Heating oil

Heating oil is a predominantly petroleum-based fuel that is mainly used in furnaces, central heating systems and industrial firing systems. There are different types, including EL heating oil, which can be used without preheating, and S heating oil, which must be preheated.

Definition
Heating oil is a fuel that is usually obtained from crude oil by distillation and comprises two main categories: Extra Light Heating Oil (HEL) for domestic use and Heavy Heating Oil (Heating Oil S) for industrial applications. There is also bio heating oil (heating oil EL A Bio) with a defined biogenic content.

Background / Origin
Heating oil is an important source of energy that has been used to supply heat since the industrial revolution. The different types of heating oil are developed on the basis of their specific properties and purposes. Heating oil EL, the standardized heating oil in Germany, is defined in DIN 51603-1 and can be used without preheating. Heating oil S, which is standardized according to DIN 51603-3, is heated before combustion.

With the increasing awareness of environmental issues, bio heating oil, which contains bio-components, was developed. This heating oil is classified according to DIN SPEC 51603-6 and contributes to the reduction of fossil fuels. The demand for more environmentally friendly heating oils has increased in recent years, especially since the introduction of regulations for sulphur content.

Properties
Heating oil is obtained from various hydrocarbons that are extracted from crude oil by distillation. The most important properties are

- Composition: EL heating oil consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons with a boiling range between 200 °C and 400 °C.
- Physical characteristics: Heating oil has an energy yield of around eleven kilowatt hours per liter.
- Differences in quality: Heating oil S requires preheating and has a higher sulphur content, while heating oil EL is usually low in sulphur, often with a maximum of 50 milligrams of sulphur per kilogram.
- Special chemical features: Bio heating oil contains at least 3% bio-components such as rapeseed methyl ester and is designed as a low-sulphur fuel.

Application and importance in the market
Heating oil is used in various sectors:

- Private households and trade: Light heating oil is mainly used in heating supplies.
- Industry: Heavy heating oil is used in industrial sectors such as chemical production, iron, steel and power generation.

The regulations and standardization of the heating oil market differ internationally, whereby in Germany heating oil is classified according to national standards and EU directives. The introduction of low-sulphur heating oils shows the trend towards more environmentally friendly energy use, while the use of bio heating oil is only possible with manufacturer approvals.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Diesel fuel: EL heating oil and diesel fuel have similar properties, but are treated differently for tax purposes. EL heating oil is taxed at a lower rate in Germany.
- Bio heating oil: Different bio heating oils are classified according to their biogenic content. Heating oil EL A Bio contains at least 3% bio-components.
- Heavy heating oil (heating oil S): Must be preheated before use, in contrast to EL heating oil.

Summary
Heating oil is a petroleum-based fuel that is divided into different types such as EL heating oil, S heating oil and bio heating oil. EL heating oil is optimized for use in private households and businesses and does not require preheating. Heating oil S is used in industry and must be preheated. The market trend towards low-sulphur and biogenic heating oil components reflects environmental awareness and is leading to stricter quality standards.