Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is a combustible liquid used as fuel for diesel engines. It is derived from crude oil through fractional distillation, consisting of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C9–C20 and boiling points in the range of 163–357 °C. Diesel fuel no. 2 is a blend of straight-run and catalytically cracked streams, including straight-run kerosene, straight-run middle distillate, hydrodesulfurized middle distillate, and light catalytically and thermally cracked distillates. It is similar in composition to fuel oil no. 2 and may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cetane rating | Diesel #2 typically rates between 40 and 45 |
| Viscosity | Diesel #2 is thicker and has higher viscosity |
| Volatility | Diesel #2 is less volatile |
| Performance in cold weather | Diesel #2 is better suited for warmer climates |
| Cost-effectiveness | Diesel #2 is more cost-effective |
| Availability | Diesel #2 is more commonly available |
| Use case | Diesel #2 is ideal for heavy-duty trucks and long-distance travel |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel sources
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is any liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark, as a result of the compression of inlet air and the injection of fuel.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, which is produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil at a temperature between 200 and 350 °C (392 and 662 °F) at atmospheric pressure. This process results in a mixture of carbon chains containing between 9 and 25 carbon atoms per molecule. However, other sources of diesel fuel are often blended in to meet supply and quality demands. These sources include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
In recent years, alternatives to petroleum-derived diesel, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, have been increasingly developed and adopted. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oil or animal fats and can be used pure or as a mix with diesel fuel. The production of biodiesel involves transesterification processes that convert vegetable oil and methanol into biodiesel, with glycerine and water as byproducts.
The specific type of diesel fuel consumed varies by region. For example, in the United States, most diesel fuel is refined from crude oil, while biomass-based diesel fuels are also produced and consumed. To reduce air pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued requirements in 2006 to lower the sulfur content in diesel fuel. As a result, diesel fuel sold in the U.S. for on-highway use is now ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), with a sulfur content of 15 parts per million or less. Similarly, as of 2016, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America is of the ULSD type.
In terms of colloquial names and terminology, diesel fuel for road use in the United Kingdom is commonly called diesel or white diesel, the latter being used to differentiate it from a reduced-tax agricultural product called red diesel. In Australia, diesel fuel is known as distillate, while in Indonesia, Israel, and most of the Middle East, it is known as Solar, a trademarked name from the national petroleum company Pertamina.
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Diesel engines
The performance and efficiency of diesel engines depend on several factors, including the type of diesel fuel used. There are two main types of diesel fuel: diesel #1 and diesel #2. Diesel #1 burns hotter and faster, requiring more frequent refuelling, while diesel #2 is slower-burning and more suitable for long journeys. Diesel #1 is thinner, making it a better choice for cold temperatures and winter months, while diesel #2 is thicker and performs well year-round in warmer climates. The choice between the two types depends on the vehicle and environmental factors.
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Diesel fuel grades
Diesel fuel comes in three main grades: 1-D, 2-D, and 4-D. The primary differences between these grades are viscosity, sulfur levels, and performance in cold conditions.
Diesel #1 is thinner and better suited for cold temperatures as it has a lower pour point, the temperature at which the liquid will flow. It also has a higher cetane rating, which means it can spontaneously combust at a lower temperature. Diesel #1 is more expensive than #2 as it contains added lubricants and detergents that prevent sediment buildup.
Diesel #2 is thicker and has a higher viscosity and pour point, making it better for warmer weather. It is the most common type of diesel fuel available at gas stations and is widely sold throughout the United States. It is also less volatile, which means it burns slower and results in better fuel economy. Diesel #2 is typically used for trucks carrying heavy loads and long-distance travel at consistent speeds.
Diesel #4 is for low- or medium-speed engine builds and is a blend of distillate fuel oil and residual fuel oil. It is not suitable for most mobile equipment.
Other types of diesel fuel include dyed diesel, which is used for off-road purposes and is tax-exempt, and biodiesel, which can be mixed with any grade of fuel to cut emissions and improve lubrication. Premium diesel is also available and is Grade 2-D with additives that promise better fuel economy and smoother engine performance.
