Regan Brown
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. The appearance of diesel can vary depending on its additives, but it is typically light green in colour when clean and can appear cloudy. Diesel is known for absorbing water, which can cause issues with fuel injection pumps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Diesel oil, heavy oil, biodiesel, biomass to liquid (BTL), gas to liquid (GTL) diesel, petrodiesel, DERV (diesel-engine road vehicle), distillate, gas oil, illuminating gas |
| Origin | Experiments conducted by German scientist and inventor Rudolf Diesel for his compression-ignition engine |
| Standard | In many countries, diesel fuel is standardized. For example, in the European Union, the standard for diesel fuel is EN 590. |
| Color | Varies from brand to brand, can be light green, brown, or colorless |
| Odor | Odorless or with a smell |
| Consistency | Liquid |
| Misc | Absorbs water easily |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel colour
The colour of diesel fuel is an important component of the fuel's identity and is used to enforce regulatory, practical, and safety considerations in the supply chain and use of diesel. Diesel fuel comes in three colours: clear, red, and blue.
Clear diesel, also known as highway diesel or on-road diesel, is the most common type of diesel and is used for diesel vehicles that drive on public roads, such as trucks, cars, SUVs, and vans. It has low sulfur levels and is legally taxable. Clear diesel may have a greenish tint when it is fresh or a yellow tint when it is older.
Red diesel, also known as off-road diesel or dyed diesel, is chemically similar to clear diesel but is used for off-road vehicles and equipment, including tractors, cranes, forklifts, planes, boats, agricultural machinery, generators, and heavy construction equipment. It has higher sulfur levels and is not taxed within the United States because it is not used for on-road vehicles. The red colour is added to help officials and users identify it clearly.
Blue diesel fuel is reserved for US government purposes, including planes and military vehicles, and is not meant for use by the general public. It is also not taxed because the government is the only customer.
It is important to note that while the colour of diesel fuel is significant for regulatory and identification purposes, the dye only adds colour and does not change the fundamental properties or composition of the fuel.
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Diesel fuel consistency
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel needs good compression ignition characteristics, as fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the injection of fuel.
The consistency of diesel fuel can vary depending on its source and any additives present. Typically, diesel is described as a light green colour under sunlight if it is clean. However, it can also appear cloudy due to additives, and in some cases, it can be almost clear and odourless. In certain circumstances, diesel fuel may absorb water, leading to a brown discolouration, which is likely due to the presence of dirt or rust.
Diesel fuel is often standardised, and the specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil is the most common type. However, alternative types of diesel fuel that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming more prevalent. These alternative fuels provide options that are not dependent on petroleum sources and contribute to the variation in diesel fuel consistency.
Water contamination in diesel fuel can lead to issues such as freezing and gelling, which can clog the fuel injector pump. Therefore, some diesel fuel filters are designed to trap water to mitigate these problems. The consistency and quality of diesel fuel can impact its performance and the operation of diesel engines.
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Diesel fuel types
Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel is produced from various sources, the most common being petroleum. Other sources include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but alternatives that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are increasingly being developed and adopted. Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oil or animal fats and can be mixed with any grade of fuel to cut emissions.
Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is another type of diesel fuel with substantially lowered sulfur content. As of 2016, almost all of the petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America is of the ULSD type. ULSD has good cold flow properties, making it suitable for cold weather, and can be found in three grades: 1-D, 2-D, or 4-D.
Diesel fuel grades are classified by cetane number, cloud point, and pour point. The cetane number indicates how quickly the fuel ignites, while the cloud point marks the temperature at which wax crystals form, causing the fuel to appear cloudy. The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fuel remains liquid. These characteristics determine cold-weather performance.
Some other types of diesel fuel include dyed diesel, premium diesel, #1 diesel, and #2 diesel. Dyed diesel is dyed red to distinguish it from other diesel types and is primarily used for off-road purposes. Premium diesel is Grade 2-D with additives that promise better fuel economy and smooth engine performance. #1 diesel is often considered a premium fuel due to its added lubricants and detergents, while #2 diesel is made from the petroleum refinement process.
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Diesel fuel tank considerations
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel has good compression ignition characteristics and is slow to evaporate. Diesel is less flammable than gasoline, but any spills can pose a slip hazard on the roadway. Diesel fuel is often referred to simply as 'diesel', but it also has a variety of other names, including 'diesel oil', 'heavy oil', 'distillate', 'gas oil', 'DERV', and 'biodiesel'.
When considering a diesel fuel tank, it is important to be aware of the potential for water contamination. Water in the fuel can damage the fuel injection pump and lead to freezing, which can cause the fuel to gel and become ineffective until it returns to a liquid state. Diesel fuel can vary in colour, but it should be light green, especially under sunlight, if it is clean. Cloudiness may be due to additives, while brown discolouration could indicate dirt or rust in the tank.
To avoid water contamination, it is essential to have a water-tight fuel tank that is regularly inspected and maintained. The tank should be constructed from materials that are compatible with diesel fuel and able to withstand the fuel's slow evaporation rate. The tank should also be an appropriate size and shape to accommodate the volume of fuel required and to allow for easy access and refuelling.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the safety aspects of diesel fuel storage. Diesel fuel tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area to prevent the build-up of flammable vapours. The area should also be secure and restricted to authorised personnel only, to minimise the risk of accidents or vandalism. Regular inspections and maintenance of the fuel tank and its surrounding area are necessary to identify and address any potential hazards promptly.
Furthermore, environmental considerations should also be taken into account when selecting and installing a diesel fuel tank. The tank should be situated in an area where any potential spills or leaks will not cause significant environmental damage. Containment measures, such as a bunded fuel tank or a spill containment pallet, should be in place to capture and contain any escaped fuel. The fuel tank should also be appropriately marked and labelled to indicate the presence of flammable liquids and to provide essential information in case of an emergency.
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Diesel fuel origins
Diesel fuel, also known historically as heavy oil, originated from experiments conducted by German scientist and inventor Rudolf Diesel for his compression-ignition engine, which he invented around 1892. Interestingly, Diesel's original intention was not to use any specific type of fuel. Instead, he believed that his rational heat motor would operate with any kind of fuel in any state of matter. However, the first diesel engine prototype and the first functional diesel engine were exclusively designed for liquid fuels.
During his initial tests, Diesel employed illuminating gas as fuel and successfully constructed functional designs, both with and without pilot injection. He also experimented with a coal-dust prototype in 1899, which utilized external mixture formation and liquid fuel pilot injection. Unfortunately, this prototype experienced piston ring failure due to coal dust deposition.
Before the standardization of diesel fuel, diesel engines typically operated on inexpensive fuel oils. In the United States, these fuel oils were distilled from petroleum, while coal-tar creosote oil was used in Europe. Additionally, in the United Kingdom, diesel fuel intended for road use was sometimes referred to as "white diesel" to differentiate it from a reduced-tax agricultural product.
Today, the most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, alternative options that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are gaining traction and being increasingly adopted. These alternatives are particularly important as they provide options that are not dependent on petroleum sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel can vary in colour. It can be light green, brown, or even clear and odourless. The colour can be affected by additives, or dirt and rust in the tank.
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, heavy oil, or biodiesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine.
Diesel is less flammable than petrol and evaporates more slowly, leaving a greasy slick on the road.
Water contamination in diesel fuel can lead to freezing and gelling, which can clog the fuel injector pump.
In Australia, diesel fuel is called distillate. In Indonesia, Israel, and most Middle Eastern countries, it is known as Solar.
