Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel is typically a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but alternatives that are not petroleum-derived, such as biodiesel, are becoming more common. Diesel fuel is a high-volume product of oil refineries, with the United States producing an average of 11 to 12 gallons of diesel fuel from each 42-gallon barrel of crude oil. The amount of oil in diesel fuel varies depending on the grade and application, with different standards and regulations in place in different regions. For example, diesel fuel in the United States is classified into seven grades according to viscosity, sulfur content, and application.
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is refined from crude oil
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel used in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that ignite without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel. Diesel fuel is most commonly derived from petroleum fuel oil, but alternative sources that are not petroleum-based, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming increasingly popular.
The process of refining crude oil into diesel fuel involves heating the viscous crude oil to over 400 degrees Celsius, turning it into vapour. This vapour then enters a fractional distillation tower, where it begins to cool. As the vapour rises, it reaches different temperatures, causing the hydrocarbon chains to return to a liquid state. The distillation plates within the tower capture these liquids at various levels.
The longest hydrocarbon chains have boiling points above 400 degrees Celsius and are the first to liquefy as they enter the distillation tower. These chains exit the bottom of the tower as asphalt or bitumen. As the vapour continues to rise and cool, shorter hydrocarbon chains liquefy, forming fuel oil when the temperature drops below 370 degrees Celsius. By combining specific proportions of these shorter hydrocarbon chain distillates, diesel fuel is created. This diesel fuel is then blended with the required additives before being sold.
The United States, for instance, produces an average of 11 to 12 gallons of diesel fuel from each 42-gallon barrel of crude oil. The refining process not only yields diesel fuel but also produces other transportation fuels like gasoline and jet fuel, as well as petroleum products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), heating fuel, lubricating oil, wax, and asphalt.
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Sulfur content in diesel
Sulphur is a naturally occurring element that is tasteless and odourless. It is found in many amino acids and proteins that are essential to life on Earth. However, sulphur in diesel is known to cause damage to both engine components and air quality following combustion. Modern diesel fuels now contain far less sulphur due to advancements in the refining process and legislated changes to fuel standards.
In the 1990s, diesel fuel specifications in the European Union allowed a maximum sulphur content of 2000 parts per million (ppm). By the beginning of the 21st century, the introduction of Euro 3 specifications reduced this limit to 350 ppm. With the introduction of Euro 4 by 2006, the sulphur content was further lowered to 50 ppm, which is classified as Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD). The standard for diesel fuel in force in Europe as of 2009 is the Euro 5, with a maximum sulphur content of 10 ppm.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began regulating diesel fuel sulphur levels in 1993. From 2006 onwards, the EPA phased in stricter regulations, reducing the sulphur content in diesel fuel to 15 ppm, which is also classified as ULSD. Since 2010, all highway diesel fuel supplied to the market and used in highway diesel vehicles in the US must be ULSD. Additionally, as of January 2017, gasoline in the US is limited to an average of 10 ppm of sulphur, with a maximum sulphur allowance of 80 ppm at the refinery gate and 95 ppm downstream.
In the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available as of 2016 is of the ULSD type. In contrast, ocean-going vessels and large ships traditionally used "bunker fuel", which contains extremely high levels of sulphur, up to 5% or 50,000 ppm. To address this issue, international treaties have designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs) to regulate sulphur content in marine fuels. Outside of these ECAs, a global sulphur cap of 3.50 weight percent applies, which was lowered to 0.50 weight percent in 2020.
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Diesel engine oil change requirements
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel specifically designed for diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark as a result of the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel.
Diesel fuel is most commonly derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum fuel oil. However, alternative sources that are not petroleum-based, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming increasingly popular and adopted. Diesel fuel has several colloquial names and varies in characteristics, from heavy kerosene to residual fuels. It is rich in aromatics and iso-paraffins, with ignition quality, cleanliness, and viscosity being important properties that determine its use in high-speed engines.
The traditionally recommended interval for changing the oil in a gas-powered vehicle is every 3,000 miles or three months. However, this interval may vary for diesel engines depending on driving conditions and usage patterns. If a vehicle is primarily driven for short distances without reaching high speeds or is frequently used for towing, an oil change may be necessary sooner than the recommended interval. Conversely, if the vehicle is driven at highway speeds without towing, the oil change interval can be extended. It is essential to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines in the owner's manual for specific recommendations based on driving habits and conditions.
When changing the oil in a diesel engine, there are several basic steps to follow:
- Warm up the engine, turn it off, engage the parking brake, and open the hood. Loosen the oil cap and place a container beneath the oil drain.
