Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines do not require a spark to ignite the fuel. Instead, they use the heat produced from the compression of air to ignite the fuel injected into their cylinders. This makes diesel less flammable than gasoline and safer to handle. Diesel engines are also more efficient than gasoline engines, with a higher efficiency of 40% compared to 20% for gasoline engines. This is because diesel fuel has a higher volumetric energy density, with a density of 0.820 to 0.845 kg/L at 15 °C. The burn rate of diesel fuel varies depending on the size of the engine and the load being run, but it generally burns more slowly than gasoline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flash point | Between 52°C and 93°C (diesel fuel with a flash point below 60°C is flammable, while that above 60°C is combustible) |
| Fuel ignition | Takes place without a spark as a result of compression of inlet air and then injection of fuel |
| Fuel efficiency | More efficient than gasoline engines, reaching 40% efficiency and higher |
| CO2 emissions | 73.25 g/MJ, slightly lower than gasoline at 73.38 g/MJ |
| Fuel burn rate | Varies according to the size of the generator and the amount of load being run |
| Fuel density | 0.820 to 0.845 kg/L at 15°C, about 9.0-13.9% more than gasoline |
| Chemical formula | C nH 2n |
| Composition | About 86.1% carbon |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel ignition
Diesel engines use compression ignition, which involves compressing air at extremely high pressure to create the extreme heat required to ignite the fuel (approximately 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit). This is in contrast to gasoline engines, which use spark plugs to create the heat necessary for ignition.
In a diesel engine, pure atmospheric air is compressed to a degree that produces a temperature above the ignition point of the fuel. This compression must be sufficient to trigger ignition. The fuel is then gradually introduced and ignites spontaneously upon contact with the hot air. This process occurs inside the combustion chamber of the engine.
The higher compression ratio of diesel engines, compared to gasoline engines, leads to improved efficiency. Diesel engines can achieve a compression ratio of 14:1 to as high as 25:1, while gasoline engines typically compress at a ratio of 8:1 to 12:1. Additionally, diesel engines maximise the volume of air entering the engine at all times, further contributing to their efficiency.
Diesel engines do not consume as much fuel as gasoline engines due to their leaner fuel mixture and lower combustion temperatures. They also produce less carbon dioxide and achieve higher mileage per gallon, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative.
It is important to note that diesel fuel has a flash point, typically between 52 °C and 93 °C, which determines whether it is classified as a flammable or combustible liquid. This classification is essential for ensuring the safe storage and handling of diesel fuel to prevent fires and explosions.
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Diesel engine efficiency
Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, sought to create a highly efficient engine that could work on the Carnot cycle. Diesel engines are compression-ignition engines (CI engines) that use the heat produced from the compression of air to ignite the fuel injected into their cylinders. This is in contrast to spark plug ignition engines, such as gasoline engines, which require a specific ratio of fuel and air.
Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, with an average fuel efficiency of 20–35% more. They can achieve 40% efficiency and higher, compared to 20% efficiency for gasoline engines. This is due to their higher torque, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and faster acceleration. The higher compression ratio in diesel engines means they can compress more air faster, delivering more power. Additionally, diesel engines have fewer parts, reducing the need for maintenance and upkeep.
The fuel density of diesel, which is the amount of energy in a gallon or litre of fuel, is 13 to 18% more than gasoline. This higher density contributes to the higher fuel efficiency of diesel engines. Turbochargers in diesel engines also improve efficiency by pumping more air into the combustion chambers, especially at high altitudes.
Diesel engines are commonly used in industries that rely on long-haul drives and high-torque applications, such as trucks, heavy equipment, and agricultural equipment. They are also found in some passenger vehicles, where they offer increased fuel efficiency, especially on highways. However, diesel engines have faced criticism for their emissions, but design improvements and innovative aftertreatment systems have made them more environmentally friendly.
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Flashpoint and volatility
The flash point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in the air. The flash point of diesel fuel is between 52 °C and 93 °C. Diesel fuel is less volatile than gasoline, and therefore less flammable. Gasoline has a flash point of -45 °C, which is why it ignites when a match is tossed into it—the vapours above the surface ignite.
