Mercedes Mullins
Diesel fuel is a distillate fuel oil commonly used in automotive engines and domestic heating systems. It is specifically designed for diesel engines, a type of internal combustion engine where fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and subsequent fuel injection. Diesel fuel is derived from various sources, most commonly petroleum, but can also be produced from biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction. While diesel fuel provides power and performance, it is susceptible to issues such as water contamination, wax deposits, particulates, and bacterial growth, especially in cold temperatures. Preventative measures and additives are available to maintain fuel quality and engine performance, particularly during winter when diesel fuel is more likely to break down.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | German scientist and inventor Rudolf Diesel |
| Year of invention | Around 1892 |
| First prototype | Designed for liquid fuels |
| Sources | Petroleum, biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction |
| Issues | Water, wax deposits, particulates, bacteria, and sludge |
| Additives | Power Service Winter Additives, Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost |
| Common names | Diesel oil, heavy oil, distillate, gas oil, DERV, Solar, petrodiesel |
| Standard | EN 590 in the European Union |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel sources
Diesel fuel is produced from various sources, with the most common being petroleum. Petroleum diesel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil at temperatures between 200 and 350 °C (392 and 662 °F) and atmospheric pressure. This process results in a mixture of carbon chains containing 9 to 25 carbon atoms per molecule. However, "straight-run" diesel often falls short in terms of supply and quality, so other sources of diesel fuel are blended in.
One significant source of additional diesel fuel is obtained by cracking heavier fractions using visbreaking and coking. This technology converts less useful fractions, but the resulting product contains olefins (alkenes) that require hydrogenation to achieve the desired saturated hydrocarbons.
Other sources of diesel fuel include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction. The use of alternative sources that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, is becoming increasingly prevalent and adopted.
In the United States, diesel fuel is primarily refined from crude oil at petroleum refineries. With an average yield of 11 to 12 gallons of diesel fuel per 42-gallon barrel of crude oil. Additionally, the United States produces and consumes biomass-based diesel fuels, contributing to the diversification of diesel fuel sources.
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Diesel engine functionality
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine. The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, which is produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil at a temperature between 200 and 350 °C. However, alternative types of diesel fuel that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are increasingly being developed and adopted.
The diesel engine, named after German engineer Rudolf Diesel, operates through a series of small combustions or explosions to convert fuel to energy. It is an internal combustion engine in which ignition occurs due to the elevated temperature of the air in the cylinder caused by mechanical compression, rather than through a spark plug ignition like in a petrol or gas engine. This compression ignition, or CI, engine compresses only air or a combination of air and residual combustion gases from the exhaust (known as exhaust gas recirculation, or EGR). The air is inducted into the chamber during the intake stroke and compressed during the compression stroke, increasing the air temperature inside the cylinder so that atomised diesel fuel injected into the combustion chamber ignites.
The torque produced by a diesel engine is controlled by manipulating the air-fuel ratio, with the amount of fuel injected being altered rather than throttling the intake air. This gives the diesel engine a higher thermal efficiency than other engines, with lower operating costs and increased fuel efficiency. The diesel engine is also favoured for its durability, with replaceable cylinder liners and thicker castings and cylinder walls, and its power, making it ideal for heavy loads.
Diesel engines are used in a wide range of vehicles and machinery, including passenger cars, trucks, ships, railroad locomotives, farming equipment, construction equipment, and aircraft. They are also used for electricity generation, with diesel generators providing backup and emergency power supply in many large buildings, industrial facilities, hospitals, and electric utilities.
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Diesel fuel quality issues
Diesel fuel is a distillate fuel oil used in motor vehicles with compression ignition engines. It is usually derived from petroleum, but alternative sources such as biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction are also used. Diesel fuel is a complex mixture produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil, resulting in a range of carbon chains. The presence of sulfur in diesel fuel has been a significant concern due to its harmful impact on human health and the environment. As a result, ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) has become the standard in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
One of the critical issues with diesel fuel is its susceptibility to quality problems, which can have detrimental effects on engine performance and longevity. Water ingress is a common problem, as cold temperatures cause dissolved water to be released as droplets, potentially settling at the bottom of the fuel tank. This requires regular monitoring and draining to prevent negative consequences. Additionally, warm or humid air coming into contact with cold diesel fuel can lead to condensation in the fuel storage tank.
Another issue is the growth of bacteria and algae in diesel fuel, which is catalyzed by the presence of certain contaminants and metals. Warm and humid environments further accelerate this growth, leading to changes in the fuel's properties, such as colour, heat of combustion, and detergent characteristics. The resulting sludge can clog filters and impact piston and cylinder wear rates, potentially leading to engine failure. Therefore, regular monitoring of diesel fuel for contamination and degradation is essential.
