Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel specifically designed for use in diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and subsequent fuel injection. The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but alternative fuels that are not petroleum-based, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming more common. The suitability of a fuel for a diesel engine depends on its intended use, with larger, heavy-duty engines requiring heavier diesel fuel. The core property that fuels must possess to be compatible with diesel engines is their cetane number, which indicates how easily the oil combusts under pressure. Fuels with higher cetane numbers, such as premium diesel fuels with additional cleaning agents and synthetic content, tend to have improved burning characteristics and produce cleaner emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Any kind of liquid fuel that can be used in diesel engines |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Ignition | Fuel ignition occurs without a spark as a result of compression of inlet air and injection of fuel |
| Flash point | Between 52 °C and 93 °C; flash point below 60 °C: flammable liquid; flash point above 60 °C: combustible liquid |
| Cetane number | The principal measure of diesel fuel quality; higher number indicates the fuel ignites more readily; mineral-based diesel: 40; HVO or GTL fuel: 70 or greater |
| Density | 838 g per liter |
| Viscosity | Between 2.0 and 4.5; paraffinic diesel fuels: up to 5.0 |
| Efficiency | Diesel engines can reach 40% efficiency or higher |
| Examples | Petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL) diesel, gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, distillate, gasoline |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel standards
One key aspect of diesel fuel standards is the measurement of ignition delay, known as the cetane number. A higher cetane number indicates that the fuel ignites more easily when sprayed into hot compressed air. The European standard for road diesel fuel (EN 590) specifies a minimum cetane number of 51. "Premium" diesel fuels with additional cleaning agents and synthetic content may have higher cetane numbers.
In addition to international standards, regional standards also exist. For example, the California Diesel Fuel program has set stringent standards for diesel fuel specifications, including aromatic hydrocarbons, sulphur content, and lubricity, resulting in cost-effective emission reductions from diesel-powered vehicles.
Safety is another critical aspect of diesel fuel standards. The flash point of diesel fuel, which ranges between 52°C and 93°C, is a key factor in determining its flammability and combustibility. Diesel fuels with a flash point below 60°C are classified as flammable liquids, while those above 60°C are considered combustible liquids. Understanding the flash point is essential for implementing safe storage and handling procedures to mitigate the risks associated with diesel fuels.
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Diesel engines vs gasoline engines
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine that uses compression to ignite the fuel without a spark. The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are also available. Diesel fuel standards have been introduced to ensure consistent quality, with measures such as cetane number, density, flashpoint, sulphur content, and biodiesel content.
Gasoline engines, on the other hand, use spark plugs to ignite the fuel and air mixture. This fundamental difference makes compression ignition unsuitable for gasoline engines, as it can damage them. Diesel engines are more efficient and powerful, providing more energy per unit, resulting in better fuel economy and acceleration. They are also more durable, requiring less maintenance and offering reliable operation.
However, diesel engines have lower horsepower, making them less ideal for fast cars or towing situations. Gasoline engines offer a smoother driving experience and higher horsepower, making them a preferred choice for consumers seeking speed and power. The cost of diesel fuel is also higher, impacting the overall economics of owning a diesel vehicle, especially in the city.
In terms of safety, diesel fuels have a flashpoint between 52°C and 93°C, classifying them as flammable or combustible liquids. Proper storage and handling of diesel fuels are crucial to prevent fires and explosions, as highlighted by several incidents involving diesel fuel tankers and drilling rigs. Overall, the choice between diesel and gasoline engines depends on factors such as intended use, fuel efficiency, power requirements, and maintenance preferences.
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Flammable vs combustible liquids
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel. The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, although non-petroleum alternatives like biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more popular.
The flash point of diesel fuel is critical to understanding its flammability or combustibility. The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a substance's vapours will ignite when exposed to a spark or flame. Diesel fuel typically has a flash point between 52°C and 93°C, with some sources giving a range of 52°C to 96°C. Diesel fuels with a flash point below 60°C are considered flammable liquids, while those with a flash point above 60°C are classified as combustible liquids.
Flammable liquids are those that ignite and burn easily at normal working temperatures. They are highly volatile and prone to ignition, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Flammable liquids can also be absorbed into other materials, releasing flammable vapours even after cleanup. Flammable liquids must be handled and stored with caution to prevent fires and explosions.
On the other hand, combustible liquids are considered less volatile, requiring a higher temperature range to release ignitable vapours. However, combustible liquids are still dangerous and can cause fires, flashbacks, and explosions. They are commonly found in workplaces and can be just as hazardous as flammable liquids if not properly controlled and stored.
Whether classified as flammable or combustible, diesel fuels pose serious hazards. It is crucial to adhere to safety standards and regulations, such as the Australian Standards AS1940-2017, when handling, storing, and transporting diesel fuel to mitigate the risks of fire and explosion.
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Biodiesel and other alternatives
Biodiesel is one of the most well-known alternative fuels that can be used in diesel engines. It is made by mixing store-bought vegetable oil with reactants to create a homemade fuel. However, this is done entirely at the creator's risk, and duty must be paid on an annual production of 2,500 litres or more.
Biodiesel is just one of the alternative fuels that are not derived from petroleum. Other options include biomass-to-liquid (BTL) and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel. These alternatives are being increasingly developed and adopted.
The core property that fuels must have to be used in a diesel engine is a specific cetane number. The higher the cetane number, the more easily the oil combusts under pressure. Mineral-based diesel has a cetane number of about 40, while higher-performance alternatives like HVO fuel or GTL fuel have a cetane score of 70 or more.
The viscosity of the fuel is also important. Clean-burning alternatives need a similar density to diesel, but a higher viscosity of up to 5.0 is required for paraffinic diesel fuels.
Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, reaching 40% efficiency or higher, compared to just 20% for gasoline engines. This is because gasoline engines operate at a specific ratio of fuel and air, which is affected by altitude. Diesel engines, on the other hand, have turbochargers, which pump more air into the combustion chambers at high altitudes, improving performance.
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Cetane number and viscosity
Cetane number (CN) is a critical measure of diesel fuel quality. It is an indicator of the combustion speed of diesel fuel and the compression needed for ignition. A higher CN indicates that the fuel ignites more readily when sprayed into hot compressed air. Cetane numbers are only used for relatively light distillate diesel oils. Diesel engines generally operate well with a CN from 48 to 50, and the standard for diesel sold in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland is defined by standard EN 590, which sets a minimum cetane number of 51. Premium diesel fuel can have a cetane number as high as 60, and in some cases, even higher. For example, Neste MY Renewable Diesel sold in Finland has a minimum cetane number of 70.
The cetane number of a fuel is defined by finding a blend of cetane and isocetane with the same ignition delay. Cetane has a cetane number of 100, while isocetane has a cetane number of 15. The resulting cetane number is calculated as a volume-weighted average, rounded to the nearest whole number. Cetane numbers are difficult to measure accurately, as they require a special diesel engine called a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine. The Ignition Quality Tester (IQT) is another reliable method of measuring the derived cetane number (DCN) of diesel fuel.
The viscosity of a diesel fuel refers to its resistance to flow and is influenced by its temperature and composition. High viscosity can increase the droplet size of the fuel due to poor atomization, resulting in incomplete combustion and increased exhaust emissions. Biodiesel, for example, has high viscosity, and to overcome this problem, it is often blended with alcohols. The kinematic viscosity, cloud and pour point, and density of biodiesel are improved through blending with n-pentanol and n-hexanol.
The relationship between cetane number and viscosity has been studied, with research focusing on the effect of changes in viscosity on the ignition quality (cetane rating) of diesel fuel. While the specific causal relationship between the two factors has not been fully established, it has been observed that altering the viscosity of a diesel fuel can impact its cetane number. For instance, preheating a diesel fuel to decrease its viscosity has been shown to result in a change in its cetane number.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is any liquid fuel designed for diesel engines.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, there are also alternative types that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel.
Historically, tractors and heavy equipment with diesel engines could burn gasoline, alcohol, kerosene, and any light grade of fuel oil.
Fuels used in diesel engines must have an appropriate density and viscosity. The core property that fuels must possess is a specific cetane number, which quantifies how easily the oil combusts under pressure.
Diesel fuels generally have a flashpoint between 52°C and 93°C. Those with a flash point below 60°C are classified as flammable liquids, while those above 60°C are classified as combustible liquids.
