New York Low Pressure Boiler Certificate of Fitness (COF) Practice Test

Which type of heating can NOT be used for heating oil in storage tanks?

1. Low pressure hot water

2. Steam

3. Electric heaters

4. Ambient air heating

The correct answer is: Ambient air heating

Heating oil in storage tanks requires methods that maintain appropriate temperature and safety standards. Ambient air heating is not suitable for this purpose because it relies on the surrounding temperature, which can be too low to effectively warm the heating oil. This can result in the oil becoming too viscous to pump or use efficiently. In contrast, low pressure hot water, steam, and electric heaters provide controlled and reliable heating options that can warmth the oil effectively. These methods can maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring that the heating oil remains fluid and usable for operation. They are specifically designed to prevent issues associated with low temperatures, such as the risk of oil solidifying or becoming difficult to manage.