Basic oil notes

 

🔧 Oil Heating Basics – Quick Reference Guide

🔥 Fuel Types & Heat Content

• #1 Fuel Oil: ~135,000 BTU per gallon

• #2 Fuel Oil: ~140,000 BTU per gallon

• LP Gas (Propane): ~91,000 BTU per gallon

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💡 Key System Specs & Tips

🔥 Oil Pump & Nozzle

• Typical pump pressure: 140–150 PSI

• Nozzles are rated at 100 PSI

  • Increasing pressure while using a de-rated nozzle improves atomization and ignition

🧯 Safety: Fuel Flash Point

• #2 Fuel Oil Flash Point: 126°F

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🌬 Draft & Airflow Settings

1. Overdraft (between heat exchanger and barometric damper):

• Target: -0.04" WC

• Set using the counterweight on the barometric damper

2. Overfire Draft (inside heat exchanger):

• Target: -0.02" WC

• Adjust using air bands on the burner

3. Excess Air:

• Goal: 30% at steady state

4. Oxygen Level:

• Maintain between 4%–7%

5. Stack Temperature:

• Normal range: 325°F–600°F

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🛠 Pump Diagnostics & Setup

✅ Pump Pressure Test:

• Use a gauge to raise pressure to 160–170 PSI

• Slowly reduce to 80 PSI

  • The needle should move smoothly (no skipping or stuttering) — indicates piston is working properly

⛔️ Oil Shutoff Test:

• Pressure drop should be no more than 20% (e.g., from 100 PSI to no less than 80 PSI)

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🔄 Single vs. Two-Pipe Systems

System Type	1-Stage Pump Vacuum	2-Stage Pump Vacuum
Single Pipe	6” Hg	6” Hg
Two Pipe	12” Hg	17” Hg

• Use 2-stage pumps for:

  • Long runs

  • Lifts over 6 feet vertically

🧮 Rule of Thumb (Vacuum Calculation):

• 1 ft vertical lift = 1" Hg vacuum

• 10 ft horizontal run = 1" Hg vacuum

Note: Only install the bypass plug in the pump for two-pipe applications.