How does temperature affect fuel oil storage?

Temperature plays a significant role in the storage of fuel oil, influencing its physical properties and behavior. When the temperature rises, it can lead to increased pressure in the storage tanks due to the expansion of the fuel and the potential for vaporization. This can create hazardous conditions if not properly managed. High temperatures can also change the viscosity of the fuel, making it easier for it to flow but also increasing the risk of leakages and spills.

Conversely, low temperatures can adversely affect fuel oil by causing gelation or solidification, which can obstruct fuel flow and create challenges for equipment that relies on the fuel to function properly. This gelation can lead to blockages in pipes and filters, making it crucial for systems storing fuel oil to be designed with temperature fluctuations in mind.

This understanding of the relationship between temperature and the physical characteristics of fuel oil is important for ensuring safe and efficient storage and handling practices. Other options do not accurately reflect the effects of temperature on fuel oil storage. For example, it's misleading to state that cold temperatures increase fuel efficiency or that low temperatures increase pressure, as these statements do not align with the actual behavior of fuel oils in storage systems.