Can canola oil and 2 fuel be mixed burned safely in a home heating system?

Mixing canola oil and diesel fuel (2 fuel) and burning it in a home heating system is generally not considered a safe practice. Here's why:

1. Compatibility Issues: Canola oil is a vegetable oil and has different properties compared to diesel fuel, which is a petroleum-based fuel. Mixing the two may result in compatibility issues, leading to problems in the performance and longevity of the heating system.

2. Combustion Efficiency: Canola oil has a higher viscosity than diesel fuel, which can affect the combustion process. It may not burn as efficiently as diesel fuel, resulting in reduced heating efficiency, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the heating system components.

3. Soot Formation: Canola oil contains higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids compared to diesel fuel. These fatty acids can undergo thermal decomposition during combustion, leading to the formation of soot and carbon deposits. This can clog the burner nozzle, reduce airflow, and result in incomplete combustion, potentially causing safety hazards and reduced heating performance.

4. Emission Concerns: Burning a mixture of canola oil and diesel can produce higher levels of certain pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, compared to using diesel fuel alone. These emissions can pose health risks and contribute to environmental pollution.

5. Equipment Damage: Using a mixture of canola oil and diesel fuel may damage components of the heating system, such as the burner, fuel lines, and heat exchanger. Canola oil's high viscosity and tendency to form deposits can lead to clogging, corrosion, and premature failure of these components.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to mix canola oil and diesel fuel for use in a home heating system. You should only use fuels that are specifically designed and approved for your heating system to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity of the equipment.