(i) Proper storage and handling of oil is a prerequisite for efficient combustion and can save up to 3% of fuel oil consumption. It ensures uninterrupted supply of clean oil to the burner at requisite temperature and pressure. Proper storage facilities and unloading systems prevent oil spillage and keep oil free from sludge and water.
(ii) Oil storage tanks should be provided with standard fittings etc. draw off connection, fill in pipe, vent pipe with a goose neck bend etc. The storage tank should have a horizontal gradient of 20mm/metre. The drain pipe should be provided for steam/electric heating in the furnace/LSHS oil storage tank.
(iii) The fuel oil should be heated in stages. As the temperature increases, the viscosity decreases. Preheating reduces the pumping power requirements and ensures correct viscosity of oil at the burner tip. Temperature/viscosity charts should be consulted for setting the thermostats at different stages.
(iv) For efficient atomization, viscosity of oil at the burner tip should be 20-25 centistokes.
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(v) The oils should be filtered in stages. In ensures uninterrupted supply of clean oil to the burners and protect the burners.
(vi) Furnace oil contains some water (upto 1% maximum). Water should be removed periodically from the storage tanks and service tanks to avoid lower combustion efficiency and, in extreme cases, even flame failures.
(vii) Regular energy audits have to be undertaken.
(viii) Plug oil leakage: Leakage of one drop of oil per second amounts to a loss of over 2000 litres per year.
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(ix) For proper combustion, oil must be pre-heated and oil should be at right viscosity at the burner tip.
(x) Observe the colour of smoke emitting from the chimney. Black smoke indicates improper combustion and fuel wastage. White smoke indicates excess air and hence loss of heat. Hazy brown smoke indicates proper combustion.