Fuel Oil
Fuel Oil cst 280
The intermediate 280 centistoke grade — a middle position between the handling ease of 180 and the economics of 380.
Fuel oil cst 280 has a maximum kinematic viscosity of 280 centistokes at 50 °C. It is the compromise grade: cheaper per tonne than 180, easier to handle than 380, and a common choice for plant whose heating and separation equipment was sized somewhere in between.
Typical applications
- Marine propulsion on medium and larger vessels
- Industrial boilers with adequate preheating capability
- Diesel power generation plant
- Large kilns and furnaces in heavy industry
- Blending component for producing on-specification 180 or 380 grades
Handling requirements
Storage temperature is typically 45 to 55 °C, with preheating to 100 to 120 °C for burner injection. Purification by centrifugal separator is required before combustion to remove water and abrasive solids, and separator throughput should be checked against the grade rather than assumed.
As with all residual fuels, keep a margin of at least 10 °C above the pour point in every line and tank, and drain tank bottoms on a routine schedule.
Combustion and emissions
Atomisation quality is the main determinant of clean combustion. Burner tips need to be maintained and the fuel delivered at the correct temperature and pressure; under-heated fuel atomises poorly and produces soot, unburnt carbon and higher particulate emissions. Sulphur content should be matched to the site emissions permit — we supply at 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3.5% depending on contract.
Typical specification
| Kinematic viscosity @ 50 °C | 280 cSt maximum |
|---|---|
| Density @ 15 °C | 991.0 kg/m³ maximum |
| Sulphur content | To contract — 0.5% to 3.5% |
| Flash point | 60 °C minimum |
| Pour point (summer) | 30 °C maximum |
| Water content | 0.5% v/v maximum |
| Carbon residue | 15% m/m maximum |
| Gross calorific value | Approximately 42.3 MJ/kg |
Values are indicative and given for guidance. Contract specification is agreed in writing and certified per batch on the certificate of analysis issued with each shipment.