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Diesel fuel production
Diesel fuel is a distillate fraction of crude oil. Diesel fuel production involves three main steps: distillation, conversion, and clean-up. Diesel fuel is normally blended from several refinery streams, primarily from the primary distillation unit. Distillation takes place at atmospheric pressure, and the furnace temperature is set to maximise distillation without cracking. The quality and quantity of the streams drawn off are determined by their boiling range and the crude boiling used.
The distillates heavier than kerosene derived from atmospheric distillation of crude oil are the gasoil streams. Gasoils are the main blending components for diesel fuel production. Gasoils from hydrocrackers have superior ignition qualities, while gasoils from thermal and catalytic cracking have poor ignition qualities. The type of crude oil used determines the properties of the produced gasoil. Diesel fuel typically has a boiling range of 150°C to 380°C, with some sources stating a range of 160°C to 371°C, and 200°C to 350°C.
Diesel fuel is also produced from biomass-based sources, such as biodiesel and renewable diesel. Vegetable seed oil, for example, was one of the first fuels that Rudolf Diesel considered for his engine, and this idea contributed to modern biodiesel production and use. Most of the diesel fuel consumed in the United States is ultra-low sulfur distillate (ULSD) with a sulfur content of 15 parts per million or less. ULSD is used as diesel fuel and heating oil. In 2022, U.S. refineries produced about 1.75 billion barrels (73.46 billion gallons) of ULSD, while consumption was about 1.44 billion barrels (60.30 billion gallons). To meet demand, the United States imported about 0.07 billion barrels (2.80 billion gallons) of ULSD, with 72% coming from Canada.
Diesel fuel is also mixed with several additives to adjust performance characteristics. These additives help to keep the injector nozzle clean and prevent gelling in cold weather.
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Diesel fuel uses
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil (historically), or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines. It is most commonly a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but can also be derived from biomass materials, such as vegetable seed oil (biodiesel).
Diesel fuel is widely used in the transportation and industrial sectors. In the transportation sector, diesel engines can be found in freight and delivery trucks, trains, boats, farm and construction vehicles, military vehicles, and some cars and light trucks. Diesel fuel is particularly suitable for long-distance travel and consistent speeds, as it burns slower and provides better fuel economy.
In the industrial sector, diesel fuel is used in diesel-engine generators to produce electricity, especially in remote areas or as a backup power supply. Diesel-powered machinery is also common in construction and farming, where it is used for tasks such as lifting heavy loads, digging trenches, and paving roads.
The specific grade of diesel fuel used can vary depending on the application and environmental factors. For example, Diesel #1 has a higher cetane rating and lower viscosity, making it better suited for cold weather operation, while Diesel #2 is more commonly used and widely available, providing a balance of performance and efficiency.
The use of diesel fuel has evolved over time to address environmental concerns. Before 2006, diesel fuel in the United States had high sulfur content, contributing to air pollution and health issues. However, with the intervention of regulatory bodies like the EPA, ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is now commonly used, significantly reducing particulate and nitrogen compound emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel #2 is one of two types of diesel fuel, the other being diesel fuel #1. Diesel #2 is denser in energy, more commonly available, and typically more cost-effective, making it ideal for warmer climates and improved fuel efficiency.
Diesel #1 is thinner and has a lower gel point, making it better suited for cold weather and easier engine starts. Diesel #2 is thicker, more commonly used, and less expensive. Diesel #2 is ideal for heavy-duty trucks and long-distance travel, while Diesel #1 is better for everyday driving and performs better in the winter.
Diesel #2 has a higher viscosity, which means it is thicker. In warmer temperatures, #2 diesel will maintain some of its viscosity, whereas #1 diesel may become too thin. Diesel #2 also has a higher energy density, making it ideal for warmer climates.
The cetane rating of diesel fuel #2 is typically between 40 and 45. The cetane rating determines how quickly the fuel ignites when compressed in the cylinder and how hot the engine and fuel can get before spontaneously combusting.
