Background of the Invention The present invention provides a fuel oil. A variety of fuel oils are presently commercially available. Many such fuel oils have been used in the past, but they do not meet the desired combination of heating value, low sulfur emissions and economy. Such fuel oils have been used as either fuel additives, or they have some combination of properties that do not meet environmental guidelines while also being an economical fuel.

The inventive compositions produce a fuel oil that achieves a heating value that is greater than a #2 grade fuel oil by itself. The inventive compositions may also have a lower pour point relative to a #2 grade fuel oil.

Summary of the Invention In a first embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition that consists essentially of: (a) a #1 grade fuel oil or a #2 grade fuel oil, and (b) a #6 grade fuel oil.

In a second embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition produced by mixing two components in

a single mixing tank, wherein one component is a #1 grade fuel oil or a #2 grade fuel oil and the other component is a #6 grade fuel oil, thereby producing the composition of the first embodiment.

In a third embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of a blend of: (a) kerosene or #2 oil, and (b) #6 oil or its equivalent, where the sulfur content of the fuel oil is between approximately 0.2 and 0.6 percent by weight, the flash point is above approximately 130°F and the pour point is below approximately-0°F.

Detailed Description of the Invention Fuel oils may be described in a variety of ways known to the skilled artisan. For example, fuel oils may be described in terms of physical properties that include, but are not limited to boiling range, flash point, viscosity, heat output/value/content/energy and sulfur content. These physical properties may be provided by the manufacturer or determined independently by the consumer.

Alternatively, fuel oils may be described in terms of the grade that is assigned by The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM has standardized the grades of fuel oils to five basic grades, designated as

Nos. 1,2, 4,5, and 6. Grades Nos. 4 and 5 are subdivided into light and heavy. See for example, ASTM Spec D 396 and Spec D 975, which are published regularly in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.

For the most part, the designations used to describe the fuel oils used in the preferred embodiments of the present invention are the accepted ASTM designations for fuel oils. Some of the characteristics of #1 grade fuel oil, #2 grade fuel oil and #6 grade fuel oil are described in Chart 1, below, which is taken from a previously published ASTM Spec D 396. In some cases, particularly in the exemplary compositions discussed below, the fuel oils are described in terms of, inter alia, boiling range, flash point, viscosity, heat output and sulfur content; some physical properties that have either been determined by the inventor or are provided by the manufacturer.

Chart 1 Grade of Fuel oil 2 6 Grade description Distillate Distillate Preheating oil intended oil for required for for general handling and vaporizing purpose burning pot-type heating for burners use in requiring burners not this grade requiring #1 of fuel fuel oil Specific gravity, 0.8499 (35 0.8762 (30- 60/60°F (deg API), max min) min) Flash point °C (°F) 38 (100) 38 (100) 60 (140) min Pour point°C (°F) min-18 (0)-6 (20)- Kinematic viscosity mm2/s (cSt) Art 38 C 1.4 2. 0- (100 °F) min max 2.2 3. 6- At 40 °C 1.3 1. 9- (104 °F) min max 2.1 3. 4- At 50 °C-->92 (122 °F) min max--63. 8 Distillation temperature °C (°F) 10% Point max 215 (420)-- 90% Point min-282 (540)- max 288 (550) 338 (640)- Sulfur content, mass, 0.5 0. 5- max

Thus, in one aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of :, (a) a #1 grade fuel oil or a #2 grade fuel oil, and (b) a #6 grade fuel oil.

In a preferred embodiment the #1 grade fuel oil is kerosene and the #2 grade fuel oil is #2 oil. Jet fuel may also be used as a #1 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the #6 grade fuel oil is #6 oil.

#2 grade fuel oil, as used herein, is also known in the art as #2 fuel, #2 oil, #2 fuel oil, #2 heating oil, #2 diesel fuel and #2 diesel. #6 grade fuel oil is also known in the art as #6 oil, #6 fuel, #6 fuel oil, Bunker C oil, Bunker C, Bunker 6 oil, Bunker 6, residual oil, heavy oil and heavy fuel oil.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 80% by weight, from about 35 to about 75% by weight, from about 40 to about 70% by weight, from about 50 to about 70% by weight, from about 40 to about 65% by weight, from about 60 to about 75% by weight, or from about 60 to about 70% by weight of a #1 grade fuel oil. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 50 to about 70% by weight of a #1 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil

composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 60 to about 70% by weight of a #1 grade fuel oil.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 80% by volume, from about 35 to about 75% by volume, from about 40 to about 70% by volume, from about 50 to about 70% by volume, from about 40 to about 65% by volume, from about 60 to about 75% by volume, or from about 60 to about 70% by volume of a #1 grade fuel oil. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 50 to about 70% by volume of a #1 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 60 to about 70% by volume of a #1 grade fuel oil.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 80% by weight, from about 35 to about 75% by weight, from about 40 to about 70% by weight, from about 50 to about 70% by weight, from about 40 to about 65% by weight, from about 60 to about 75% by weight, or from about 60 to about 70% by weight of a #2 grade fuel oil. In a preferred embodiment, the

invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 50 to about 70% by weight of a #2 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 60 to about 70% by weight of a #2 grade fuel oil.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 80% by volume, from about 35 to about 75% by volume, from about 40 to about 70% by volume, from about 50 to about 70% by volume, from about 40 to about 65% by volume, from about 60 to about 75% by volume, or from about 60 to about 70% by volume of a #2 grade fuel oil. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 50 to about 70% by volume of a #2 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 60 to about 70% by volume of a #2 grade fuel oil.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 20 to about 70% by weight, from about 25 to about 65% by weight, from about 30 to about

60% by weight, from about 30 to about 50% by weight, from about 35 to about 60% by weight, from about 25 to about 40% by weight, or from about 30 to about 40% by weight of #6 grade fuel oil. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 50% by weight of a #6 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 40% by weight of a #6 grade fuel oil.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 20 to about 70% by volume, from about 25 to about 65% by volume, from about 30 to about 60% by volume, from about 30 to about 50% by volume, from about 35 to about 60% by volume, from about 25 to about 40% by volume, more from about 30 to about 40% by weight of #6 grade fuel oil. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 50% by volume of a #6 grade fuel oil. In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition, wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 30 to about 50% by volume of a #6 grade fuel oil.

In yet another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of from about 60 to about 70% by volume of a #1 grade fuel oil or a #2 grade fuel oil and from about 30 to about 40% by volume of a #6 grade fuel oil.

In yet another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of from about 60 to about 70% by weight of a #1 grade fuel oil or a #2 grade fuel oil and from about 30 to about 40% by weight of a #6 grade fuel oil.

In still another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of from about 50 to about 70% by volume of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade fuel oil and from about 30 to about 50% by volume #6 grade fuel oil.

In still another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of from about 50 to about 70% by weight of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade fuel oil and from about 30 to about 50% by weight #6 grade fuel oil.

In other aspects, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of 66% of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade oil by volume and 34% of a #6 grade oil by volume.

In other aspects, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of 66% of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade oil by weight and 34% of a #6 grade oil by weight.

In another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of 57% of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade oil by volume and 43% of a #6 grade oil by volume.

In another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of 57% of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade oil by weight and 43% of a #6 grade oil by weight.

In still another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of 63% of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade oil by volume and 37% of a #6 grade oil by volume.

In still another aspect, the fuel oil composition consists essentially of 63% of a #1 grade fuel oil or of a #2 grade oil by weight and 37% of a #6 grade oil by weight.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition produced by mixing two components in a single mixing tank, where one component is a #1 grade fuel oil or a #2 grade fuel oil and the other component is a #6 grade fuel oil.

The sulfur content of the fuel oil per unit weight of the composition of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is from about 0.0 to about 2.0% by weight, from about 0.0 to about 0. 3% by weight, from about 0.0 to about 0. 6% by weight, from about 0.0 to about 0. 5% by weight, from about 0.05 to about 0. 5% by weight, from about 0.05 to about 0. 3% by weight, from

about 0. 05 to about 0.6 from about 0.3 to about 0. 5% by- weight, or from about 0.3 to about 0.6% by weight.

The flash point of the fuel oil composition of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is above approximately 100°F, above approximately 110°F, above approximately 120°F, or above approximately 130°F.

The pour point of the fuel oil composition of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is below approximately 0°F, approximately below-5°F, approximately below-10°F, approximately below-15°F, approximately below-20°F, approximately below-25°F, or approximately below-30°F. In some cases, the pour point of the fuel oil composition of the preferred embodiments of the present invention may be approximately below- 60°F.

The calculated and/or the actual heating value (net and/or gross) of the fuel oil composition of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is approximately between 17,000-24, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 17,000-22, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 17,000-20, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 17,000-19, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 17,000-18, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 18,000-24, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 18,000-22, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 18,000-20, 000 BTU/lb;

approximately between 18, 000-19, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 19,000-24, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 19,000-22, 000 BTU/lb; approximately between 19, 000-20, 000 BTU/lb ; approximately between 20,000-24, 000 BTU/lb; or approximately between 20,000-. 22,000 BTU/lb.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a blended mixture of either kerosene or #2 oil and #6 oil.

In some cases, it may be desirable, but not necessary, that the kerosene have a sulfur content of approximately 0.065% by weight; and that the #2 oil have a sulfur content of 0. 021% by weight.

