Light Cycle Oil (LCO)
What is Light Cycle Oil (LCO)?
Light Cycle Oil (LCO) is a byproduct from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit in oil refineries. It is considered a medium to heavy oil and is primarily used as:
- Component in industrial diesel fuel
- Industrial heating fuel
- Intermediate material in chemical refining or hydrocracking
Typical Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density at 15°C | 0.90 – 0.94 kg/liter |
| Viscosity | 3 – 8 mm²/s (at 40°C) |
| Sulfur Content | 1.5% – 3.0% (high) |
| Flash Point | ≥ 60°C |
| Color | Dark yellow to brown |
| Cetane Number | 30–35 (relatively low) |
| Thermal Energy | ~10,000–10,500 kcal/kg |
Important Notes:
- Not used directly as diesel in vehicles without processing
- Requires hydrotreating to reduce sulfur and increase cetane number
- Preferred for industrial use or as a raw material in additional refining
Main Uses
- Blendstock in industrial diesel fuel
- Fuel for industrial heating or boilers
- Intermediate material for producing cracking products
- Used in the production of some low-cost fuel oils
- Alternative energy source in some heavy industries
Packaging and Shipping
| Form | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Iron drums | 200 liters |
| IBC containers | 1000 liters |
| Bulk Tankers | Up to 25,000 liters / marine tanker |
Due to high sulfur content, storage requires corrosion-resistant containers.
Main Producing Countries
- China
- India
- Russia
- South Korea
- Saudi Arabia (SABIC – Aramco)
- United Arab Emirates
Documents Required for Export
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Certificate of Origin (COO)
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- SGS or Intertek report (optional depending on the contract)
European Group – Your Commercial Broker for LCO Supply
At European Group Global Trading, we offer you:
- High-quality LCO from certified refineries
- Sea or land shipping at competitive prices
- Full support in negotiations and banking contracts
- Insurance on goods and full documentation (COO, COA, MSDS)
Request an LCO quotation now:
Email: info@europeangroup.financial
WhatsApp: +393274659937
Fill out the following form
And one of our specialized consultants will contact you within 24 hours: