Prelims 2021 · Q18
EasyWith 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?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Furnace oil is a heavy residual fuel left after the lighter fractions are distilled from crude oil in a refinery. Industries burn it in boilers, furnaces and captive power plants, and because it is rich in sulphur, burning it releases sulphur dioxide. All three statements hold.
- ✓ 1. It is the heavy residue that remains after refineries distil off the lighter products, which is why it is also called residual fuel oil.
- ✓ 2. Heavy fuel oil is used to produce electric power and for many industrial heating purposes, including captive generation.
- ✓ 3. Burning oil that contains sulphur emits sulphur dioxide, and furnace oil is among the higher-sulphur fuels, so its use adds SO2 to the air.
Remember · Furnace oil = heavy residual refinery product; burnt in industrial boilers and power units; high sulphur, so a source of SO2.
Sources
- US Energy Information Administration, Glossary: Residual fuel oil ↗ “A general classification for the heavier oils, known as No. 5 and No. 6 fuel oils, that remain after the distillate fuel oils and lighter hydrocarbons are distilled away in refinery operations. … No. 6 fuel oil includes Bunker C fuel oil and is used for the production of electric power, space heating, vessel bunkering, and various industrial purposes.”
- PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Use of Pet Coke and Furnace Oil in Industries (22 Dec 2017) ↗ “The emission from use of pet coke and furnace oil is expected to contribute in respect of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and secondary sulphate component of particulate matter (PM). … Petroleum coke or petcoke and furnace oil which are by-product of crude refining process are also used as fuel by several industries/boilers.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2021, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·