Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines. It is a high-volume product of oil refineries, with the most common type being a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. Diesel fuel has a variety of colloquial names and is used in heavy trucks, watercraft diesel engines, and some non-diesel engines. The use of diesel fuel has been standardized in many countries, such as the European Union with the EN 590 standard. With the increasing demand for petroleum-based fuels and their use in internal combustion engines, there is a growing focus on understanding and reducing their adverse effects on air quality and climate change. This includes studying the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from diesel engines and exploring alternative fuel sources, such as biodiesel blends, which have shown lower VOC emissions and reduced health risks.
Is diesel fuel a VOC?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines. |
| Origin | Diesel fuel originated from experiments by German scientist Rudolf Diesel for his compression-ignition engine in the 1890s. |
| Standardization | Diesel fuel has been standardized, e.g., EN 590 in the European Union. |
| Composition | Diesel fuel is derived from various sources, most commonly petroleum, but also biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction. |
| Alternatives | Non-petroleum-based alternatives include biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel. |
| VOC Emissions | Diesel exhaust emits VOCs, but biodiesel blends like B20 have lower VOC emissions and correspondingly lower ozone formation potentials. |
| Health Impact | Diesel exhaust, especially from older engines, can cause health damage, and pure diesel has higher chronic hazard quotients and indices than biodiesel blends. |
| Usage | Diesel fuel is commonly used in heavy trucks and watercraft diesel engines, and it can also fuel non-diesel engines like the Stirling engine. |
| Colloquial Names | Colloquial names include "white diesel" in the UK, "distillate" in Australia, and "Solar" in Indonesia, Israel, and the Middle East. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel composition
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel specifically designed for use in diesel engines. It is a complex mixture derived from crude oil through fractional distillation, consisting mainly of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons with a boiling point range of approximately 163–357 °C. The production of diesel fuel is similar to that of gasoline: first distillation, then various conversion steps, and finally clean-up.
The chemical composition of crude oil determines the quantity and quality of the streams drawn off from distillation. Refineries use processes such as thermal cracking, catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking to increase the yield of desired products by breaking down unwanted heavy fractions. Diesel fuel contains more non-volatile components than gasoline and has a higher boiling range, typically between 160 °C and 371 °C. This is why diesel fuel must be sprayed rather than evaporated in the air, as it risks pre-ignition.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, alternative types that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming increasingly common. Diesel fuel is standardised in many countries to ensure consistent quality. For example, the standard for diesel fuel in the European Union is EN 590, and ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is widely used in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America.
Diesel fuel contains mainly paraffins, aromatics, and naphthenes. Paraffins, also known as alkanes, have a straight molecular structure, which causes diesel fuel to eventually turn into a solid state, a process known as gelling. This can cause issues for diesel engines, as the fuel may cloud at 32 °F and "gel" at 15 to 10 °F, rendering the engine unable to run. Aromatics, on the other hand, create a ring-like structure with their carbon atoms. Aromatic hydrocarbon rings typically consist of 6 carbon atoms, alternating single and double bonds. Benzene is the simplest aromatic compound, with a chemical composition of C6H6.
The properties used to characterise diesel fuel include the cetane number (or cetane index), fuel volatility, density, viscosity, low-temperature operability, and sulfur content. Additives are mixed with diesel fuel to adjust performance characteristics, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which is added as a "cold flow improver" to inhibit the crystallisation of waxes that can block fuel filters. Other additives include antifoaming agents (silicones), antioxidants (hindered phenols), and "metal deactivating agents" (salicylaldimines).
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Health risks of diesel exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a mixture of gases and particles produced during the combustion of diesel fuel. It contains a variety of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Several studies have shown a link between exposure to diesel exhaust and an increased risk of lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified diesel engine exhaust as "carcinogenic to humans," based on sufficient evidence linking it to lung cancer. Additionally, the IARC has noted a potential association between diesel exhaust and bladder cancer.
Occupations with potential exposure to diesel exhaust include miners, construction workers, heavy equipment operators, bridge and tunnel workers, railroad workers, oil and gas workers, loading dock workers, truck drivers, material handling operators, farmworkers, longshoring workers, and auto, truck, and bus maintenance garage workers. People living or working near highways and roads may also be exposed to diesel exhaust from vehicles.
The health risks associated with diesel exhaust are not limited to cancer. Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of pollutants, and exposure to these pollutants can have immediate and long-term effects on multiple organ systems. For example, it can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust has also been linked to cardiovascular effects, such as aggravated cardiac symptoms and reduced heart rate variability.
To mitigate the health risks associated with diesel exhaust, government regulations and technological advancements have been implemented. Updated EPA regulations and improvements in technology have led to newer diesel engines that emit much lower amounts of certain chemicals compared to older engines. However, older diesel engines are still in use, emphasizing the importance of avoiding exposure when possible. Individuals exposed to diesel exhaust in the workplace may be able to reduce or prevent exposure through various measures.
