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 and Its Properties
Let's analyze each statement about furnace oil to determine which ones are correct.
Statement 1: It is a product of oil refineries.
This statement is correct. Furnace oil, also known as Fuel Oil or Heavy Fuel Oil, is a residual fuel left over after crude oil has been refined and lighter fractions like petrol, diesel, and kerosene have been extracted through processes like distillation. Oil refineries are where this entire process takes place, making furnace oil a direct product of these facilities.
Statement 2: Some industries use it to generate power.
This statement is also correct. Furnace oil is a relatively inexpensive fuel and is widely used by various industries as a primary fuel source. Industries like thermal power plants, cement factories, glass manufacturing, and heavy manufacturing facilities use furnace oil in boilers and furnaces to produce heat and steam, which can then be used for process heating or to drive turbines for power generation.
Statement 3: Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
This statement is correct as well. Furnace oil typically has a high sulphur content because sulphur compounds are concentrated in the heavier fractions of crude oil. When furnace oil is burned, the sulphur it contains reacts with oxygen to form sulphur dioxide ($SO_2$), a major air pollutant. $SO_2$ contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems, making sulphur emissions a significant environmental concern associated with furnace oil combustion.
Conclusion on Furnace Oil Statements
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is correct because furnace oil is produced in oil refineries.
- Statement 2 is correct because industries use furnace oil for generating power and heat.
- Statement 3 is correct because burning furnace oil results in sulphur emissions like $SO_2$.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
| Statement | Analysis | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Product of oil refineries | Furnace oil is a residual product from crude oil refining. | Correct |
| 2. Used by industries to generate power | Industries use it as fuel for boilers and power generation. | Correct |
| 3. Causes sulphur emissions | High sulphur content leads to $SO_2$ emissions when burned. | Correct |
Revision Table: Key Facts About Furnace Oil
| Property/Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Residual product from crude oil distillation at refineries. |
| Usage | Industrial fuel for boilers, furnaces, power generation, process heating. |
| Composition | Heavy hydrocarbons, often with significant sulphur content. |
| Environmental Impact | Major source of sulphur dioxide ($SO_2$) emissions contributing to air pollution and acid rain. |
Additional Information: Furnace Oil and Environment
Furnace oil is one of the heaviest commercial fuels. Its high viscosity and relatively low cost make it suitable for large industrial applications. However, its environmental impact, particularly due to sulphur emissions, has led to regulations in many parts of the world limiting its use or requiring the use of low-sulphur furnace oil. Desulphurisation processes can be applied to reduce sulphur content, but this adds to the cost. The emissions from burning furnace oil can contain other pollutants besides $SO_2$, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$), although sulphur emissions are a primary concern.
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are also known as ________.
Which of the following is/are contaminated by the wastes produced from factories?
Which of the following is not the effect of modern agriculture?
In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements :
1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μ g/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM 10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
