News
OFTEC: Low Sulphur Fuel Is Safe And Fit For Purpose
23rd December 2009
The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) has dismissed claims that low sulphur fuel is causing combustion problems with oil fired vaporising burners. Whilst most modern oil fired appliances utilise pressure jet burners; vapourising burners are still found in some oil fired cookers and older oil fired appliances.
A European Union Directive has meant that the amount of sulphur in kerosene has been reduced in order to lower carbon emissions. Despite some negative press coverage, there is no hard evidence that low sulphur kerosene is causing any problems.
Director General of OFTEC, Jeremy Hawksley, said "Vaporising burners can be very sensitive to any problems with the actual installation, and it's well known that problems such as poor air supply or inadequate chimney draft can cause premature carboning. Condensate in the oil storage tank can also wreak havoc with a vaporising burner, and so correct installation and servicing are vitally important."
Condensate will naturally occur in any storage tank and should be removed at time of annual system inspection and service.
OFTEC has a reporting system to help identify combustion problems in the field which may stem from poor fuel quality. Together with the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, OFTEC has also issued a guidance note on combustion problems which gives practical advice on how to identify and tackle any issues.
Oil Heating and Fuel Storage Industry News in association with OilFiredUp.com
