Ameer Randolph
The color of diesel fuel is an important indicator of its intended use and regulations. Diesel fuel comes in three main colors: clear, red, and blue. Clear diesel, also known as highway or on-road diesel, is the type commonly found at gas stations and used for vehicles driving on public roads. Red diesel, on the other hand, is designated for off-road use, including agricultural machinery, generators, and construction equipment. It is dyed to easily distinguish it from clear diesel and is not subject to federal excise tax. Blue diesel is reserved for US government purposes and is not available to the general public. These color distinctions help regulate the sale of diesel fuel and ensure compliance with fuel use laws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Color of can | Yellow |
| Other colors | Red, blue, and green |
| Significance of color | To promote safety and prevent confusion |
| Industry standard | Yes |
| Other uses of yellow cans | Storing gasoline |
| Use in other countries | In the UK, black cans are used for diesel |
| Other types | Blue diesel, green diesel, and red diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is stored in yellow cans
The use of colour-coded safety cans is a valuable safety feature and an effective way to keep people safe from the hazards associated with misusing certain fuels. Colour-coding helps to prevent confusion and potential mix-ups when working with multiple flammable liquids and provides clarification for first responders in the event of an accident.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the world’s premier organisation with a mission to eliminate deaths, injuries, and property damage due to fire, electrical, and other related hazards. While the NFPA has no enforcement capability, many of its codes and standards are enforceable under OSHA, state, and local regulations.
It is important to note that the colour of the fuel itself does not indicate the type of fuel. For example, blue-dyed diesel is used for US government vehicles, while green diesel is used as a biodiesel in some parts of the world. The colour of the dye does not change the fuel's fundamental properties.
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Blue diesel is used for US government vehicles
Fuel cans are colour-coded to indicate the type of fuel they contain. While there is no explicit mention of blue diesel being used for US government vehicles, blue fuel cans are designated for kerosene.
Colour-Coding of Fuel Cans
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the world's leading organisation in eliminating deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by fires, electricity, and related hazards. Although the NFPA is not a regulatory agency, its codes and standards are enforceable under OSHA, state, and local regulations. According to the NFPA, yellow cans are for diesel, blue cans are for kerosene, and green cans are for oils. These colour codes are industry standards.
Diesel Fuel in the US
Diesel fuel is widely used in the US, with various vehicles utilising diesel engines, such as the Ford Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke and the Sierra Duramax Turbo-Diesel. Diesel engines offer high torque at low rpm, making them suitable for hauling heavy loads. Additionally, diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel blends like B5 and B20, which are approved by many engine manufacturers.
Fuel Storage and Safety
It is important to note that diesel fuel has a shelf life of 6-12 months and should be stored properly. It should be kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and protected from oxygen, water, and condensation to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth. Fuel stabilisers can be added to extend the shelf life. Fuel cans should also meet safety standards, such as those set by the EPA, which regulates portable fuel containers in the US.
Blue Diesel
While the term "blue diesel" was not found in the specific context of US government vehicles, it is possible that "blue diesel" refers to diesel fuel designated for government or official use. In such cases, the colour blue could be used to distinguish it from standard diesel fuel or indicate a higher grade or blend. However, further research is needed to confirm the specific usage and designation of "blue diesel" in this context.
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Green diesel is used in sustainability initiatives
Diesel fuel is highly flammable and must always be stored in a yellow safety can. However, the emergence of green diesel, or renewable diesel, is transforming the industry.
Green diesel is a new industry built entirely on sustainability. It is chemically similar to petroleum diesel but is 100% renewable and sustainable. It is made from vegetable oils and/or animal fats, which are renewable, rather than fossil fuels. Green diesel is dedicated to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions as its primary function through the use of the lowest fossil-related feedstocks possible.
The development of green diesel has coincided with today's digital transformation tools and technologies, which are critical to implementing production units with the highest possible efficiency. Emerson, for example, has worked on over 20 new green diesel projects in 2021, helping to formulate best practices for automating, optimizing, and future-proofing these operations while improving speed to market.
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Co-Optima initiative has identified the top 13 diesel fuel blendstocks from biomass resources that could reduce harmful emissions from medium to heavy-duty diesel vehicles. These blendstocks include hydrocarbons, esters, and ethers that have the potential to reduce GHG emissions by at least 60% and be produced at a competitive cost.
The City of Oakland, California, and New York City have both transitioned their diesel-powered fleets to renewable diesel as a low-cost strategy to meet sustainability goals.
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Red diesel has the same chemical composition as regular diesel
Diesel fuel is highly flammable and should always be stored in a designated yellow safety can. The colour-coding of safety cans is for user safety and is one of the regulatory requirements for handling, storing, and transporting flammable and combustible liquids. Gasoline, on the other hand, is typically associated with red metal galvanized cans.
Red diesel is a type of diesel fuel that is dyed red to distinguish it from regular diesel. The dye is added to indicate that it is intended for off-road use, such as in tractors, bulldozers, and generators. It is also used to power heavy equipment and off-road vehicles in the construction and agriculture industries.
Despite its distinct colour, red diesel has the same chemical composition as regular diesel fuel. The only difference lies in their intended use and associated regulations and taxation. Regular diesel, also known as white diesel, is subject to higher taxes and more stringent regulations due to its use in on-road vehicles. In contrast, red diesel is taxed lower because it is used in off-road applications. This lower tax rate supports industries like agriculture and construction, which rely on such machinery.
The colour of diesel fuel is, therefore, an important indicator of its intended use and taxation status. While red diesel may be cheaper due to its lower tax rate, it is illegal to use it in on-road vehicles, and doing so can result in heavy fines and penalties.
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Diesel is colour-coded for safety
Diesel fuel is colour-coded for safety. Colour-coding is a valuable safety feature and an effective way to keep people safe from the hazards associated with misusing certain fuels, including damage to property, injury, or death.
The colour of a safety can indicates the type of fuel it contains. Diesel is often associated with yellow cans, complying with OSHA and NFPA Code 30 requirements. However, it's important to note that colour standards vary across different regions. For example, in the UK, diesel is typically stored in black cans, while in some parts of the world, green diesel is used as biodiesel or road fuel as part of sustainability initiatives.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a prominent organisation dedicated to eliminating fire-related hazards, including deaths, injuries, and property damage. While the NFPA does not enforce regulations, its codes and standards are enforceable under OSHA, state, and local laws. These standards play a crucial role in ensuring the safe handling and use of flammable liquids, such as diesel fuel.
Eagle, a manufacturer of safety cans, also adheres to strict guidelines set by regulatory agencies like OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and DOT. Their colour-coded safety cans are designed to enhance user safety and reduce injuries associated with flammable liquids. Additionally, Eagle's safety cans undergo rigorous testing for strength, durability, and spill resistance, further contributing to their commitment to user protection.
It is worth noting that the colour-coding system for fuel cans is not universal, and businesses may use distinct colours to designate specific chemicals. Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the regulations and practices specific to your location before handling any flammable liquids.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel can come in a range of colors, including clear, red, blue, greenish, and yellow.
The colors are made with dyes as a way of marking the fuel for specific uses.
Clear diesel is for on-road vehicles, including trucks, cars, and buses.
Red diesel is for off-road vehicles and equipment, including tractors, cranes, forklifts, planes, boats, and agricultural machinery.
Blue diesel is reserved for US government purposes, including planes and military vehicles, and is not available to the general public.
