Previous Year Question
With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements.
It is a product of oil refineries.
Some industries use it to generate power.
Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Furnace oil is also called fuel oil or heavy fuel oil.
It is produced from the heavy residual fractions obtained after the refining and distillation of crude petroleum. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
It is generally a dark, thick liquid fuel with high viscosity.
Because of its high viscosity, it may require heating before pumping and combustion.
It is used as a fuel in industrial furnaces, boilers and thermal processes.
Some industries also use furnace oil to generate steam and electricity. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
It may also be used in certain power plants and marine engines.
Furnace oil may contain sulphur.
During combustion, sulphur is oxidized mainly into sulphur dioxide and, to a smaller extent, sulphur trioxide.
Therefore, its use causes emissions of sulphur-bearing pollutants into the environment. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Sulphur dioxide can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain and the formation of secondary particulate matter.
The combustion of furnace oil may also emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Low-sulphur fuels, improved combustion technology and exhaust-gas treatment systems can reduce its pollution.
Transitioning towards natural gas, electricity and cleaner energy sources can reduce dependence on furnace oil.