To maintain diesel fuel quality, it is crucial to ensure proper storage conditions and implement contamination prevention measures. This includes using breathers, pre-filtration, and maintaining the condition of tanks to prevent rust and paint issues. Additionally, having a formal dispensing process and consistent protocols for technicians can help assure contamination control. Sending fuel samples for analysis is a valuable method to verify fuel quality and measure the success of any newly implemented fuel quality processes.
In cold climates, diesel fuel can be particularly vulnerable to issues such as Cloud Point, Cold Filter Plugging, and Pour Point. These problems can be mitigated by using additives designed for winter weather conditions, such as Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, which helps prevent fuel gelling and keeps fuel-filters from plugging with ice and wax. These additives also ensure that any water present in the fuel does not freeze, maintaining fuel flow and engine operability during harsh winter temperatures.
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Diesel fuel contamination
Abrasive particles in contaminated diesel can cause internal pump component wear, while water and microbial growth can lead to corrosion and blockages. This can result in reduced fuel atomization, soot accumulation within the cylinder, increased exhaust emissions, and eventually, complete engine failure. The fuel injector valve may deteriorate, decreasing fuel pressure and volume, leading to injector wear and increased fuel consumption.
Water is a common contaminant, entering fuel primarily through condensation. Even a small amount of water can facilitate microbiological contamination, as microbes find an ideal environment in fuel systems to develop and thrive, especially in hotter conditions. Regions closer to the equator face higher risks of diesel bug due to higher temperatures and humidity.
The introduction of biodiesel (FAME) has been linked to higher levels of diesel fuel operational issues, potentially due to its propensity to absorb more water, creating favourable conditions for microbial growth. Additionally, the reduction of sulphur in diesel fuels may also contribute to increased contamination risks. As such, proactive management, prediction, and prevention of diesel fuel contamination are crucial for maintaining revenue and profitability.
To prevent diesel fuel contamination, it is essential to maintain proper fuel tank hygiene and use additives designed for diesel engines. These additives can improve engine performance, ensure trouble-free winter operation, and maintain fuel flow in extreme winter weather.
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Diesel fuel additives
Diesel fuel is a distillate fuel oil used in motor vehicles with compression ignition engines. Rudolf Diesel invented the compression-ignition engine in the 1890s, and the fuel was originally derived from petroleum. Today, diesel fuel is also produced from biomass materials, such as vegetable seed oil, biodiesel, natural gas, and animal fat.
Diesel fuel has unique properties that provide power and performance, but it also has crucial differences from gasoline. One major difference is that diesel fuel can break down in extreme winter weather. This can cause issues such as fuel gelling and fuel filters becoming plugged with ice and wax.
To avoid these issues, diesel fuel additives can be used. These additives improve lubricity, enhance engine performance, and keep the fuel system clean. Some common diesel fuel additives include:
- AR6500 Diesel Treatment: This additive improves lubricity, cleans and maintains the fuel system, and boosts cetane levels. It is suitable for all diesel vehicles and helps to prevent carbon build-up.
- Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme: This additive is a fully formulated cleaner that removes internal and external diesel injector deposits. It combines a cetane booster, a fuel stabilizer, and a water demulsifier additive to ensure the fuel system stays clean and operates efficiently.
- Power Service Winter Additives: These additives are designed for winter weather conditions and help prevent fuel gelling, keeping fuel flowing freely through the engine.
While some people swear by diesel fuel additives, others argue that they don't make a noticeable difference in performance or fuel mileage. However, for diesel engines operated in cold climates, winter-specific additives can be essential to avoid fuel breakdown and maintain engine performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel is most commonly derived from petroleum, but can also be produced from biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
Water, wax deposits, particulates, and bacteria can all cause issues with diesel fuel. Cold temperatures can also cause problems, as diesel fuel can gel and fuel filters can become blocked with ice and wax.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding diesel fuel breakdown. In cold weather, adding a diesel fuel supplement and winter additives can help to prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel-filters from becoming blocked.
If diesel fuel breaks down, it can cause engine failure due to fuel starvation. In addition, bacterial growth in diesel fuel can lead to changes in colour, heat of combustion, pour point, cloud point, detergent, and anti-corrosive properties.
If diesel fuel has broken down, you may notice changes in its appearance, such as discolouration or the presence of sludge. Other signs may include difficulty starting the engine or reduced engine performance.
