Regan Brown
While jet fuel and diesel are both specific fractional distillates of petroleum fuel oil, there are some key differences between the two. Jet fuel is a performance specification, defined by the range of molecular mass between hydrocarbons, or different carbon numbers, which are determined by the requirements for the product, such as freezing point or smoke point. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, is designed to power engines built specifically to run on diesel. Jet fuel is also dry and has a higher level of sulfur, which can cause long-term wear and damage to engines. While jet fuel can be used in diesel engines in some cases, it is not recommended, as it can lead to fines and engine damage.
Characteristics of jet fuel and diesel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flash point | Jet fuel: 28 °C (82 °F) or >38 °C |
| Diesel: >55 °C | |
| Freezing point | Jet A: -40 °F (-40 °C) |
| Jet A-1: -53 °F (-47.2 °C) | |
| Jet B: Not mentioned | |
| Diesel: Not mentioned | |
| Sulphur content | Jet fuel: High |
| Diesel: Low | |
| Lubricity | Jet fuel: Poor |
| Diesel: Better | |
| Usage | Jet fuel: Used in gas-turbine engines |
| Diesel: Used in diesel engines | |
| Cetane number | Jet fuel: No minimum cetane rating |
| Diesel: Manufactured with a required cetane number | |
| Viscosity | Jet A and Diesel #1: Lower viscosity |
| Diesel #2: Higher viscosity | |
| Cost | Jet fuel: More expensive than diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Jet fuel is dry, diesel is lubricating
Jet fuel and diesel are two different types of fuel with distinct characteristics and applications. While jet fuel is used in aircraft engines, diesel fuel is designed to power engines built specifically for diesel fuels.
Jet fuel is considered a "dry" fuel, meaning it has poor lubricating abilities. This can lead to increased wear and tear on fuel injection equipment. On the other hand, diesel is a lubricating fuel designed to keep the injector system of a diesel engine well-maintained.
The difference in lubricity between the two fuels is significant. Jet fuel, particularly Jet-A, is a high-sulfur fuel with acceptable lubricity for gas-turbine engines. In contrast, diesel fuel requires lubricity additives to maintain the injector system in diesel engines. Without these additives, the engine's powertrain is more susceptible to premature wear and tear.
The viscosity specifications of jet fuel and diesel also differ. Jet-A tends towards lower viscosities, which can contribute to lower lubricity. This can have long-term consequences, potentially causing wear and tear on pumps, injectors, and other engine components.
Additionally, jet fuel and diesel have different cetane ratings. Diesel fuel is manufactured with a required cetane number, while jet fuel, specifically Jet-A, does not have a minimum cetane rating as it is designed for turbine engines. Using jet fuel in a diesel engine with a low cetane number can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all.
While jet fuel and diesel have distinct characteristics, there have been instances of jet fuel being used in diesel engines, particularly in ground-support vehicles at airports. However, jet fuel is more expensive than diesel, and using it in diesel engines can lead to higher operating costs. Furthermore, the use of jet fuel in diesel engines may be subject to EPA regulations due to the higher sulfur content of jet fuel.
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Jet fuel has a higher flash point
Jet fuel is a performance specification defined by the requirements for the product, such as freezing point and smoke point. It is made up of hydrocarbons and has three types: Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B. Jet A and Jet A-1 are kerosene-type jet fuels, while Jet B is a wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel used for cold weather performance. Jet fuel has a higher flash point compared to diesel, which means it is safer as it doesn't vaporize as easily. The flash point refers to the temperature at which the vapor above the liquid fuel catches fire when a flame or spark is present. Jet fuel has a flash point of +38 °C, while diesel fuel has a flash point of +55 °C.
The higher flash point of jet fuel makes it less hazardous than diesel fuel. Aviation gasoline (Avgas), which is used in piston engines, has a very low flash point of less than -30 °C, making it highly flammable and hazardous if spilled. The higher flash point of jet fuel reduces the risk of vapor ignition, making it safer for use in aircraft engines.
While jet fuel can be used in diesel engines, it has different lubricity and viscosity compared to diesel fuel. Jet fuel, especially Jet-A, is considered a high-sulfur fuel, while diesel fuel has lower sulfur content due to EPA regulations. The higher sulfur content in jet fuel provides better lubricity, while diesel fuel requires lubricity additives to maintain the injector system in diesel engines. However, the use of jet fuel in diesel engines can increase wear and tear on fuel injection equipment due to its lower lubricity.
The use of jet fuel in diesel engines also has economic implications. Jet fuel is generally more expensive than diesel fuel. However, in certain situations, such as ground-support fleets at airports, using jet fuel can be economically viable as it eliminates the need for separate diesel fuel stations. Additionally, jet fuel can be used in diesel engines with some modifications, such as adding lubricity additives, to improve performance and reduce wear.
In summary, jet fuel has a higher flash point compared to diesel fuel, making it safer and less hazardous. While jet fuel can be used in diesel engines, there are differences in lubricity, viscosity, and sulfur content that can impact performance and maintenance. The use of jet fuel in diesel engines may be economically viable in specific contexts, but it is important to consider the potential long-term effects on engine performance and adhere to regulatory standards.