The flash point of diesel fuel is dependent on its composition. For European diesel fuel, the EN 590 specification requires the flash point to be at least 55 °C. This means that diesel fuel in Europe is safe from fire hazards, as the flashpoint temperature is not reached even in summer. Pure diesel has a flashpoint of 57 °C.
The flash point of a diesel-gasoline blend depends on the ratio of the two. The flash point falls very rapidly as the concentration of gasoline is increased, reaching 40 °C at a gasoline concentration of 16% by volume. Blends with gasoline concentrations of greater than 50% by volume will have flash points similar to gasoline and will be safe to use in vehicles.
Volatility testing is important for engine lubrication, as high temperatures frequently occur. Volatility testing has proven that better base oils lead to improved emissions and fuel economy. Synthetic lubricants have higher flash points and do not evaporate until higher temperatures are reached. Volatility testing can also be used to detect fuel dilution, base oil cracking, and contamination.
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Diesel fuel burn rates
Diesel fuel is defined as any liquid fuel that can be used in diesel engines. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, with a higher efficiency rate of 40% and above, compared to 20% for gasoline engines. This is because diesel engines use the heat produced from the compression of air to ignite the fuel injected into their cylinders. This process requires intense pressure or a sustained flame to ignite the diesel.
The burn rate of diesel fuel depends on several factors, including the size of the engine, the power output, and the load at which the engine is operating. The fuel consumption rate for diesel engines varies, but generally falls between 0.380 and 0.450 lbs/hp hour, 172 and 181 grams/hp hour, and 231 and 243 grams/kW hour. Turbocharged engines, which increase power output, do not significantly improve fuel consumption per unit of power produced.
The specific application of the diesel engine also affects fuel consumption. For example, a diesel engine used for industrial, marine, automotive, or earthmoving purposes will have a different fuel consumption rate due to the variability in possible applications. As such, fuel consumption is typically expressed as the weight of fuel consumed per unit of power produced.
Additionally, the flashpoint of diesel fuel determines whether it is classed as a flammable or combustible liquid. Diesel fuels typically have a flashpoint between 52°C and 93°C, with those below 60°C considered flammable and those above 60°C considered combustible.
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Diesel fuel composition
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines. Diesel engines are internal combustion engines that use the heat produced by the compression of air to ignite the injected fuel. The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but alternative sources such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more popular.
The composition of diesel fuel can vary depending on its specific type and origin. In general, diesel fuel is a complex mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons derived from the fractional distillation of crude oil. The distillation process separates the crude oil into different streams based on their boiling temperatures, and the final product is obtained by blending these streams with conversion products. This results in diesel fuel with a boiling point range of approximately 163-357°C, which is higher than that of gasoline.
The properties of diesel fuel are important for characterizing its performance and include the cetane number (or cetane index), fuel volatility, density, viscosity, low-temperature operability, and sulfur content. To enhance certain characteristics, diesel fuel is often mixed with additives such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which improves cold flow properties, and antifoaming agents, antioxidants, and metal deactivating agents. The specific composition and amount of these additives depend on the particular diesel fuel and its storage conditions.
The flash point of diesel fuel is an important factor in determining its flammability and combustibility. Diesel fuels typically have a flash point between 52°C and 93°C. If the flash point is below 60°C, the fuel is considered a flammable liquid, while a flash point above 60°C classifies it as a combustible liquid. Proper storage and handling of diesel fuel are crucial to prevent fires and explosions, regardless of its flammability classification.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel is combustible and has a flashpoint between 52 °C and 93 °C. It is less flammable than gasoline and requires intense pressure or a sustained flame to ignite.
Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, reaching 40% efficiency or higher. Diesel fuel is injected into the cylinders and ignited by the heat produced from the compression of air.
The size of the generator and the load being run are the main factors affecting the burn rate of diesel fuel in generators. Larger generators with higher loads will burn fuel at a faster rate.
