Mercedes Mullins
Kerosene, also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, has a lower boiling point than #2 diesel fuel oil, resulting in a lighter viscosity and a lower burning temperature. This makes it a popular alternative to diesel fuel, especially in cold climates, as it doesn't gel as quickly. However, due to its lack of lubricity, kerosene can cause damage to fuel pumps and other engine components. Mixing kerosene with diesel fuel can improve cold weather performance and reduce emissions, but it is important to understand the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid engine damage and voiding warranties.
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What You'll Learn
Kerosene vs diesel fuel: freezing points
Kerosene and diesel fuel have different freezing points, which affects their performance in cold climates and their suitability for different applications.
Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid derived from petroleum. It has a lower freezing point than diesel fuel, typically around -40 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. This property makes kerosene useful in cold climates as it prevents gelling at freezing temperatures. Historically, kerosene was used in space heaters, stoves, and lamps, providing lighting and warmth for homes, farms, and fishing families. Kerosene space heaters, known as "salamanders", are still used on construction sites to dry materials and warm workers. In the past, citrus growers also used kerosene-fuelled smudge pots to generate smoke and protect crops from freezing temperatures.
The freezing point of kerosene depends on its grade. Commercial aviation fuel, for example, has a standardised freezing point of -47 degrees Celsius (-53 degrees Fahrenheit), while Grade 1-K kerosene freezes around -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). ASTM International recognises these two grades of kerosene based on their sulfur content, with Grade 1-K containing less sulfur and burning cleaner.
On the other hand, diesel fuel has a higher freezing point than kerosene. While the exact freezing point of diesel fuel can vary depending on its composition and additives, it typically gels at colder temperatures. This can be an issue in cold climates, leading to the use of additives to lower the freezing point. However, diesel fuel has a higher energy density than kerosene, providing more power and efficiency.
The difference in freezing points between kerosene and diesel fuel has led to discussions about using kerosene as a substitute for diesel in engines. Kerosene is generally cheaper than diesel and its lower freezing point can be advantageous in cold regions. However, there are several risks and considerations associated with using kerosene in diesel engines. Kerosene burns at a lower temperature, which reduces engine power and fuel efficiency. Additionally, kerosene is a harsher fuel that lacks lubrication, potentially damaging the injector pump in diesel engines unless lubricants are added. It is important to check the vehicle's manual and warranty restrictions before using kerosene as an alternative fuel.
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Kerosene's impact on fuel pumps
Kerosene is a lighter and less viscous fuel compared to diesel, which means it often requires less strain on fuel pumps to transfer. Kerosene is commonly used in heaters, lamps, and jet engines, and its properties differ from diesel in ways that impact the type of pump required.
One key difference is lubricity: kerosene offers significantly less natural lubrication than diesel fuel, which means pump components need to be constructed from hardened materials or specifically designed for low-lubricity fuels. Standard diesel fuel pump components are often incompatible with kerosene and can wear out prematurely. Kerosene's lower viscosity, particularly at warmer temperatures, also impacts the pump design, as it can increase the potential for internal leakage in pumps not designed for it. Therefore, pumps designed for kerosene must consider the viscosity change with temperature to maintain consistent flow rates.
Safety is a critical consideration when dealing with flammable liquids like kerosene. Pumps used with kerosene must have Explosion-Proof Certification (such as UL, ATEX, CSA, or IECEx) to prevent the ignition of flammable vapours. Static electricity build-up during fuel transfer is another significant risk, so proper grounding and bonding terminals are essential to safely dissipate the static charge.
The specific application of kerosene fueling also influences the selection of the appropriate pump. For example, heater/boiler fueling requires moderate flow rates and prioritises safety and ease of use. In contrast, portable refueling demands durability and portability, and bulk storage tank filling may require higher flow rates and specialised couplings. Aircraft refueling demands extremely high flow rates, specialised aviation nozzles, and rigorous safety certifications.
Overall, while modern fuel transfer pumps can handle a variety of fluids, it is crucial to check compatibility and use the right materials to ensure optimal performance and safety when dealing with kerosene.
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Kerosene's hydrocarbon composition
Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons, typically containing between 6 and 20 carbon atoms per molecule, with 9 to 16 carbon atoms being the most common. The chemical composition of kerosene depends on its source, but it usually consists of about 10 different hydrocarbons. The major components of kerosene are branched- and straight-chain alkanes (hydrocarbon chains) and naphthenes (cycloalkanes), which normally account for at least 70% of its volume.
The straight-chain and branched-chain alkanes in kerosene can range from heptane (C7) to hexadecane (C16). The branched-chain alkanes are also known as isoalkanes and have the same chemical formula as the straight-chain alkanes but a different structure. The cycloalkanes in kerosene have a ring structure and are also known as naphthenes. They typically have between 5 and 7 carbon atoms per molecule.
Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as alkylbenzenes (single ring) and alkylnaphthalenes (double ring), are also present in kerosene but typically do not exceed 25% by volume. Olefins are another type of hydrocarbon that can be found in kerosene, but they usually do not exceed 5% by volume. These hydrocarbons have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds and are highly reactive due to their double bond structure.
The process of distilling crude oil or petroleum into kerosene was first described in the 9th century by the Persian scholar Rāzi (or Rhazes) in his Kitab al-Asrar (Book of Secrets). Razi described two methods for producing kerosene: one using clay as an absorbent and the other using chemicals like ammonium chloride (sal ammoniac). The distillation process was repeated until a clear and safe-to-burn final product was obtained.
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Benefits of mixing kerosene with diesel
Kerosene and diesel are both petroleum fuels derived from the molecular components of crude oil. Kerosene is extracted first, followed by diesel, as it has a lower boiling point. While kerosene is used in various engine systems, diesel is primarily used for vehicles. Despite the risks associated with mixing kerosene with diesel fuel, there are several benefits that might make it appealing to some.
The primary advantage of mixing kerosene with diesel fuel is the cost savings it offers. Kerosene is significantly more affordable than diesel fuel, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their fuel expenses. This is especially beneficial for those in colder regions, as kerosene's lower freezing point can prevent gelling in diesel engines during freezing temperatures. Its smoother performance in cold climates can be a significant advantage, reducing the hassle of dealing with gelled diesel fuel.
Another benefit of kerosene is its lighter weight, which results in a slightly lower energy content compared to diesel. Kerosene contains fewer aromatic compounds, resulting in a drier burn with less lubricity. This can be advantageous for engines as it reduces the buildup of carbon deposits and improves fuel efficiency.
Additionally, kerosene's versatility extends beyond its use as a fuel. It is commonly used in jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters, making it a versatile and readily available option for various applications.
While these benefits may make mixing kerosene with diesel fuel seem like a practical solution, it is important to exercise caution. Professionals in the diesel industry do not recommend arbitrary mixing of kerosene and diesel. Instead, they advise using additives, lubricants, and winter-safe diesel engine oil to protect your engine and ensure its optimal performance.
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Kerosene's impact on engine power
Kerosene has historically been used as a substitute for gasoline in automobiles, especially in Europe after the Second World War. This was due to the high taxes imposed on gasoline imports. Modified automobiles used kerosene, which had the downside of reducing engine power and efficiency. To address this, a thicker head gasket was used to lower the compression ratio, allowing the engine to run on kerosene. Kerosene was also used in early- to mid-20th-century tractors and hit-and-miss engines, where it was known as tractor vaporizing oil.
Kerosene is a petroleum fuel derived from the molecular components of crude oil, similar to diesel. It has a lower boiling point and burns at a lower temperature than diesel, which prevents gelling in freezing temperatures. This makes kerosene a smoother-burning fuel in cold climates. However, its lower burning temperature also results in reduced fuel efficiency and engine power. Kerosene is a cheaper alternative to diesel, but the potential savings may be outweighed by the increased fuel consumption and the higher cost of potential engine repairs.
The impact of kerosene on engine power has been the subject of investigations, with studies blending diesel fuel with kerosene in volume percentages between 7% and 20% to evaluate engine performance and fuel efficiency. Results indicate that small volume percentages of up to 14% do not significantly affect engine performance or fuel consumption. Beyond these percentages, the impact on engine power becomes more noticeable. It is important to note that using kerosene as a fuel in vehicles may void the engine warranty, and it is prohibited on public roads in Canada and the United States if the fuel has not been properly vetted and taxed.
Kerosene is widely used in various engine systems, while diesel is primarily used for vehicles. Kerosene is a preferred fuel for portable stoves due to its reliability, durability, and high thermal output. It is also used in outdoor activities and mountaineering, where it performs well at low temperatures and high altitudes. Additionally, kerosene is used by the United States military and its NATO allies as a replacement for diesel fuel in tactical ground vehicles and electrical generators.
In summary, kerosene has a noticeable impact on engine power, especially when used in higher volume percentages. While it offers advantages in certain applications, such as portable stoves and military vehicles, its use in diesel engines may lead to reduced power and fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before using kerosene as a fuel alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
Kerosene is sometimes used as an alternative to diesel fuel, especially in cold climates, as it has a lower freezing point. However, it is important to know if your diesel engine can support kerosene as it may damage your fuel pump and void your engine warranty.
Kerosene has a flash point of 38°C (100°F) and a freezing point of -40°C/-40°F. It is colourless, whereas diesel is reddish. Kerosene also has a lower boiling point than diesel, as it is extracted from crude oil first.
Kerosene has very little lubricity compared to diesel, so it can cause a lot of wear on fuel pumps and other parts. It also has less energy content, so it is less fuel-efficient and reduces engine power. Kerosene is also considered a polluting fuel by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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