Katerina Swanson
While diesel engines and jet engines have different fuel requirements, jet fuel has been used in diesel engines in certain cases. Jet fuel is tailored for aviation turbines and has a lower flash point to ensure performance at high altitudes, while diesel fuel has a higher cetane number to support the efficient operation of compression ignition engines. However, jet fuel has been used in some diesel-powered ground vehicles at airports, older diesel vehicles, and in military applications. When using jet fuel in diesel engines, adjustments may be required due to jet fuel's lower lubricity and different ignition characteristics. Additionally, legal and taxation differences between jet fuel and diesel fuel can further complicate the use of jet fuel in diesel engines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Russian diesel engines run on jet fuel? | It is possible to run jet fuel in diesel engines, including Russian ones, but it is not recommended for modern vehicles. |
| Jet fuel used in diesel engines | Jet A, Jet A-1, JP-8, and JP-5 are the types of jet fuel used in diesel engines. |
| Additives required | Yes, a lubricity additive is required as jet fuel lacks the lubrication qualities of diesel. |
| Performance impact | Jet fuel has a lower cetane number, resulting in delayed ignition and higher emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and particulates. |
| Legal issues | Jet fuel is taxed differently than diesel or gasoline in some places. |
| Military use | The military uses JP-8/F34 as part of the DoD single fuel concept. |
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What You'll Learn
Jet fuel lacks the lubrication qualities of diesel
Jet fuel is used in commercial airliners, military jets, cargo planes, helicopters, turboprop aircraft, drones, and experimental aircraft. It is not suitable for ground vehicles as it lacks the properties of land-based fuels, such as lubrication. Diesel, on the other hand, is a versatile fuel used in construction and agricultural machinery, trains, backup power generators, ships, and even some passenger cars and SUVs.
Jet fuel tends to have poor lubricating ability compared to diesel, which increases wear in fuel injection equipment. This is because jet fuel is optimized for jet engines, where it is atomized and burns in a controlled, continuous way. An additive may be required to restore its lubricity. Some people have used jet fuel in their diesel vehicles with the addition of a lubricity additive or engine oil with no issues, although this is not recommended for modern vehicles.
The introduction of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) has further reduced the lubricity of diesel fuel. Pipeline diesel fuels before ULSD could contain up to 500 ppm of sulfur and were called Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD). The decrease in sulfur content also decreases the level of naturally occurring lubricity agents in the fuel. This can lead to fuel distribution system failures, as seen with the introduction of low-sulfur fuels in Sweden, which caused an increase in rotary-type injection pump failure.
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Jet fuel is more expensive than diesel
The use of jet fuel in diesel engines is not recommended for modern vehicles, especially those with common rail engines. However, some people have reported running jet fuel in older diesel vehicles, such as a Mercedes 300D or TDI Golf, without issues. In some cases, a 50/50 mix of jet fuel and diesel was used, while others added a couple of quarts of engine oil to each tank. Additionally, some older diesel engines, such as those found in airport tugs, can run on jet fuel with the addition of a diesel lube additive.
The United States military uses JP-8, a kerosene-based jet fuel, as a "universal fuel" in both turbine-powered aircraft and diesel-powered ground vehicles. This is done to simplify logistics by using a single type of fuel. The first axial compressor jet engine to use JP-8 fuel was the Junkers Jumo 004, which was used in the Messerschmitt Me 262A fighter and the Arado Ar 234B jet recon-bomber.
While jet fuel may be more expensive than diesel, there can be logistical advantages to using a single type of fuel, as shown by the example of the US military. Additionally, jet fuel has enhanced cold-weather performance due to its low freezing point, making it suitable for use in extreme cold climates such as northern Canada and Alaska.
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Jet fuel contains more sulfur than diesel
Jet fuel and diesel are chemically very similar, and jet fuel is often used in diesel-powered ground-support vehicles at airports. However, jet fuel has some key differences, including higher levels of sulfur.
The higher sulfur content in jet fuel improves its lubricity, reducing wear in fuel injection equipment. This is particularly beneficial for diesel engines, which may experience increased wear when using jet fuel due to its relatively poor lubricating ability.
To address the issue of jet fuel's poor lubricity in diesel engines, an additive can be used. This is a common practice in the military, where the cost of adding a corrosion inhibitor/lubricity improver (CI/LI) is negligible compared to the cost of desulfurization. This process, known as hydrodesulfurization, can increase fuel costs by just over 1% and has environmental benefits, despite resulting in increased CO2 emissions.
While jet fuel can be used in some diesel engines, it is not recommended for common rail vehicles. However, older mechanical diesel engines, such as those found in older Volkswagen and Mercedes vehicles, have been known to run on jet fuel with the addition of engine oil or a lubricity additive. It is important to note that modern high-performance engines may not tolerate jet fuel as well, and it is advisable to be cautious when considering using jet fuel in these engines.
