Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel is a vital energy source and is the predominant fuel used for shipping goods and freight worldwide. It is produced from various sources, most commonly the fractional distillation of petroleum fuel oil, but alternative sources such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more common. Diesel fuel is standardised in many countries, with regulations aiming to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuels and emissions from diesel engines to protect human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Any liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition takes place without a spark as a result of compression of inlet air and then injection of fuel |
| Other Names | Diesel oil, heavy oil, biodiesel, biomass to liquid (BTL), gas to liquid (GTL) diesel, petrodiesel, white diesel, ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), Diesel #1, Diesel #2 |
| Most Common Type | Petroleum diesel, a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil |
| Production Process | Fractional distillation of crude oil between 200 and 350 °C at atmospheric pressure, resulting in a mixture of carbon chains that typically contain between 9 and 25 carbon atoms per molecule |
| Alternative Production Processes | Synthetic diesel or Fischer-Tropsch diesel can be produced from natural gas, synthesis gas derived from coal, or biogas obtained from biomass |
| Biodiesel Sources | Vegetable oil, animal fats, or oily plants such as soybean or oil palm |
| Use Cases | Shipping goods, moving freight, transportation, agriculture, construction, heavy-duty trucks, generators, industrial machinery, watercraft diesel engines, non-diesel engines like the Akroyd engine, Stirling engine, or boilers for steam engines |
| Environmental Impact | Diesel exhaust contributes to air pollution, acid rain, and the production of ground-level ozone, which has serious human health and environmental effects, including asthma, respiratory illnesses, and heart and lung disease |
| Emission Reduction Efforts | The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established standards for sulfur content in diesel fuel and emissions from new diesel engines; the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) provides funding for diesel emissions reduction projects |
| Standardization | Standardized in the European Union as EN 590; other historical standards include DIN 51601, VTL 9140–001, and NATO F 54 |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel's impact on human health
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are used in various applications, from vehicles to shipping goods and generating electricity. While diesel fuel has benefited human life in many ways, it also has adverse effects on human health.
Diesel exhaust releases harmful gases such as HC, CO, NOx, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to air pollution, which has severe consequences for human health and the environment. The toxic components in diesel exhaust have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory illnesses such as asthma, coughing, and throat and chest irritation. The fine particles in diesel exhaust can penetrate deep into the lungs, and smaller particles can even enter the bloodstream. This can lead to or exacerbate heart and lung diseases, especially in children and the elderly, increasing emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
Furthermore, exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung and bladder cancer. In Washington, 70% of the cancer risk from air pollutants is attributed to diesel exhaust. The emissions also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone or smog, which aggressively attacks lung tissue, causing lung damage and triggering asthma attacks.
To mitigate these health risks, regulatory bodies like the EPA have implemented measures such as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to reduce diesel emissions. These regulations have led to cleaner diesel engines, but older engines still in use continue to contribute to harmful emissions. Additionally, strategies such as improved fuel economy and idle reduction can help address the impact of diesel fuel on climate change and human health.
While diesel fuel has been a prevalent source of energy, the health risks associated with its use highlight the importance of developing cleaner energy alternatives and implementing strategies to reduce emissions.
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Diesel engines and their longevity
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine. It is the predominant fuel used for shipping goods and moving freight, with the most common type being petroleum or ''petrodiesel'. Diesel engines are also commonly used in heavy trucks and personal cars.
The average lifespan of a diesel engine is anywhere from 400,000 to over 1,000,000 miles. With proper care and maintenance, a diesel engine can last over 800,000 miles. The longevity of a diesel engine is influenced by various factors, including the quality of fuel and lubricants used, operating conditions, workload, and consistent maintenance. High-quality fuel and lubricants enhance performance, reduce wear and tear, and prolong engine life.
The design of diesel engines makes them suitable for demanding applications, and their efficiency improves over longer, continuous runs. As such, diesel engines used for long-haul or heavy-duty purposes can have extended lifespans. However, operating under extreme conditions or continuously carrying heavy loads can shorten the engine's lifespan due to increased wear and tear.
Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections, is critical to ensuring the performance and longevity of a diesel engine. Proper maintenance can help detect signs of ageing, such as decreased fuel efficiency, and prevent costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, addressing diesel emissions is essential for human health and the environment, as older diesel engines can cause health issues and environmental damage.
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Diesel fuel's production process
Diesel fuel is a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained by the distillation of crude oil. The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, alternatives that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming more common. Diesel fuel is used in diesel engines, which power many vehicles, including freight and delivery trucks, trains, buses, boats, and farm, construction, and military vehicles. It is also used in diesel-engine generators to generate electricity in remote locations and as backup power in hospitals, industrial facilities, and large buildings.
The production process for diesel fuel involves several steps, including:
Hydrotreating
Hydrotreating is a process that utilizes high-pressure hydrogen to remove oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen compounds from the fuel, leaving a clean, high-performance hydrocarbon molecule. This process is commonly used in diesel fuel production to upgrade the refinery streams and improve the fuel's performance.
