How high must the oil supply tank be in relation to the oil burner to avoid needing a booster pump?

To avoid the need for a booster pump, the oil supply tank should generally be positioned at a height of at least 15 feet above the oil burner. This height ensures that there is sufficient gravity pressure to provide the necessary flow of oil to the burner without requiring additional mechanical assistance.

The principle behind this is driven by gravity and the hydrostatic pressure generated by the column of oil. As the height of the oil tank increases, the pressure exerted at the level of the burner also increases, which helps to facilitate the natural flow of oil. When the tank is positioned correctly, the oil can flow freely and reach the burner at the right pressure and volume for efficient combustion.

In scenarios where the tank is too low, the oil may not flow adequately, which is where a booster pump would typically be required to increase the pressure and enable the flow. Therefore, knowing the correct height for the tank is crucial for the proper operation of an oil burner system without relying on additional pumping devices.