LVFO is a low viscosity fuel oil. low viscosity fuel oil is a marine fuel oil. In certain refinery configurations, residual fuel may be produced straight from atmospheric distillation instead of normal catalytic cracking streams. As a result, this marine fuel oil is typically of a higher quality but the viscosity may be significantly below 380 cSt.
Specification of low viscosity fuel oil (lvfo)
Density – lvfo comes higher volumes for the same mass with lower density. Boiler user can avoid unnecessary heating of the service tanks.
The calorific value – The calorific value of straight run fuel is typically higher than the average residual fuels by weight. due to the reduced density, the calorific value by volume will be lower.
Viscosity – since the viscosity is reduced, the marine fuel oil will require reduced heating. consideration must be given to the fact that the actual operating temperatures may be higher, further reducing the viscosity. Steam tracing may need to be shut off.
Flash point – no storage or handling issues ought to be anticipated. typical flash point ought to be in the range of 70 to 80 degrees C. The air-fuel ratio may need to be adjusted for optimum combustion. consideration ought to be given where waste heat boilers are fitted to ensure sufficient dumping capacity in the steam plant.
| SRL CHARACTERISTIC | TEST METHOD | TEST RESULTS |
| DENSITY AT 15/15°C | P 16 | 956.7 |
| FLASH POINT [PENSKY MARTENS (CLOSED)] | P 21 | 84 |
| SEDIMENT | P 30 | 0.060 |
| WATER CONTENT | P 40 | 0.20 |
| SULPHUR TOTAL | P 33 | 3.48 |
| KINEMATIC VISCOSITY @ 50°C for LV | P 25 | 61.721 |