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Diesel fuel standards
One of the key focuses of diesel fuel standards is to reduce the sulfur content in diesel fuel. High sulfur levels in diesel fuel contribute to air pollution and have negative health and environmental impacts. In 1993, the EPA began regulating sulfur levels in diesel fuel, and since then, the allowable sulfur content has been gradually reduced. As of 2006, the EPA mandated a maximum sulfur level of 15 parts per million (ppm), referred to as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). This standard became mandatory for all highway diesel fuel and vehicles in the US after 2010. Similarly, the European Union has also significantly reduced sulfur content in diesel fuel over the years, with the Euro 5 standard, introduced in 2009, allowing a maximum sulfur content of just 10 ppm.
In addition to sulfur content, diesel fuel standards also specify other fuel properties such as cetane number, density, flash point, and biodiesel content. The cetane number is a critical measure of diesel fuel quality, indicating how readily the fuel ignites. ASTM standards, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials, cover various aspects of diesel fuel quality and are widely referenced in the United States.
Some states in the US, such as California, have implemented additional fuel standards beyond the federal requirements. California's diesel fuel program sets stringent standards for aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur content, and lubricity. California also has its own Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) that places specific requirements on the renewable content of diesel fuel. Similarly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established emission control areas along the US and Canadian shorelines, leading to more stringent standards for marine diesel fuel.
Overall, diesel fuel standards play a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions, improving air quality, and protecting the environment and public health. These standards are regularly updated and revised to incorporate the latest technological advancements and scientific knowledge, ensuring that diesel fuel becomes cleaner and safer over time.
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Biodiesel blends
B20 is a common blend because it represents a good balance of cost, emissions, cold-weather performance, and compatibility with conventional engines. Most biodiesel users purchase B20 or lower blends, and regulated fleets that use biodiesel blends of 20% or higher qualify for biodiesel fuel use credits under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. B20 can be used in current engines without modifications, although users should always consult their vehicle and engine warranty statements before use.
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Diesel fuel alternatives
Diesel fuel is a volatile organic compound (VOC) with a complex composition. It is a petroleum-based fuel that contains a mixture of hydrocarbons and other compounds, including alkanes, aromatics, and n-heptane. The specific composition of diesel fuel can vary depending on geographic location and regulatory standards, such as the sulfur content and the inclusion of biodiesel blends.
Regarding alternatives to diesel fuel, there are several options available, particularly for older diesel engines. Here are some of the commonly mentioned alternatives:
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil, specifically filtered vegetable oil, can be used as an alternative fuel for older diesel engines, particularly those without electronic components. This includes pre-2007 diesel engines and, in some cases, even older engines from before 2000. However, it is important to note that using vegetable oil as fuel requires proper filtration and processing to avoid damaging the fuel system.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a refined form of vegetable oil that has been processed to be chemically similar to petroleum diesel. It can be produced from various feedstocks, such as soybean oil, canola oil, or recycled cooking oil. Biodiesel blends, such as B5, B10, and B20, contain different percentages of biodiesel mixed with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). These blends can be used in unmodified diesel engines and offer reduced emissions compared to conventional diesel.
Renewable Diesel
Renewable diesel, previously known as green diesel, is a biomass-derived fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. It is produced from fats, oils, and greases, often through hydrotreating processes, to create a hydrocarbon fuel chemically identical to petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel meets the ASTM D975 specification in the United States, allowing its use in existing diesel engines and infrastructure. It offers reduced carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to conventional diesel.
Hydrogen and Natural Gas
Hydrogen and natural gas are also mentioned as potential alternatives to diesel fuel. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable resources and used in fuel cell electric vehicles. Natural gas, on the other hand, offers significant cost advantages over gasoline and diesel fuels and is widely used in vehicles globally.
It is important to note that the compatibility of alternative fuels with diesel engines may vary depending on the specific engine model and its fuel system design. Some newer diesel engines with tighter fuel system clearances and more advanced emissions systems may not be compatible with alternative fuels. Therefore, it is essential to consult with experts or manufacturers before using any alternative fuel in a diesel engine to avoid potential damage or performance issues.
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Frequently asked questions
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, a group of environmental pollutants that are emitted when fossil fuels are burned.
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel is a fossil fuel, and therefore emits VOCs. However, the amount and type of VOCs emitted can vary depending on the formulation of the fuel.
No, there are different types of diesel fuel. The most common type is derived from petroleum, but alternative types are also available, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel.
Yes, diesel exhaust can cause health damage, particularly from older engines. Diesel exhaust contains VOCs, which have adverse effects on air quality and climate change.
