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, 2 and 3
Understanding Furnace Oil
Furnace oil, also known as fuel oil, is a vital petroleum product used widely in various industries. It's important to understand its origin, uses, and environmental impact to correctly assess the given statements.
Analyzing the Statements on Furnace Oil
Let's examine each statement about furnace oil:
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Statement 1: It is a product of oil refineries.
This statement is correct. Furnace oil is typically a residual fuel obtained from the fractional distillation of crude oil in oil refineries. After lighter fractions like petrol, kerosene, and diesel are extracted, the heavier residual oil is processed further to produce various grades of fuel oil, including furnace oil.
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Statement 2: Some industries use it to generate power.
This statement is correct. Furnace oil is a common fuel source for industrial boilers, furnaces, and power generation plants. Industries use it to produce steam for heating processes or to drive turbines for electricity generation.
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Statement 3: Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
This statement is correct. Crude oil naturally contains sulphur compounds. During the refining process, some sulphur remains in the heavier fractions like furnace oil. When furnace oil is burned, the sulphur is oxidized, primarily forming sulphur dioxide ($\text{SO}_2$). $\text{SO}_2$ is a major air pollutant that contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of each statement, all three statements are accurate descriptions of furnace oil. It originates from oil refineries, serves as an industrial fuel for power generation and other purposes, and its combustion leads to sulphur emissions.
Revision Table: Key Facts about Furnace Oil
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Product of oil refineries (residual fuel from crude oil distillation) |
| Industrial Use | Used for power generation (boilers, turbines), heating, furnaces in industries |
| Environmental Impact | Combustion leads to sulphur emissions (primarily $\text{SO}_2$), contributing to air pollution and acid rain |
Additional Information on Furnace Oil and Environmental Impact
Furnace oil is classified into different grades based on its viscosity and composition. Heavier grades typically contain more sulphur. Due to the environmental concerns related to sulphur dioxide emissions, many regions have implemented stricter regulations on the sulphur content allowed in fuel oils. Industries and power plants using furnace oil may need to install flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, also known as scrubbers, to remove $\text{SO}_2$ from the exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere. There is also a global trend towards using lower-sulphur fuels or alternative energy sources to mitigate pollution.
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Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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