olieketel

An olieketel is a type of boiler that uses liquid fuel, typically heating oil, to generate hot water or steam for space heating and domestic hot water. In Dutch-speaking regions, olieketels are common where natural gas infrastructure is limited or where older installations persist. The system consists of an oil storage tank, an oil-fired burner, a heat exchanger inside the boiler, and controls. The burner atomizes and ignites the fuel; heat from combustion is transferred to the water in the boiler, which then circulates through radiators or underfloor heating. Exhaust gases are vented through a chimney or flue.

There are several variants: conventional non-condensing oil boilers and high-efficiency condensing boilers that recover latent heat from flue gases. Some installations are hot-water boilers only, while others produce steam. Fuel options include standard light fuel oil or diesel-type gas oil; biodiesel blends are possible in some systems with compatible burners.

Efficiency and maintenance: older olieketels typically have lower efficiency, while modern condensing models can exceed 90 percent seasonal efficiency. Regular annual servicing, replacement of oil filters, and chimney or flue checks are advised. Safety concerns include oil leaks, fire hazards, and proper storage of the fuel; regulations often require secondary containment and spill planning.

Environmental and policy context: oil boilers emit CO2 and particulates, and many regions encourage a transition to electric heat pumps, district heating, or the use of bio-oil or dual-fuel configurations when feasible.

See also: boiler, central heating, condensing boiler, heating oil.