Isomerization
Isomerization is a crucial step in the production of renewable diesel, as it improves the fuel's cold-weather performance by preventing freezing. This process involves changing long-chain n-paraffins into iso-paraffins of the same length, which is referred to as branching. Isomerization helps create a more efficient fuel that can be used in cold environments, making it a popular choice for businesses operating in cold climates.
Fractionation
Fractionation is the process of separating the product into a liquid, creating a finished product ready for distribution. This step ensures that the fuel can be stored until it is purchased by businesses or consumers.
Distribution
The final step in the production process is distributing the diesel fuel to businesses and consumers. Renewable diesel can be delivered through pipelines, ships, trucks, or trains, depending on the supplier. It may sometimes be blended with other fuels during distribution to meet market demands and specific fuel grades.
Feedstocks and Production Methods
Renewable diesel can be made from various feedstocks, including vegetable oil, agricultural waste, trash, and biomass. It is a synthetic diesel fuel that can be used as a direct replacement for petroleum diesel, offering a more sustainable option for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Diesel fuel's prevalence in freight shipping
Diesel fuel is currently the most widely used fuel in the shipping industry. This has been the case for over 100 years, since the advent of the 4-stroke internal combustion engine, from which most of today's engines are derived. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, originally designed his engine to run on coal dust, but it has since become a highly influential power source for internal combustion engines.
Diesel fuel is used in three of the four major transportation methods: truck, rail, and container ship. Most of the products we consume are transported by trucks and trains with diesel engines, and diesel fuel is also commonly used in public and school buses. Diesel engines are also used in boats and barges, which help transport products. Diesel is favoured in these industries because it is less flammable and less explosive than other fuels, and is less likely to stall. It also has a greater energy density than other liquid fuels, providing more useful energy per unit of volume.
However, the shipping industry is working towards alternative fuels, as sustainability and decarbonisation become increasingly important. Diesel is a fossil fuel and a finite resource, and the industry must move towards cleaner and more efficient fuels to meet emissions targets.
The high cost of diesel is a significant issue in freight shipping, as diesel prices are inextricably linked to freight costs. When diesel prices rise, shipping costs do too, and carriers must increase their prices or face losses. Fuel surcharges are added to shipments to adjust for fluctuations in diesel prices, and these can make up a significant percentage of shipping costs.
The use of diesel in freight shipping is likely to continue for some time, as it remains the most cost-effective option for ship and fleet owners and operators. Engines in most vessels are designed to run on diesel, and the industry typically keeps the same machinery for decades.
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Diesel fuel's environmental impact
Diesel fuel is the predominant fuel used for shipping goods and moving freight across the world. It is a high-volume product of oil refineries and is used in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel engines are the most efficient prime movers available today and are widely used to power vehicles, electricity generation, and heavy machinery. However, the environmental impact of diesel fuel is significant and has led to the creation of policies and technologies to reduce diesel emissions.
Diesel exhaust emissions contribute to air pollution and have serious human health and environmental effects. The pollutants produced by burning diesel fuel include oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and acid rain. Acid rain affects soil, lakes, streams, and enters the human food chain through water, produce, meat, and fish. Other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and air toxics released by diesel engines can cause heart and lung disease and damage plants, animals, crops, and water resources. Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to asthma, respiratory illnesses, and other serious health conditions, particularly in children and the elderly.
To address the environmental and health impacts of diesel emissions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented standards for the sulfur content of diesel fuel and emissions from new diesel engines. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, which contains a maximum sulfur concentration of 15 parts per million (ppm), is now commonly used in the United States, the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America. ULSD fuel, along with advanced exhaust emission control systems, can significantly reduce vehicle particulate emissions and nitrogen compound emissions.
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) was established to provide funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions from existing engines. The program has been reauthorized multiple times, with grants and rebates awarded to eligible entities working on diesel emissions reduction projects. Additionally, technology changes such as engine modifications, exhaust gas recirculation, and catalytic aftertreatment are being implemented to reduce emissions from diesel engines. These measures aim to improve air and water quality, mitigate climate change, and enhance energy security.
While diesel fuel has been essential for various industrial applications, the development and adoption of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impact associated with diesel fuel usage. These alternatives are not derived from petroleum and provide more sustainable options for the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, heavy oil or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL) or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are also being increasingly developed and adopted.
Petroleum diesel, the most common type of diesel fuel, is produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil between 200 and 350 °C at atmospheric pressure. This results in a mixture of carbon chains that typically contain between 9 and 25 carbon atoms per molecule. This fraction is then treated with hydrodesulfurization.
Due to the harmful emissions produced by diesel fuel, there is increasing interest in alternative fuels. However, diesel remains indispensable to many industries, including shipping and freight, where it is the predominant fuel. To reduce emissions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards for the sulfur content of diesel fuel and emissions from new diesel engines. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is now the norm in the UK, mainland Europe and North America.
