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Industrial heating oil Q&A: how to beat cold weather, the right way

Many businesses are accustomed to using gas oil/red diesel for their industrial heating needs. But what many do not realise is that there is a more cost effective and more efficient alternative to gas oil that is readily available as a drop-in heating solution, whether at the construction site, leisure facilities or the farm.

In fact, it may seem surprising to find out that a product so convenient is within such easy reach. With that in mind, here are the key questions our customers are asking about industrial heating oil and its diverse benefits.

What is industrial heating oil?

Industrial heating oil – available through Certas Energy under the brand name Therma35 – is a highly cost-efficient drop-in alternative to conventional Ultra Low Sulphur Class A2 gas oil/red diesel. Because it complies with government regulations for use in a range of commercial and non-commercial heating applications, it is already a highly popular solution across various sectors.

What can industrial heating oil be used for?

Industrial heating oil can be used for any heating purposes where gas oil would otherwise be used, without any modifications to equipment or machinery. It is restricted to use in heating applications only, and cannot be used for powering mobile or stationery plant or machinery. However, the heating applications Therma35 has to offer are diverse, including:
– Space heating and central heating; for example in apartment blocks, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and site cabins
– Drying and industrial heating; for example in an agricultural context. This includes use in grain driers on farms, as well as for metal processing and tarmac manufacture
– Industrial boiler plant; powering various heat-related treatments that are required at food and beverage manufacture facilities, abattoirs, dairies, distilleries and animal feed mills.

Why is industrial heating oil less expensive than gas oil?

Gas oil must contain specific levels of cetane in order to be suitable for use in modern diesel engines. Because Therma35 is only permitted for use in heating applications, there is no need for the costly addition of cetane and no requirement for expensive sulphur removal. So, the answer is simple: industrial heating oil is more cost-efficient to produce, while still remaining completely compliant. It also offers better value for every-day use, because industrial heating oil burns more slowly than standard gas oil.

The rules around the applications that gas oil/red diesel can be used for are changing in April 2022: click here to find out more

What are the other benefits of using industrial heating oil?

An important benefit of Therma35 is its stability and efficiency. Industrial heating oil is a winter-grade solution with a long shelf-life that is safe to store all year round, because it contains zero bio content. That means companies can stock up in advance to ensure they are well-prepared when a cold snap hits, without worrying about spoilage due to microbial content, interruption or waxing. “Waxing” refers to the build-up of wax crystals in fuel that can clog pipes and therefore may lead to equipment failure.

Getting ready and stocking up in time for winter is especially important when it comes to heating oil: a sudden drop in temperature due to a lack of supply may not only disrupt production, but it can also severely damage equipment or even structures in the event of a burst pipe.

How will transitioning to industrial heating oil impact my business?

The great news is that switching over to Therma35 is incredibly simple. It is a drop-in alternative that is entirely miscible with red diesel. That means it is not necessary to clean out or empty your gas oil tank before topping up with Therma35. It is important to remember, though, that since Therma35 is only permitted for heating applications, it should only be mixed with gas oil that is intended exclusively for heating.

How can my business make the switch to industrial heating oil?

Certas Energy is here to help customers fuel a more efficient, successful future for their business. Therma35 and kerosene are both readily available as part of an extensive portfolio of fuels, lubricants, additives and heating oils – everything customers need to keep their farm or business moving, the right way. As the UK’s largest fuel distributor, Certas Energy has the unrivalled infrastructure to deliver regular supply of high-quality industrial heating oil in large quantities, serving customers across sectors and throughout the whole UK.

Get in touch today for a personalised quote and discover how Therma35 can save your business money over winter, for years to come.

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