Katerina Swanson
Kerosene and diesel are both derived from crude oil, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons. The two fuels are closely related, with kerosene being a lighter diesel oil than #2 diesel, and is sometimes called #1 diesel fuel oil. Kerosene can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel, and is cheaper and burns at a lower temperature, making it useful for diesel engines in cold weather. However, there are also risks to using kerosene instead of diesel, as it is harsher on engines and lacks lubrication.
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What You'll Learn
Kerosene is cheaper than diesel fuel
Kerosene is a more refined fuel than diesel, with fewer impurities, and is sometimes known as #1 diesel fuel oil. Regular diesel is designated as #2 diesel fuel oil. Kerosene has a lower boiling point than diesel, and is colourless, while diesel is reddish. Kerosene has a lighter viscosity value than diesel, which means it burns at a hotter temperature in an engine.
Kerosene is typically cheaper than diesel fuel, and this is one of the main benefits of using it in your diesel engine. However, it is important to note that kerosene is a harsher fuel for your diesel engine, and the lack of lubrication within the fuel can damage your diesel's injector pump unless you add a lubricant. Kerosene is also a polluting fuel, and the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend its use in households. This is because kerosene smoke contains particulate matter that can be harmful and lead to a higher risk of cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, cataracts, and adverse pregnancy effects.
Kerosene can be mixed with diesel fuel to gain a couple of benefits. In the winter, kerosene is useful for changing the cold-weather handling temperatures of diesel fuel. Mixing in ten per cent kerosene will lower the cold filter plugging point of a diesel fuel blend by five degrees. It can also be used to lower emissions, as it 'burns cleaner' than diesel #2.
While kerosene is generally cheaper than diesel, the price of kerosene can vary depending on geographical location, demand, and the type of kerosene being purchased. In some cases, diesel may be cheaper than kerosene, especially during the winter when the demand for kerosene to prevent diesel from gelling in freezing temperatures increases.
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Kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel
Kerosene, also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, is a lighter diesel oil than #2 diesel fuel oil. This means that kerosene has a slightly lower energy content than #2 diesel. For example, kerosene has an energy content of 135,000 BTU per gallon, while #2 diesel has an energy content of 139,000 BTU per gallon. As a result, kerosene burns at a lower temperature than #2 diesel.
The lower energy content of kerosene also means that burning a gallon of kerosene will produce less total heat than burning a gallon of #2 diesel. Kerosene also has a lighter viscosity value, which does make it burn at a hotter temperature in an engine. However, when comparing the fuels in terms of their overall combustion, kerosene burns at a lower temperature than #2 diesel.
Kerosene is often used in very cold temperatures because it doesn't thicken as easily as #2 diesel. It has a freezing point of around -40 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. This makes kerosene useful for changing the cold-weather handling temperatures of diesel fuel. For example, in cold temperatures, kerosene can be mixed with #2 diesel fuel to lower the temperature at which the diesel begins to solidify.
While kerosene can be a cheaper alternative to diesel fuel, it is important to note that it is a harsher fuel that lacks lubrication. This can cause damage to a diesel engine's injector pump unless a lubricant is added. Additionally, using kerosene in a diesel engine can void the warranty of the vehicle's engine and may be prohibited on public roads in certain countries. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the warranty provider, the vehicle's manual, and local laws before using kerosene in a diesel engine.
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Kerosene is a harsher fuel than diesel
Kerosene is a harsher fuel because it lacks lubrication, which can damage a diesel engine's injector pump. This is because kerosene burns drier than #2 diesel, which has higher levels of aromatic compounds. Kerosene also has a lower energy value, and so would not burn at a hotter temperature. However, kerosene has a lighter viscosity value, which does make it burn at a hotter temperature in an engine.
Kerosene is a combustible chemical formula derived from petroleum. It is a hydrocarbon liquid that is used as a fuel for jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters. Kerosene has a flash point of 38°C (100°F) and a freezing point of around -40°C/°F. It is considered a polluting fuel and is not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for household use due to its harmful health effects.
Despite the risks, some people use kerosene in their diesel engines due to its lower price point and smoother performance in freezing temperatures. Kerosene can be useful for changing the cold-weather handling temperatures of diesel fuel. However, there are additives that can be added to diesel fuel to prevent gelling in cold temperatures. Additionally, running kerosene through a diesel engine can cause issues and void the warranty unless it is an approved alternative fuel for the specific engine.
