Kerosene is a widely used fuel. In fact, you may use kerosene every day without even realizing it. This oil commonly shows up in household heating and other domestic and industrial uses. Let’s explore the fundamentals of this fuel, from its composition to its diverse applications.
What is Kerosene?
Kerosene, also called paraffin oil or lamp oil, is a flammable liquid derived from crude oil through distillation. During the distillation process, crude oil is heated, and its components are separated based on their boiling points. This oil fuels light, heat, and power in various settings. Typically, it is non-viscous and transparent, making it perfect for many industries and situations.
Carbon and hydrogen atoms primarily compose this fuel. This makes it a stable liquid at room temperature. Kerosene has a low volatility, which means it is safer to handle and store than gasoline and diesel. This fuel is odorless at room temperature. However, it gives off a gas-like smell when burned. Like other fuels, it is insoluble in water, but it can be mixed with other petroleum solvents to create other compounds and fuels.
Uses of Kerosene
Kerosene is an incredibly versatile fuel source, finding applications in household and industrial work. In the home, it often provides heat and light. Some more rural or developing parts of the world may use kerosene stoves to cook their food. Kerosene stoves also provide a popular option for camping trips.
In more industrial settings, kerosene, in the form of Jet A or Jet A-1, is the primary fuel for aviation, giving enough power to airplanes and helicopters. This fuel is lightweight, energy-dense, and has a low freezing point, making it perfect for aviation, where energy efficiency and weight can make a massive difference in propulsion. In manufacturing, it is often mixed with other compounds to make a solvent. This oil can dissolve other oils and waxes, keeping machinery clear of build-up and gunk.
Kerosene’s widespread use across industrial, household, and recreational activities makes it one of the most common and dependable energy sources.
Safety Precautions
Though kerosene is generally safer to handle than many other fuels, there are several precautions you should take when handling and storing this flammable liquid.
- Keep fuel in clean, sealed containers.
- Store these containers in a dry, dark, temperature-regulated, and well-ventilated location.
- When handling the oil, keep it away from excessive heat and wear appropriate PPE to prevent lung and skin contact with the fuel.
10 Facts about Kerosene
Now that we’ve covered the basics, consider these interesting facts about one of the world’s most common fuel sources:
- Records of kerosene use date back to the ninth century.
- A Canadian physician and geologist named Abraham Gesner discovered modern kerosene in 1846. Not long after its discovery, it replaced whale oil as one of the most common household and industrial fuels.
- The invention of the kerosene lamp in 1853 contributed to the extension of workdays, as workers no longer had to rely on sunlight to illuminate their work.
- Kerosene is used in some agricultural settings as a pesticide.
- The boiling point of this fuel varies depending on pressure and can range from 302 degrees F to 572 degrees F.
- The use of kerosene drastically fell after the invention of electricity. However, it remains a popular fuel for rural and developing areas.
- Kerosene was the first kind of jet fuel, paving the way for the future of the aviation industry.
- “Kerosene” comes from the Greek word “keros,” meaning wax. This is likely because this fule was first used in lamps with wax wicks.
- This oil is less volatile than gasoline but more volatile than diesel fuel.
- In some developing countries, kerosene subsidies are offered to low-income families to ensure they can afford fuel to heat and light their homes.
Fuels with Bellman Oil
Are you looking for a kerosene, diesel, or other fuel supplier? Reach out to Bellman Oil today to learn more about our services!
