Is Pyrolysis Oil Light or Heavy: What Is the Difference?

Pyrolysis oil is a product obtained from the thermal decomposition of organic materials at high temperatures under anaerobic conditions. Due to its potential applications across various industries, it has attracted great interest. One common question is: Is pyrolysis oil classified as light oil or heavy oil? Please read on.

Is Pyrolysis Oil Light or Heavy Oil

How to Distinguish Light Oil or Heavy Oil?

To determine whether pyrolysis oil from pyrolysis machine is classified as light or heavy, it is essential to understand the characteristics of these two types of oils:

Types Light Oil Heavy Oil
Density (kg/m³) Low High
Viscosity (cP) Low High
Boiling Point (°C) Low High
Fluidity Good Poor
Volatility High Low
Common Applications Transportation fuel, chemical feedstocks and solvents, etc. Industrial fuels for power generation, boiler fuels, etc.
Examples Gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, light diesel, etc. Diesel, heavy fuel oil, asphalt, residuum, etc.

 

Light Oil
Light Oil
Heavy Oil
Heavy Oil

 

Is Pyrolysis Oil Considered Light Oil or Heavy Oil?

The composition and characteristics of pyrolysis oil can vary depending on the feedstock used (waste tyres, waste plastics) and the specific conditions of the pyrolysis process. Here analyze the general characteristics exhibited by pyrolysis oil from tyre/oil sludge/plastic pyrolysis machine.

  • Density and Viscosity: Compared to light oils, pyrolysis oil generally has higher density and viscosity. This is due to its complex mixture of high molecular weight compounds, such as phenols and heavy hydrocarbons. Therefore, pyrolysis oil can exhibit characteristics more akin to heavy oils.
  • Boiling Point: Pyrolysis oil has a wide range of boiling points, with many of its components boiling at higher temperatures. This is more characteristic of heavy oils.
  • Applications: Pyrolysis oil contains both light and heavy oil fractions, making it versatile. The light fractions allow it to be used as a feedstock for refining lighter fuels such as gasoline or diesel. Its heavy fractions make it suitable for use as an industrial fuel in boilers and power plants.

In summary, due to its higher density, viscosity, and boiling point, pyrolysis oil typically has characteristics closer to heavy oil. However, its diverse chemical composition and potential applications mean it cannot be exclusively classified as light or heavy oil. Instead, it represents a unique type of oil that fills the gap between light and heavy oils depending on its specific properties and intended uses. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for optimizing its applications and enhancing its performance in various industrial processes.

    Contact Us

    The following items will help you identify key information about your project, which will enable us to work on a competitive solution proposal.

    Please specify your requirement by referring to the following aspects:

    1. What kind of solution will meet your demand? (Key point)

    2. What kind of material and expected end product are you planning to have?

    3. When is the project supposed to be running? (Key info for A-Z project programming)

    4. Budget for machinery purchasing? (Key info for right model)

    5. Points that you really focus on. (Customized service from our project consultant)