Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

What does a higher viscosity in fuel oil indicate about its handling characteristics?

1. It flows more easily

2. It requires more energy to pump

3. It ignites at lower temperatures

4. It burns cleaner

The correct answer is: It requires more energy to pump

A higher viscosity in fuel oil indicates that the oil is thicker and more resistant to flow. This characteristic directly impacts handling, especially during pumping operations. When the viscosity is increased, the oil's resistance to movement rises, meaning that more energy must be expended to pump it through pipelines and equipment. In practical terms, higher viscosity fuels can lead to increased wear and tear on pumps and may require more powerful pumping systems to ensure consistent fuel delivery. This is why option B is accurate; thicker oils require more energy due to their dense nature, making them harder to move through the system effectively. The other options do not directly relate to viscosity characteristics. For example, fuel that flows more easily would indicate lower viscosity, while ignition temperature and combustion cleanliness are influenced more by chemical composition and combustion technology rather than solely by the viscosity of the fuel.