Quality and Suitability Assessment of Heavy Fuel Oil in Energy Storage Tanks: A Comparative Study of Environmental and Operational Risks in Three Libyan Sites

الملخص

Heavy fuel oil (HFO) plays a pivotal role in powering thermal plants and heavy industries, serving as an essential energy source for both national and international economies. Despite its critical operational role, the long‑term storage of HFO presents significant challenges that affect its physicochemical characteristics, stability, and reliability over time. This study aimed to assess the quality of HFO stored across three key sites in western Libya, we analyses based on established ASTM standards. The primary objective was to evaluate its suitability for continued use in energy generation and to identify key indicators of degradation associated with long‑term storage. Results revealed significant site‑to‑site variations in HFO quality. The Abu Kammash site demonstrated relatively stable oil characteristics, including low acid numbers, low water content, and low sulfur levels, suggesting that its HFO remains suitable for long‑term use in thermal generation and heavy industrial applications. In contrast, HFO samples from the Western Tripoli and Zuwara sites exhibited notable signs of oil degradation, including elevated acid numbers, increased water content, and higher concentrations of heavy metals, indicative of long‑term storage impacts such as oxidation and corrosion. These changes negatively affect the oil’s combustion efficiency, equipment reliability, and operational safety, underscoring the critical role of storage conditions in determining fuel quality. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for improved storage practices, routine quality monitoring, and preventive maintenance measures. Such practices are vital for preserving the physicochemical properties of HFO, extending equipment service life, and minimizing environmental and operational hazards associated with long‑term fuel storage. By addressing these factors, industries can ensure sustained performance, reduce maintenance costs, and mitigate the environmental impacts of HFO degradation.