Crude oil and heavy oil are two different forms of petroleum products used in different applications and sectors of the economy. Here are the main differences between them:
Definition and origin
Crude oil
Definition: Crude oil is naturally occurring, unprocessed petroleum extracted directly from the ground or from offshore fields.
Origin: It is formed by the decomposition of organic material under high pressure and temperatures over millions of years.
Heavy fuel oil (HFO)
Definition: Heavy oil is a residual product that results from the refining of crude oil. It is denser and viscous than other oils.
Origin: It is produced by breaking down crude oil in a refinery and extracting different products. Heavy oil is what remains after the lighter fractions such as gasoline, diesel and kerosene are removed.
Properties
Crude oil
Composition: A complex mixture of hydrocarbons, sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen, metals and other impurities.
Viscosity: Varies from light to heavy, depending on the type of crude oil (e.g. light or heavy crude).
Colour: Can vary from almost clear to dark brown or black.
Heavy oil
Composition: Contains high concentrations of sulphur, metals and other impurities. It is usually thicker and has a higher ash content.
Viscosity: Very high, often needs to be heated before use to improve fluidity.
Colour: Usually dark brown to black.
Uses
Crude oil
Uses: Used as a feedstock in refineries to produce various products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil and petrochemical products.
Industrial applications: Crude oil is also used directly in some industrial applications, particularly in the chemical industry and producing of energy.
Heavy fuel oil
Uses: Mainly as fuel for large ships, power plants and industrial boilers.
Special applications: Due to its high viscosity and low cost, heavy fuel oil is often used in applications where fuel costs are a critical factor, such as shipping or producing of energy.
Summary
In summary, crude oil is a versatile, naturally occurring oil that yields a wide range of products, while heavy oil is a dense, refined product used for specific applications, primarily in power plants, shipping and industry.
Both oils have similar properties and require similar auxiliary systems for processing, such as pumps, filtration, hot water stations or steam generators to bring the oil to certain operating temperatures, etc. It is particularly important to consider at the beginning of the design whether the flash point of the oils creates a hazardous area and therefore an explosion-prove design is necessary.
Gravimetric Unloading (site)
Tank farm with interconnecting piping
Pump house (site)
Prefabricated modules (skids) in our workshop
