Common use of Thermal stability Clause in Contracts

Thermal stability. The thermal stability of an oil is a measure of its ability to resist breaking down when heated to form deposits of resins and sludge. This can occur in the fuel nozzle area and in fuel heaters especially if the heater surface is far hotter than the surrounding oil. This polymerization to form deposits is a time--temperature phenomenon: being accelerated by high temperatures, long exposure times and contact with air. Thermal stability is most critical for high viscosity residual fuels which require high temperatures to meet fuel atomization viscosity requirements. The maximum allowable temperature specified is 275(Degree)F (135(Degree)C).