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Kerosene is less viscous than diesel
Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid derived from petroleum. It is a mixture of hydrocarbon chains that go from 12 to 15 carbon atoms. It is widely used as a fuel in aviation and households. Diesel, on the other hand, has a solid molecular structure, consisting of 34 hydrogen and 16 carbon atoms. Kerosene is less viscous than diesel because it has a lighter molecular weight and is less dense. This makes it a good choice for aviation fuel as weight is an important factor in aerospace design.
The lower viscosity of kerosene also means it burns at a hotter temperature in an engine. Kerosene can be mixed with diesel fuel to gain a couple of benefits. For example, in cold weather, kerosene is useful for changing the handling temperatures of diesel fuel as it doesn't gel as quickly as diesel. A rule of thumb is that mixing in 10% kerosene will lower the cold filter plugging point of a diesel fuel blend by five degrees.
Kerosene is also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, while regular diesel is designated as #2 diesel fuel oil. Kerosene is a lighter diesel oil than #2, which is why it is designated as #1 diesel. The lighter weight means it contains slightly less energy – about 135,000 BTU per gallon vs. 139,000 BTU for a gallon of #2. Kerosene also burns drier, with less lubricity, than #2 diesel. This lack of lubrication can damage a diesel's injector pump unless a lubricant is added.
Kerosene is typically cheaper than diesel fuel, which makes it seem like a good alternative. However, there are risks involved with using kerosene instead of diesel in a diesel engine. Kerosene is a harsher fuel and can damage the engine unless it is an approved fuel. If kerosene is not an approved alternative fuel for a specific engine, using it can void the warranty.
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Kerosene is a polluting fuel
Kerosene is a hydrocarbon liquid derived from petroleum. It is widely used as a fuel in aviation, households, and some vehicle engines. While kerosene is a popular fuel option due to its lower price point compared to diesel, it is considered a polluting fuel with several negative health and environmental impacts.
Kerosene smoke contains high levels of harmful particulate matter, and its combustion releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend its household use as it is associated with increased risks of cancer, respiratory infections, asthma, tuberculosis, cataracts, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The use of kerosene lamps and heaters, common in low- and middle-income countries, further exacerbates indoor air pollution and poses health risks to those exposed.
The combustion of kerosene emits hundreds of compounds, including n-hexane, naphthalene, and benzene, which can have detrimental health effects. Exposures to these combustion products and pollutants are linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low birth weight, cataracts, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The potential health risks of kerosene fuel are particularly concerning in households that burn it indoors without proper ventilation or chimneys, a common practice in some countries.
Additionally, kerosene is a serious fire hazard. Kerosene lamps and heaters can be easily knocked over, and the fuel itself is highly flammable and explosive, especially when mixed with other substances like gasoline. Accidental fires caused by kerosene can result in injuries or fatalities, particularly in homes constructed with wood or located in dry areas.
While kerosene may seem like a cost-effective alternative to diesel, its polluting nature and associated health and safety risks cannot be overlooked. It is essential to consider the environmental and health implications of using kerosene fuel and explore cleaner alternatives, such as solar power, electricity, or gaseous fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas. These alternatives can provide safer and less polluting sources of energy for households, reducing the negative impacts on human health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Kerosene is a cheaper alternative to diesel and it burns at a lower temperature, which prevents gelling in freezing temperatures. It can also be used to lower the emissions of diesel fuel as it burns cleaner than diesel fuel.
Kerosene is a harsher fuel for diesel engines and the lack of lubrication within the fuel can damage the diesel's injector pump. Kerosene is also considered a polluting fuel and is not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for household use.
Kerosene and diesel are both derived from crude oil, which is a mixture of different hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are separated by heating the crude oil until most of it turns to gas and then slowly cooling it in a distillation column. The heavier molecules with higher boiling points will condense out first, leaving diesel and kerosene, which have lower boiling points.
A study found that blending diesel fuel with kerosene in volume percentages between 7% and 14% did not significantly lower engine performance and fuel consumption.
Using kerosene as a substitute for diesel fuel in a vehicle may void the warranty on the vehicle's engine and is not recommended unless kerosene is an approved alternative fuel for that specific engine. It is also important to check local laws and regulations regarding the use of kerosene in vehicles, as there may be restrictions or requirements that need to be followed.
