What is the typical trend of the heating value of fuel oil in relation to specific gravity?

The relationship between the heating value of fuel oil and its specific gravity typically shows an inverse relationship. This means that as the specific gravity of the fuel oil increases, its heating value tends to decrease.

Specific gravity is a measure of the density of a substance compared to the density of water. Fuels with higher specific gravities generally contain a greater proportion of heavier hydrocarbons, which often results in a lower energy content per unit mass when compared to lighter hydrocarbons found in fuels with lower specific gravities. Therefore, as you move from lighter fuel oils (lower specific gravity) to heavier fuel oils (higher specific gravity), the heating value—in terms of energy released per unit of weight—tends to decline.

This understanding is crucial for engineers and technicians in power engineering, as selecting fuel with the appropriate heating value not only affects efficiency but also influences combustion processes, emission levels, and overall equipment performance.