Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is a type of liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that use fuel ignition without a spark. The chemical formula of diesel is approximately C12H23, ranging from C10H20 to C15H28. Diesel fuel typically consists of 75% saturated hydrocarbons and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons. For diesel RC engines, the fuel typically consists of ether, paraffin, and castor oil.
Diesel Fuel Formula for RC Engines
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C nH 2n |
| Average Chemical Formula | C12H23 |
| Range | C10H20 to C15H28 |
| Composition | 75% saturated hydrocarbons (primarily paraffins) |
| 25% aromatic hydrocarbons (including naphthalenes and alkylbenzenes) | |
| Ether | Lowers ignition point |
| Parafin (kerosene, distillate) | Main power ingredient |
| Castor Oil | Lubricant |
| Flash Point | 52-96 °C |
| Density | 838 g/liter |
| Freeze Point | Petrodiesel: -8.1 °C; Biodiesel: 2-15 °C |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel composition: paraffin, ether, and castor oil
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel specifically designed for diesel engines. Diesel engines are internal combustion engines that use fuel ignition without a spark, instead relying on the compression of inlet air and the injection of fuel.
Diesel fuel typically contains paraffins, napthenics, and aromatics. Paraffins, also known as alkanes, are favourable components for diesel fuel as they have a high cetane number and do not contain sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, or aromatics. In the United States, petroleum-derived diesel is composed of about 75% saturated hydrocarbons, primarily paraffins, including n, iso, and cycloparaffins. Paraffinic diesel fuel can be produced from fossil or renewable feedstocks, with synthetic fuels created through processes like gasification and Fischer-Tropsch liquefaction from natural gas or coal.
Ether is not commonly mentioned as a component of diesel fuel. However, biodiesel, which is an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel, can be produced through a process called transesterification, where methanol is replaced with ethanol to produce ethyl esters.
Castor oil, on the other hand, is a type of vegetable oil that can be used as a component in diesel fuel mixtures. According to a patent, a diesel fuel mixture can be created using at least one vegetable oil and/or fish oil, along with at least one liquid paraffin. The patent specifically mentions castor oil as one of the suitable vegetable oils, along with coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, and more. The relative concentrations of the vegetable oil and paraffin can be adjusted for winter and summer use, with a higher ratio of vegetable oil to paraffin in winter to maintain flow at lower temperatures.
The use of vegetable oils like castor oil in diesel fuel mixtures offers a replacement for conventional diesel fuels, providing a more environmentally friendly option with reduced sulfur levels and lower toxicity.
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Diesel engine ignition: compression and injection
Diesel engines are internal combustion engines that use compression ignition to ignite the fuel as it is injected into the engine. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines do not require a spark plug or a spark-ignition system. Instead, they rely on the high temperature and pressure created in the cylinder at the end of the compression stroke to ignite the fuel. This process is known as compression ignition.
During the intake stroke, air, or air plus residual combustion gases, is drawn into the cylinder and compressed. Near the top dead centre (TDC) of the compression stroke, when the piston is at the peak of its stroke, diesel fuel is injected directly into the cylinder through a high-pressure fuel injector. The injector must be able to withstand the high temperature and pressure inside the cylinder and deliver the fuel in a fine mist to ensure even distribution.
The compressed, heated air in the cylinder mixes with the injected fuel, creating a combustible mixture. A portion of this mixture then auto-ignites, triggering combustion. The time between the injection of the fuel and the ignition of the first fuel is known as the ignition delay. After ignition, a portion of the fuel burns in a premixed combustion mode, while the remainder combusts in a diffusion combustion mode.
Compression ignition allows diesel engines to have a higher compression ratio compared to gasoline engines. This higher compression ratio results in greater torque and efficiency. The higher compression ratio also adds complexity and weight to the engine, but the power output is generally higher. The injection mechanism and process play a crucial role in controlling the power output. By adjusting the amount of fuel injected and the timing of the injection in proportion to the engine rpm, the power output can be optimised.
While diesel fuel is specifically designed for diesel engines, these engines can also run on various other fuels, including cooking oil, used motor oil, biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, and even coal. The versatility of diesel engines and their ability to utilise compression ignition and direct fuel injection contribute to their efficiency and performance characteristics.
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Diesel fuel alternatives: biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid, and gas-to-liquid
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel engines do not require spark ignition and instead use compression to ignite the fuel. While diesel fuel is typically derived from petroleum, alternative sources such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more popular.