- Loosen and remove the drain plug with a wrench, allowing the old oil to drain completely. Wipe the area, replace the plug, and ensure it is securely tightened.
- Remove the air filter cover and cover the inlets with a clean cloth.
- Remove the old oil filter with a filter wrench, being careful not to spill. Lubricate the seal on the new filter with fresh oil and install it properly.
- Refill the engine with the required amount and type of new diesel oil, as specified by the manufacturer or vehicle guidelines.
- Reset the oil change indicator or mileage counter, if applicable, to track the interval until the next oil change is due.
- Properly dispose of the drained oil and recycle it if possible.
It is important to use the correct type and amount of oil for your specific diesel engine. The required oil type and capacity can vary depending on the vehicle's make, model, and engine specifications. Refer to the vehicle's owner's manual or seek advice from a trusted mechanic to ensure you use the appropriate oil and follow the recommended oil change intervals for optimal engine performance and longevity.
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Grades of diesel fuel
Diesel fuel grades are classified by cetane number, cloud point, and pour point. The cetane number indicates how quickly the fuel ignites, while the cloud point marks the temperature at which wax crystals form, causing the fuel to appear cloudy. The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fuel remains liquid. These characteristics determine cold-weather performance.
There are two main grades of diesel fuel: #1 diesel (or 1-D) and #2 diesel (or 2-D). #1 diesel has a higher cetane rating, making cold starts easier and reducing battery strain. It also lacks paraffin wax, helping it work better in cold weather. #2 diesel, on the other hand, has a higher viscosity and is preferred for diesel generators due to its availability and high energy content. It tends to gel in winter and requires proper usage to avoid issues. #2 diesel is the standard fuel grade commonly found at gas stations and is widely sold in the United States.
The choice between #1 and #2 diesel depends on various factors such as driving conditions, cost, and energy efficiency. #1 diesel is more expensive due to added lubricants and is recommended for fleets that drive in all weather conditions, as it performs well in cold weather. #2 diesel is more affordable and suitable for warmer weather, as it has better lubrication qualities. It is also preferred for trucks carrying heavy loads and long-distance travel, as it provides greater fuel economy.
In addition to #1 and #2 diesel, there are other grades of diesel fuel, such as AG Diesel or red diesel, which is made for off-road vehicles and is tax-exempt. Biodiesel, made from renewable sources like vegetable oil, can be blended with any grade of fuel to cut emissions and improve lubrication. Premium diesel is also available, offering better fuel economy and smoother engine performance.
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Diesel fuel alternatives
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. This engine is a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel. The most common type of diesel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, with increasingly stringent emission standards, alternatives to diesel that are not derived from petroleum are being developed and adopted.
One such alternative is biodiesel, which is refined vegetable oil. Biodiesel can be used in older IDI and other pre-electronic diesel engines. However, it is important to note that biodiesel requires work and storage, and the time and cost involved may outweigh the savings at the pump. Additionally, the use of alternative fuels in newer engines with tighter clearances in the fuel systems can result in catastrophic failure of emissions systems due to the dirtier burning of these fuels compared to diesel.
Another alternative is renewable diesel, which is derived from biomass and suitable for use in diesel engines. Renewable diesel is produced from fats, oils, and greases, such as soybean oil or canola oil, through processes like hydrotreating, biological sugar upgrading, and catalytic conversion of sugars. It is chemically identical to petroleum diesel and can be used as a replacement fuel or blended with petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel has the added benefit of reducing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to its petroleum-based counterpart.
Vegetable oil, black diesel (recycled motor oil), and waste oil or greasel conversions are also options for powering diesel engines. However, the use of these alternatives may require modifications to the engine, and improper processing and filtering can lead to costly repairs.
Lastly, natural gas and propane are alternative fuels that have been widely used in vehicles and offer significant cost advantages over gasoline and diesel. Hydrogen is another potential alternative that can be produced from renewable resources for use in fuel cell electric vehicles, offering a potentially emissions-free option.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine. It is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil.
U.S. petroleum refineries produce an average of 11 to 12 gallons of diesel fuel from each 42-gallon barrel of crude oil.
For gas-powered vehicles, it is recommended to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three months. However, for diesel engines, the interval may vary depending on driving conditions and the manufacturer's guidelines.
The type of oil depends on the specific diesel engine and operating conditions. Commonly recommended oils include 15W-40 synthetic diesel oil and full synthetic oil.
