What must be done to oil to prepare it for burning in an oil burner?

To prepare oil for burning in an oil burner, atomization is a crucial process. This refers to the method of breaking down the liquid oil into tiny droplets, which allows for more efficient combustion. When the oil is atomized, it can mix more effectively with air, resulting in a more complete burn. This process enhances the efficiency of the burner and minimizes the production of soot and other combustion byproducts.

Heating the oil is indeed important to reduce its viscosity, making it easier to pump and spray. However, simply heating it does not ensure that the oil will burn efficiently. Filtering the oil can remove impurities that could affect combustion, but without atomization, the oil would not burn effectively even if it is clean. Cooling the oil would only hinder its ability to flow and atomize correctly, making it impractical for burning. Therefore, atomization stands out as the key process that directly prepares oil for effective combustion in an oil burner.