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable alternative to diesel fuel. It is made from a mix of modified vegetable oils, used vegetable oils, animal fats, and diesel fuel. Biodiesel has lower emissions than petroleum-based diesel, and its increasing popularity has led to a rise in production, making it more widely available. In the United States, biodiesel is blended at a rate of 5% or less into almost all diesel fuel. The primary source for biodiesel in the US is soybean oil, but it can also be made from used restaurant oil (known as "yellow grease") and animal tallow. Biodiesel is the preferred fuel type for the US government and is used by all branches of the military, as well as in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
Biomass-to-liquid (BTL) diesel is another alternative to petroleum-based diesel. BTL diesel is produced by converting biomass into liquid bio-crude oil through a process called low-temperature deconstruction. This process uses moderate temperatures (200°C–350°C) and elevated pressures to break down the biomass. The biomass first undergoes a pretreatment step to open up the physical structure of plant and algae cell walls, making sugar polymers like cellulose and hemicellulose more accessible. These polymers are then broken down into simple sugars through hydrolysis. The resulting intermediates, such as crude bio-oils and sugars, are then upgraded through biological or chemical processing to produce a finished product.
Gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel is another alternative diesel fuel that is not derived from petroleum. GTL diesel is produced through a variety of biological and thermochemical processes that convert natural gas or coal seam gas into a synthetic diesel fuel. This synthetic fuel is nearly identical to petroleum-based diesel and is compatible with existing engines and infrastructure.
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Diesel viscosity: gel formation at low temperatures
Diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, composed of about 75% saturated hydrocarbons (primarily paraffins) and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons. Its viscosity increases as the temperature decreases, turning it into a gel at temperatures of −19 to −15 °C (−2 to 5 °F). This gelled diesel cannot flow in fuel systems and can cause engine problems.
The gel formation occurs due to the crystallization of paraffin wax in the fuel, which happens when diesel reaches temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius or lower. This crystallization process can result in clogged fuel filters, reduced engine power, and even complete engine shutdown. To prevent diesel gelling, it is crucial to maintain the temperature of the vehicle's storage area. Storing a vehicle in a heated garage or a climatically controlled structure can help.
Additionally, diesel anti-gel additives are available to stabilize the fuel and improve flow at low temperatures. These additives change the crystal structure of the fuel, making it less likely to gel. It is important to follow the directions carefully when using these additives to avoid potential engine damage. Another option is to add kerosene to diesel fuel, reducing its viscosity and lowering the freezing point. Truckers typically use a ratio of 20% kerosene to 80% diesel fuel, ensuring the kerosene is undyed and deodorized to prevent fuel system damage.
Water in the fuel system can also contribute to diesel gelling issues. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) has a higher affinity for water, and without sufficient sulfur, water content may not be adequately dispersed or burned off. As a result, water puddles can form and freeze at higher temperatures than paraffinic diesel, leading to potential fuel issues in cold climates.
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Diesel standardisation: EN 590 in the EU
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Rudolf Diesel's original prototype did not use any specific type of fuel, but modern diesel engines have standardised fuel requirements. In the European Union, the standard for diesel fuel is EN 590, which was first established in 1993. This standard is not mandatory, but all fuel suppliers in Europe observe it. The standard was introduced alongside European emission standards and has been revised several times to lower the sulphur content of diesel fuel.
EN 590 diesel fuel is divided into two groups: one for temperate climates and one for arctic or severe winter climates. For temperate climates, the standard defines six classes from A to F, and for arctic climates, it defines five classes. The standard also specifies that diesel fuel must have a cetane number of 49 and a sulphur content of no more than 0.2%. These specifications are important for the performance and auto-ignition qualities of the fuel. The cetane number indicates the fuel's ignition quality, and the sulphur content affects the emissions and lubricity of the fuel.
Over time, the EN 590 standard has been revised to further reduce the sulphur content of diesel fuel. By 2009, the standard had lowered the sulphur limit to 10 ppm, and this type of diesel fuel is known as ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD). ULSD has been widely adopted, and as of 2016, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America is of the ULSD type.
In addition to the sulphur content and cetane number, the EN 590 standard also regulates the FAME biodiesel content of diesel fuel. FAME stands for fatty acid methyl ester, and it is a type of biodiesel that can be blended with conventional diesel fuel. The standard initially allowed for up to 7% FAME content, but this was increased to 10% in 2023 to allow for more biofuels to be blended into diesel. However, fuel suppliers are still required to ensure that a B7 protection grade is available due to the presence of vehicles that are not compatible with B10 fuel.
The EN 590 standard also covers the physical and chemical properties that diesel fuel must meet, such as density and viscosity. These properties are important for ensuring the proper functioning of diesel engines and for complying with emissions regulations. Overall, the standardisation of diesel fuel in the EU has helped to improve the quality and environmental performance of diesel engines.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel for RC engines is made up of three main ingredients: ether (to lower the ignition point), paraffin (the main power ingredient), and castor oil (a lubricant). The chemical formula for diesel is approximately C nH 2n, where n is typically between 10 and 15.
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil or heavy oil, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine.
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark, through the compression of inlet air and the injection of fuel.
Some examples of commercial diesel fuel for RC engines include products from Davis Products, Red Max, Aerodyne, and Eric Clutton.
Alternatives to petroleum-derived diesel include biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL) diesel, and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel.
