EHSQL(Environment,Health,Safety , Quality & Laboratory) Technical services: Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS)

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS)

Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS) is a residual fuel processed from indigenous crude. This fuel is in lieu of FO in the same applications where furnace oil is suitable.

The main difference with LSHS and FO is in the form of higher pour point, higher calorific value and lower sulphur content in LSHS. Presently it conforms to IS:11489-1985 grade I(enclosed).

As this fuel has higher pour point than that of FO it requires special handling arrangements. LSHS is handled hot at all stages and is maintained at 75^OC. Special care is also taken so that no 'boil over' of the product takes place in the storage tank.

Sulphur Content - The main advantage in the use of LSHS lies in its low sulphur content. The life of equipment used is extended since the extent of corrosion both at high and at low temperature, is reduced very much. Apart from that, it is also advantageous from the environmental pollution point of view. Because it will emit lesser quantity of sulphur dioxide.

Calorific Value - The gross calorific value of LSHS is more than that of Furnace oil. So, the consumption of fuel oil will be reduced with the usage of LSHS.

Viscosity - LSHS is a low viscosity fuel oil at handling temperature when compared with Furnace oil. It is measured at 100^OC.

Conforms to IS 1459 :1974 Reaffirmed 2001 Specifications for Kerosene

Safety Information :

Reactivity Data - Chemically stable and incompatible with strong oxidizers. Does not React vigorously with common materials but can react with oxidizing agents
Health Hazard Data - Routes of entry may be through inhalation/ ingestion/ skin/ eye.

Effects of Exposure /Symptoms :

Ingestion may cause spontaneous vomiting, irritation of mouth throat and gastro intestinal tract.

On prolonged exposure it makes skin dry, erythema oil acne, development of warty growths which may lead to skin cancer, skin cracking and contact dermitites. As it is handled at elevated temperatures, skin contact could produce burns.

On exposure to eye it may cause light to moderate irritation.

Ingested , do not induce vomiting as it may lead to chemical pneumonitis. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash affected area with water and soap. If eyes are affected, irrigate liberally with copious amounts of water and seek medical advice

Emergency Treatment :

Inhalation - remove victim to fresh air. Give artificial respiration if necessary.

Ingestion - do not induce vomiting. Paraffin olive oil or some other vegetable oil may be given orally to retord absorption of Kerosene.

Gastric damage and induction and vomiting not advisable because of the possibility of the development of chemical from acpission peneumonia of Kerosene

Handling and Storage Precaution :

Avoid contact with liquid or vapours. To use gumboots while handling the product.

The fire fighting media to be used is foam, DCP/CO2.

Specification of LSHS :

Sr.No	Characteristics	Requirements Grade 1	Test Method [P:] of IS:1448
1	Pour point, ^OC, Max	66	[P:10]
2	Flash point, (PMCC), ^OC, Min	76	[P:21]
3	Kinematic viscosity, mm2/s at 100OC, Max	To be reported	[P :25]
4	Sp. Gravity at 15^OC	To be reported	[P:32]
5	Gross calorific value, cal/ gm	To be reported	[P:6]
6	Acidity, Inorganic	Nil	[P:2]
7	Ash, % by Mass, Max	0.1	[P:4] Method A
8	Sediment, % by mass, Max	0.25	[P:30]
9	Sulphur, total, % by mass, Max	1.0	[P:33]
10	Water content, % v/v, Max	1.0	[P:40]