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Jet fuel has a lower flash point than diesel
The flash point of a volatile liquid is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in the air. Jet fuel has a lower flash point than diesel. This means that jet fuel is more flammable than diesel. Fuels with a flashpoint below 38°C are considered flammable, whereas those with a flashpoint above 38°C are considered combustible. Diesel fuel flashpoints range from about 50°C to around 100°C, while jet fuel flashpoints can be as low as -43°C.
The difference in flash points between jet fuel and diesel fuel has implications for their use and handling. Jet fuel, with its lower flash point, is more dangerous to handle and is therefore rarely used, except in very cold climates. In contrast, diesel fuel, with its higher flash point, is relatively safe to transport and handle.
The specific types of jet fuel and diesel fuel also impact their flash points. For example, Jet A and Jet A-1, the most commonly used jet fuels, have a flash point higher than 38°C. On the other hand, Jet B, which is used for its enhanced cold-weather performance, has a very low freezing point of -60°C and a low flash point as well. It is primarily used in northern Canada and Alaska, where the extreme cold helps mitigate the danger of its lower flash point.
The flash point of a fuel is an important consideration when determining its suitability for a particular application. In the context of jet fuel and diesel fuel, the flash point can affect the safety and practicality of using each fuel. While jet fuel may be suitable for use in certain diesel engines, as some online sources suggest, its lower flash point compared to diesel fuel may be a factor that needs to be carefully considered.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the lubricity of the fuel is also a factor in the use of jet fuel in diesel engines. Jet fuel has poorer lubricating ability compared to diesel, which can increase wear on fuel injection equipment. This may be a consideration when deciding whether to use jet fuel in a diesel engine, as some additives or adjustments may be required to address this issue. Overall, while jet fuel can be used in some diesel engines, the lower flash point and lubricity characteristics of jet fuel compared to diesel fuel are important factors that need to be taken into account.
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Jet fuel is used in military applications
Jet fuel is a type of aviation fuel designed for aircraft with gas-turbine engines. It is also known as aviation turbine fuel (ATF or avtur). Jet fuel is typically straw-coloured or colourless. The most commonly used jet fuels for commercial aviation are Jet A and Jet A-1, which are produced according to international specifications. Jet B is another type of jet fuel that is used for its superior performance in cold weather. It is a blend of roughly 30% kerosene and 70% gasoline, with a very low freezing point of −60 °C (−76 °F). However, its lighter composition makes it more hazardous to handle, so it is rarely used outside of extremely cold climates like northern Canada and Alaska.
Military organisations worldwide employ a distinct classification system for jet fuels, denoted by \"JP\" for "Jet Propellant." Some military jet fuels closely resemble their civilian counterparts, differing only in the quantities of certain additives. For instance, Jet A-1 is similar to JP-8, and Jet B is comparable to JP-4. However, certain military applications require highly specialised fuels tailored for specific use cases. These fuels are designed to meet unique performance requirements and are produced according to standards established by the respective military authorities. For example, the United States Department of Defense sets the standards for military jet fuel use, while the British Ministry of Defence establishes standards for both civil and military jet fuels.
In Russia and CIS members, the grades of jet fuels are governed by the State Standard (GOST) number or a Technical Condition number. The principal grade available in these regions is TS-1, which differs from the standard Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels commonly used in the rest of the world. The GOST standard also specifies military fuels like T-1pp, T-8V (also known as T-8B), and T-6, which is sometimes referred to as "ram rocket fuel."
The United States military utilises JP-8 as a \"universal fuel\" for both turbine-powered aircraft and diesel-powered ground vehicles. This fuel was introduced at NATO bases in 1978 and is known for its code F-34. Additionally, jet fuel is often used in diesel-powered ground-support vehicles at airports, although it may require additives to enhance its lubricity. While jet fuel tends to be more expensive than diesel, the logistical advantages of using a single fuel source can offset this extra cost in certain situations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Russian diesel engines can run on jet fuel, but it is not recommended for modern vehicles. Jet fuel lacks the lubrication qualities of diesel, which can cause increased wear in fuel injection equipment.
Jet fuel, specifically Jet A and Jet A-1, is tailored for aviation turbines and has a lower flash point to ensure performance at high altitudes. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, has a higher cetane number, which is crucial for compression ignition engines.
Using jet fuel in diesel engines can offer operational flexibility and streamline logistics, especially in military and specialized fields. Additionally, jet fuel is often more readily available in certain contexts, such as at airports or in the military.
Jet fuel tends to have poorer lubricating abilities compared to diesel, which can increase wear and tear on engine components. It can also cause higher emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and particulates due to its lower cetane number.
