UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 18 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Furnace Oil

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:

1. It is a product of oil refineries.

2. Some industries use it to generate power.

3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Verdict

Correct statements: 1, 2 and 3 → Option (d).

Analysis

Fuel oil (also known as heavy oil, marine fuel, bunker, furnace oil, or gasoil) is a fraction obtained from petroleum distillation.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 — CORRECT: Furnace oil is a product of oil refineries.

Statement 2 — CORRECT: Diesel-based power plants may use Diesel, Furnace Oil, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (LSFO) or Low Sulfur Heavy Stock (LSHS). The Basin Bridge Diesel Generator Power Plant (DGPP) in Tamil Nadu was one such example. Hence some industries do use furnace oil to generate power.

Statement 3 — CORRECT: The oxides of sulphur (SOx; SO2 + SO3) emissions are a direct result of the sulphur content of the fuel oil. During combustion this fuel-bound sulphur is rapidly oxidised to sulphur dioxide (SO2). A small fraction of the SO2, some 3–5%, may be further oxidised to sulphur trioxide (SO3). Hence its use causes sulphur emissions into the environment.

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