Definition of the word gas oil

The term "gas oil" is an outdated industry term used to describe a type of middle distillate fuel that has properties falling between those of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and heavy fuel oil. It comprises a range of fuel oils that are used in diesel engines and boilers, as well as in some industrial processes. The historical origin of the term "gas oil" can be traced back to the early 20th century when crude oil was processed in refineries to produce various distillate fuels. Gas oil initially referred to a heavy, high-sulfur fuel oil that was produced as a byproduct of gas works, which were facilities used to produce town gas for lighting and heating. This type of fuel oil was eventually replaced by more modern refining techniques, which led to the creation of lighter, lower-sulfur middle distillates. The term "gas oil" began to be used more widely in the industry during the mid-20th century as these lighter, middle distillates became more commonly used in diesel engines and other industrial applications. However, as technology advanced and better names for these fuels emerged, such as diesel fuel, kerosene, and jet fuel, the term "gas oil" fell out of favor and is now rarely used in the industry. Nonetheless, the term persists in some industry contexts, particularly in references to legacy equipment and specific applications such as boilers.