Is Kerosene Light Or Heavy Oil?

When it comes to fueling products, the difference between light and heavy oils is crucial. These comparisons help determine the various applications of these oils, from powering jet engines to heating homes.

Kerosene, a commonly used fuel, often finds itself at the centre of this debate. Is kerosene a light oil or a heavy oil?

In this blog, we will explore the properties, uses, and characteristics of Kerosene. This will help to improve your understanding of its place in the world of petroleum products.

 

What Is Kerosene Oil?

Kerosene, also known as paraffin oil, is a versatile and widely used petroleum product. Kerosene is obtained from crude oil through a refining process known as distillation.

The process separates crude oil into various fractions based on their boiling points, with kerosene falling within a specific range of temperatures.

 

Light vs Heavy Oils

To determine whether kerosene is a light or heavy oil, we need to understand the key differences between these two categories. The distinction mainly relies on two factors, molecular weight and boiling point.

 

Molecular Weight

Light oils have lower molecular weights, meaning their molecules are smaller and less complex. In contrast, heavy oils have higher molecular weights, with larger and more complex molecules.

 

Boiling Point

Light oils have lower boiling points, which means they vaporise at lower temperatures. Heavy oils, on the other hand, have higher boiling points and require higher temperatures to turn into vapour.

 

Is Kerosene A Light Oil?

Like regular heating oil, Kerosene is derived from crude oil but is considered a light fuel. Kerosene burns much hotter than heating oil, meaning that it can only be used in furnaces and equipment that are designed to handle hot temperatures.

Kerosene typically has a lower molecular weight compared to heavier oils like diesel or crude oil. Its smaller and less complex molecules make it relatively lighter in comparison.

Kerosene has a lower boiling point in comparison to many heavy fuels. This further supports its classification as a light fuel.

 

Is Kerosene A Heavy Oil?

Kerosene may be considered a light fuel when compared to heavier fuel products. However, the fuel is not as light as natural gas or gasoline. In the spectrum of petroleum products, kerosene falls somewhere in the middle.

Its molecular weight and boiling point are higher than those of gasoline but lower than those of diesel or crude oil. Therefore, Kerosene can also be classified as a heavy oil when compared to lighter fuels.

 

Kerosene’s Applications

The classification of kerosene as a light or heavy oil depends on the context in which it is being compared. In some cases, it may be considered a light oil, whereas it also may be seen as heavy in other comparisons.

This versatility is one of the reasons why kerosene is used in a wide range of applications. Let’s explore some of Kerosene’s diverse applications.

 

Jet Fuel

Kerosene is a primary component of aviation jet fuel. In this context, it is considered a relatively light oil because it is lighter than diesel fuel, which is used in most commercial vehicles.

Due to having a lower freezing point than regular gas oil and gasoline, further makes Kerosene a much more compatible and preferred choice for jets.

 

Heating Oil

Kerosene is also commonly used as a heating fuel in homes and businesses. In this application, it can be considered a heavy oil compared to natural gas or electricity, which are lighter and cleaner-burning options for heating.

 

Lamp Fuel

Kerosene is known to be a common fuel for lamps. Kerosene lamps are simple and efficient sources of lighting in areas where electricity may not be accessible or during power outages.

However, it is important to handle kerosene with care, as it is flammable and can pose safety hazards if not used properly.

 

Diesel Engines

Kerosene Oil can be used in diesel engines to an extent but isn’t fully compatible. Diesel engines are designed to run on diesel fuel meaning that Kerosene would require certain properties in order to be compatible with a diesel engine.

 

The Adaptability of Kerosene Oil

The classification of kerosene as a light or heavy oil depends on the context in which it is being compared.

When compared to products such as gasoline or natural gas, kerosene can be seen as a heavier oil due to its higher molecular weight and boiling point. However, when compared to diesel fuel or crude oil, it appears to be lighter.

The flexible nature of kerosene makes it a valuable petroleum product with a wide range of applications, from aviation to heating. Its ability to straddle the line between light and heavy oils allows it to adapt to different uses and industries.

 

Kerosene Oil At Pleavin Petroleum

Pleavin Petroleum is a reliable and efficient 24/7 emergency fuel provider that offers a same-day delivery service once an order has been placed.

The team aims to ensure that customers are fully satisfied with their purchase and the services we offer here at Pleavin Petroleum.

If you are looking to purchase Kerosene oil, make Pleavin Petroleum your first choice fuel provider. You can purchase cost-effective and efficient Kerosene Oil by visiting our product and service pages.

To find out more, contact a member of our team – we are always happy to help.