How does sulfur content affect the quality of fuel oil?
Sulfur content has a negative impact on the quality of fuel oil; the higher the sulfur content, the poorer the quality.
When high-sulfur fuel oil is burned in the furnaces of steam or hot-water boilers, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is produced. Upon contact with the damp surfaces of water economizers and air preheaters, this gas converts into sulfurous acid (H2SO3), which corrodes and damages these components.
As a result, the economizers and air preheaters fail prematurely.
Furthermore, sulfur dioxide—carried up the chimney along with the flue gases—pollutes the air and causes harm to vegetation.
