and maintenance practices. Incomplete combustion can lead to the release of pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, necessitating emission control technologies to mitigate environmental impact. As concerns about climate change and air quality increase, there is a global trend towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels, including oil, in favor of cleaner energy sources.