For the purposes hereof, kerosene, #2 oil and #6 oil may generally be described in terms of, for example, boiling range, flash point, viscosity, heat output and sulfur content.

Kerosene may have a boiling range of from an initial boiling point of about 150°F to an ending point of about 572°F. Kerosene may also have a flash point range of about from 38.7 to 65. 5°C, a kinematic viscosity of about 1.9 cSt at 40°C, and a calculated heating value of about 18,500 BTU/pound. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the heating value may also be expressed in terms of BTU per unit volume. Further, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the observed/actual heating value may be

different than the calculated value. Kerosene may have a sulfur content of approximately 0.0% to 0. 2%, by weight.

#2 oil may have a boiling range of from an initial boiling point of about 175°F to an ending point of about 690°F. #2 oil may also have a flash point of about 110 to 190°C, a kinematic viscosity of about 3 cSt at 37. 7°C, and a calculated heating value of about 18, 300 BTU/pound.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that the heating value may also be expressed in terms of BTU per unit volume. Again, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the observed/actual heating value may be different than the calculated value. #2 oil may have a sulfur content of approximately 0. 2% to 0.5%, or approximately 0. 2% to 0.6% by weight.

#6 oil may have a boiling range of from an initial boiling point of about 200°F to an ending point greater than about 1000°F. #6 oil may also have a flash point of over about 150°F, a kinematic viscosity of about 92 to 530 cSt at 122°F, a pour point of about 55°F, and a calculated heating value of about 17,600 BTU/pound. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the heating value may also be expressed in terms of BTU per unit volume.

Further, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the observed/actual heating value may be different than the calculated value. #6 oil may have a sulfur content of approximately 0.25% to 2.0% by weight.

The skilled artisan will recognize that the aforementioned values for boiling range, flash point, viscosity, heat output and sulfur content are approximate and may or may not overlap exactly with the values given in Chart 1 for #1 grade fuel oil, #2 grade fuel oil and #6 grade fuel oil. In addition, the skilled artisan will recognize that viscosity may be expressed in terms of the kinematic viscosity or, for example, in terms of the Saybolt viscosity (Universal or Furol).

In one aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of about 50 to 70% kerosene by volume and 30 to 50% #6 oil by volume. A more preferred embodiment of the present invention is a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of approximately 60% and not more than 70% kerosene by volume with approximately 40% and not less than 30% #6 oil by volume.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of about 50 to 70% #2 oil by volume with 30 to 50% #6 oil. A more preferred embodiment of the present invention is a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of approximately 60% and not more than 70% #2 oil by volume with approximately 40% and not less than 30% #6 oil by volume.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of kerosene

in an amount of approximately 60 to 70% by weight and #6 oil in an amount of approximately 30-40% by weight.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a fuel oil composition consisting essentially of kerosene in an amount of approximately 60 to 70% by volume and #6 oil in an amount of approximately 30-40% by volume.

The #1 grade fuel oil and/or the #2 grade fuel oil and/or the #6 grade fuel oils used to prepare the compositions of the preferred embodiments of the present invention may be individually analyzed to determine the quality of each material. The skilled artisan will recognize that the fuel oils may then be mixed in ratios.

The ratio of each component may be optionally adjusted to achieve a desired sulfur content and heating value. For example, the percentage of each fuel oil may be adjusted to achieve a sulfur content of about from 0.2% to 0.6% by weight, and a calculated heating value of about from 17,000 to 19,000 BTU/pound. Preferably, the fuel oils are intimately mixed to achieve a homogeneous composition. The homogenization process may be achieved by circulating the mixture for about 24 hours. After the time period of mixing, samples of the composition may optionally be removed and analyzed to determine the quality of the product. If the product meets specifications (e. g. , sulfur content, viscosity and

heating value), it may be released to holding tanks or to trucks for sale.

For example, a composition of 66% kerosene and 34% #6 oil, by volume, may have a sulfur content of 0. 5%, by weight, and an API gravity at 60°F of 30.6. Another exemplary composition of 57% kerosene and 43% #6 oil, by volume, may have a sulfur content of 0. 46% by weight and an API gravity at 60°F of 28.5. Yet another exemplary composition of 63% #2 oil and 37% #6 oil, by volume, may have a sulfur content of 0.44% by weight and an API gravity at 60°F of 28.7.

Table 1 shows exemplary average values for sulfur content and heating value based upon average values of #6 oil and kerosene in accordance with the composition of the present invention.