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Jet fuel has more sulphur
Jet fuel is a performance specification defined by the range of molecular mass between hydrocarbons, also known as different carbon numbers. This range is determined by the requirements for the product, such as its freezing or smoke point. Jet fuel is made up of hydrocarbons and powers gas-turbine engines in planes.
There are three main types of jet fuel: Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B. Jet A and Jet A-1 differ in their freezing points, with Jet A freezing at -40°F and Jet A-1 at -53°F. Jet B is used for cold weather performance but is rarely used due to safety concerns. Jet fuel is also used in diesel-powered ground-support vehicles at airports, and in some cases, it may be used in diesel engines.
One of the main differences between jet fuel and diesel fuel is their lubricity. Jet fuel, particularly Jet-A, is considered a high-sulfur fuel, while diesel fuel has lower sulfur content. Jet fuel has better lubricity due to its higher sulfur content and does not currently require a lubricity additive, unlike pipeline diesel fuels. The introduction of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) has increased the need for lubricity modifiers in diesel fuels.
The higher sulfur content in jet fuel can have implications for emissions and environmental regulations. The Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel era has brought stricter EPA requirements for sulfur content in diesel fuel. Using Jet-A in vehicles, therefore, carries the risk of fines and penalties. Additionally, the higher sulfur content in jet fuel can contribute to increased wear and tear on fuel injection equipment in diesel engines.
While jet fuel has been used in diesel engines, particularly in older vehicles, it is not recommended for long-term use due to potential performance issues and engine wear. The use of jet fuel in diesel engines may require additives to enhance lubricity and protect engine components. Therefore, it is generally advised to use the fuel that is specifically designed for a particular vehicle to ensure optimal performance and maintain engine health.
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Jet fuel is more expensive
Another factor contributing to the higher cost of jet fuel is the limited supply of refineries capable of producing 100LL avgas, a type of aviation fuel with a high octane rating. The specialized nature of this fuel and the relatively small number of refineries producing it drive up the price. Additionally, the worldwide return to airline travel, coupled with the increasing demand from the freight and shipping industries, has further increased the demand for jet fuel, resulting in higher prices.
The type of jet fuel also impacts its cost. For example, Jet A-1 has an even higher freezing point than Jet A, making it more suitable for cold weather conditions but also more expensive. Regional variations in pricing are also observed, with jet fuel prices in the eastern region of the United States reaching $12.88 per gallon, significantly higher than the average price of $6.35 per gallon across the country.
Furthermore, external factors such as the war in Ukraine, inflation, and broader economic trends can influence the price of jet fuel. These factors contribute to the overall higher cost of jet fuel when compared to diesel fuel. It is worth noting that while jet fuel may be more expensive, it is specifically designed for airplane engines, and using diesel fuel in aircraft is not common due to the specialized nature of aviation engines.
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Jet fuel is a performance specification
Jet fuel is made up of hydrocarbons, and its exact composition varies based on the petroleum source. The range of molecular mass between hydrocarbons is defined by the requirements for the product, such as the freezing point or smoke point. For example, Jet A freezes at −40 °F (−40 °C), while Jet A-1 freezes at −53 °F (−47 °C). Jet B, on the other hand, has enhanced cold-weather performance and is used in very cold climates like northern Canada and Alaska. However, its lighter composition makes it more dangerous to handle, so it is rarely used.
The specifications of jet fuel are adjusted to balance performance requirements and fuel availability. For instance, a very low freezing point can reduce fuel availability, and a higher flash point, which is the temperature at which the vapor above the liquid fuel catches fire, increases production costs. Jet fuel has a higher flash point than aviation gasoline (Avgas), making it safer as it doesn't vaporize as easily. Jet fuel must be heated to greater than +38 °C (+100 °F) for the vapor to burn, while Avgas has a flash point of less than -30 °C (-22 °F).
In some parts of the world, different types of jet fuel are used. For example, in post-Soviet countries, TS-1 jet fuel is utilized, which has a higher volatility than Jet A-1 and an extremely low freezing point of below −50 °C (−58 °F). Military organizations also use a different classification system of JP (Jet Propellant) numbers, with fuels like JP-4 and JP-8 being similar to their civilian counterparts, Jet B and Jet A-1, respectively.
While jet fuel is designed for aircraft engines, it has been used in ground-support fleets at airports, powering vehicles like buses, trucks, and cars. However, using jet fuel in diesel engines can have disadvantages, and it is generally recommended to use the fuel designed for a specific vehicle. Jet fuel has different lubricity and viscosity specifications compared to diesel fuel, and it contains higher levels of sulfur and additives, including cetane. These differences can impact the performance and longevity of the engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, jet fuel can be used in diesel engines. However, it is not recommended as it contains more sulfur and other additives than automotive diesel.
The use of jet fuel in diesel-powered ground vehicles at airports can be logistically advantageous and economically viable as it eliminates the need for separate fuelling facilities.
Jet fuel has poor lubricating ability compared to diesel, which can increase wear in fuel injection equipment. Jet fuel is also more expensive than diesel.
Jet fuel is a performance specification defined by the range of molecular mass between hydrocarbons. It has a higher flash point than diesel, meaning it is safer as it does not vaporize easily. Jet fuel also has a higher freezing point than diesel.
