Definition

Noun: * A heavy, viscous oil that remains as a residue after the more volatile components (like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel) have been distilled from crude petroleum. It is also known as fuel oil or resid.

Usage

• "Residual oil" is a technical term used primarily in the petroleum and energy industries.
• It refers to the leftover, less refined fraction from the crude oil refining process.
• This substance is typically used as fuel for large industrial boilers, power plants, and ships.

Examples

• The power station switched from coal to burning residual oil.
• After distillation, the residual oil is further processed into asphalt or other heavy products.
• The price of residual oil often fluctuates with industrial demand.

Advanced Usage

• In economic and energy reports, "residual oil" is often discussed in the context of fuel switching and emissions, as it is a heavier, more polluting fuel compared to natural gas or distillates.

Variants and Related Words

• Fuel Oil: A common synonym, especially for the grades used in heating and large engines.
• Resid (or Residuum): An abbreviated, industry-specific term for residual oil.
• Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO): Another synonym emphasizing its high viscosity and density.
• Asphalt and Bitumen: Some residual oils are further processed into these paving and waterproofing materials.

Synonyms

• Fuel oil
• Heavy fuel oil (HFO)
• Resid
• Residuum

Antonyms

• Distillate: Refers to the lighter, more refined products (e.g., gasoline, diesel) separated during distillation, as opposed to the residual bottom product.

Noun

1. oil products that remain after petroleum has been distilled