TABLE 1 FUEL OIL # 6 OIL KEROSENE COMPOSITION FLASH POINT (°F)-112 130 KINEMATIC VISCOSITY (cSt) AT 50°C 223 4.863 4.15 SULFUR (WT %) 1.29 0.065 0.5 API GRAVITY AT 60°F 12.1 42.6 30.6 POUR POINT--BELOW - 30°F ASH (WT %) 0. 03-0. 02 CALCULATED HEATING No Result VALUE, GROSS, BTU/LB 18456 Recorded 19236 CALCULATED HEATING VALUE, NET, BTU/LB 17546 18519 18105 Table 2 shows exemplary average values for sulfur content and heating value based upon average values of # 6 oil and #2 oil in accordance with the composition of the present invention.

TABLE 2 FUEL OIL # 6 OIL #2 OIL COMPOSITION FLASH POINT (°F) 194 188 186 KINEMATIC VISCOSITY (cSt) AT 50°C 457 2.922 13.2 SULFUR (WT %) 1.02 0.021 0.46 API GRAVITY AT 60°F 15 39. 4 27. 8 POUR POINT---15°F ASH (WT %) 0.04 0.004 0.04 CALCULATED HEATING VALUE, GROSS, BTU/LB 18639 19725 19124 CALCULATED HEATING VALUE, NET, BTU/LB 17610 18492 18011 Table 3 illustrates exemplary analyses for a number of sample compositions of #6 oil and kerosene. These analyses were taken from different production lots. As can be seen, the sulfur content by weight varied from a minimum of 0.42 to a maximum of 0.5. The calculated heating value (net) varied from about 18,000 to 18,100 BTU/pound.

TABLE 3 SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE 1 2 3 4 5 API GRAVITY AT 60°F. 30.6 28.8 26.1 28 29.9 FLASH POINT (°F) 130 136 148 150 190 SULFUR (WT %) 0. 5 0.42 0.5 0.46 0.48 ASH (WT %) 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 POUR POINT BELOW BELOW BELOW BELOW (°F)-30°F-30°F-30°F-15°F-6°F CALCULATED HEATING VALUE BTU/LB (NET) 18105 18092 18057 18018 18047 CALCULATED HEATING VALUE BTU/LB (GROSS) 19236 19214 19196 19131 19178 KINEMATIC VISCOSITY (cSt) AT 50°C 4.15 6.12 8.01 10.1 7.7 Table 4 illustrates exemplary analyses for a number of sample compositions of #6 oil and #2 oil. These analyses were taken from different production lots. As can be seen, the sulfur content by weight varied from a minimum of 0.44 to a maximum of 0.46. The calculated heating value varied from about 17,979 to about 18,077 BTU/pound.

TABLE 4 SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE 1 2 3 4 5 API GRAVITY AT 60°F 26.9 27.8 29.6 28.7 28.3 FLASH POINT (°F) 160 186 174 188 165 SULFUR (WT %) 0. 46 0.46 0.45 0. 44 0.47 ASH (WT %) 0.025 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.02 POUR POINT (°F)-22°F-15°F-5°F-21°F-18°F CALCULATED HEATING VALUE BTU/LB (NET) 17979 18011 18077 18054 18028 CALCULATED HEATING VALUE BTU/LB (GROSS) 19083 19124 19199 19176 19150 KINEMATIC VISCOSITY (cSt) AT 50°C 9.38 13.2 9.23 10.22 8 The present invention may be performed using commercially available #1 grade fuel oil, #2 grade fuel oil and #6 grade fuel oil (e. g. , commercially available kerosene or jet fuel, #2 oil and #6 oil).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the fuel oil of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As an example, the #6 oil could be replaced by any other #6 grade fuel oil

or with any other Bunker oil. Further, the kerosene or #2 oil may be replaced by any other #1 grade fuel oil (e. g. , jet fuel) or any other #2 grade fuel oil, respectively.

In other embodiments, the invention relates to a fuel oil consisting essentially of a blend of (1) either kerosene or #2 oil, and (2) #6 oil or its equivalent.

The sulfur content of the fuel oil is between approximately about from 0.2% to 0.6% by weight of sulfur, a pour point of below at least-0°F and a flash point above at least approximately 130°F.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel oil consisting essentially of a blend of (1) either kerosene or #2 oil, and (2) #6 oil or its equivalent.

The sulfur content of the fuel oil is between approximately 0.2% and 0.6%, by weight, the flash point is above approximately 130°F and the pour point is below approximately-15°F.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, the fuel oil has a pour point below approximately-30°F.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, the flash point is above approximately 180°F.

According to another aspect of the invention, a fuel oil is formed by intimately mixing two components in a single mixing tank. One component is kerosene or #2 oil.

The other component is #6 oil. The sulfur content of the fuel oil is between 0.2 and 0.6 percent by weight.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sulfur content is more preferably between approximately 0. 4% to 0. 5%, by weight.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being determined by the following claims and their equivalents. All modifications, variations and embodiments of the inventions are intended to be protected. All patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.