Katerina Swanson
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 fuels are classified as 1D, 2D, and 4D, with 1D and 2D fuels being suitable for high-speed diesel engines and 4D fuels for low-speed engines. The primary differences between these fuel types are viscosity and pour point, with 1D fuel designed for cold weather operation and 2D fuel for warmer weather. Diesel fuel is typically derived from petroleum, but can also be produced from alternative sources such as biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction. Synthetic diesel, biodiesel, and ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) are also common types of diesel fuel with unique characteristics.
Characteristics and Values of Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | #1, #2, #4, Synthetic Diesel, Biodiesel |
| Other Names | Diesel oil, heavy oil, petrodiesel |
| Composition | Mixture of hydrocarbons |
| Sources | Petroleum, biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, coal liquefaction |
| Production Method | Fractional distillation of crude oil at 200-350°C and atmospheric pressure, hydrocracking, hydrotreating |
| Viscosity | Variable, higher in warmer weather fuels |
| Pour Point | Variable, lower in colder weather fuels |
| Cetane Number | 40-55 for medium to high-speed engines |
| Cetane Rating | Indicates how quickly the fuel ignites |
| Btu Rating | Higher rating results in greater power yield per gallon |
| Sulphur Content | Ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD) has substantially lower sulphur content |
| Standardization | Standardized in the European Union as EN 590 |
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Diesel fuel grades
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel is produced from various sources, with petroleum being the most common. Other sources include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
Diesel fuel comes in three main grades: 1-D, 2-D, and 4-D, differing in thickness, sulfur levels, and performance in cold conditions. 1-D fuel is designed for cold weather operation and has a lower pour point, while 2-D fuel is used in warmer weather and has a higher viscosity and pour point. 4-D fuel is for low-speed, stationary units and is not appropriate for most mobile equipment.
The cetane rating of a diesel fuel indicates the ignition quality of the solution, with higher ratings indicating easier ignition. The cetane rating is the diesel equivalent of gasoline's octane rating. The pour point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid will flow, and viscosity is the resistance of a liquid to flow. These characteristics are important for diesel fuel performance, especially in cold weather.
Some common types of diesel fuel grades include Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), which contains less sulfur and results in lower emissions and better engine performance, and Premium Diesel, which is Grade 2-D with additives that promise better fuel economy and smooth engine performance. Dyed Diesel is another grade that is dyed red and used primarily for off-road purposes, while Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oil and can be mixed with any grade of fuel to cut emissions.
Understanding the different diesel fuel grades is important for selecting the appropriate fuel for a vehicle, as not every vehicle uses the same diesel. The benefits of each grade can impact a vehicle's performance, efficiency, and longevity.
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Viscosity and pour point
Viscosity is an important parameter for diesel fuel. It refers to the resistance of a liquid to flow. If the viscosity is too high, it can cause damage to the fuel pump and lead to reduced engine power output, increased fuel consumption, and higher emissions of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). On the other hand, if the viscosity is too low, it may result in a lack of lubrication and increased fuel leakage, contributing to air pollution.
The pour point is another critical characteristic of diesel fuel. It is defined as the lowest temperature at which a liquid will flow. The pour point of diesel fuel can be determined through manual and automatic test methods, such as ASTM D97 and ASTM D5949, respectively. The test methods involve cooling the diesel fuel sample and monitoring it for movement or flow at different temperature intervals. The pour point is an important consideration for diesel fuel as it indicates the fuel's ability to flow at low temperatures.
The relationship between viscosity and pour point is important in diesel fuel. A 1D fuel, designed for cold weather operation, has a lower viscosity and pour point, while a 2D fuel, used in warmer weather, has a higher viscosity and pour point. The higher viscosity of 2D fuel provides better lubrication for the fuel injection system. However, it is important to note that viscosity and pour point are independent attributes of diesel fuel and can be controlled separately during the refining process.
The viscosity and pour point of diesel fuel are crucial factors that impact the performance and suitability of the fuel for different applications. These properties are carefully considered and controlled during the production and testing of diesel fuel to ensure compliance with standards and optimal performance in various operating conditions, especially in cold and warm weather environments.
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Cetane number
The cetane number is particularly important for high-speed diesel engines, which operate more effectively with higher cetane number fuels. This is because fuels with lower cetane numbers have longer ignition delays, requiring more time for the fuel combustion process to be completed. The cetane number is also crucial for cold-weather operation, as diesel fuel with a higher cetane number is designed to perform better in cold temperatures due to its lower viscosity and pour point.
The cetane number scale is based on the ignition characteristics of two hydrocarbons: n-hexadecane (cetane) and 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane (isocetane). Cetane has a cetane number of 100, while isocetane's measured cetane number is 15. To determine the cetane number of a fuel, a blend of cetane and isocetane with the same ignition delay is found, and the cetane number is calculated as a volume-weighted average, rounded to the nearest whole number.
The cetane number is an important factor in determining the quality of diesel fuel, but it is not the only factor. Other measurements of diesel fuel quality include energy content, density, lubricity, cold-flow properties, and sulfur content. Premium diesel fuels often use additives to improve CN and lubricity, detergents to clean fuel injectors, and water dispersants. Manufacturers typically specify a minimum or maximum cetane rating and the suggested operating temperature for different diesel fuels.
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Sulphur content
High-density oils, which are thick and viscous, are known as low-gravity crude oils. They generally have a higher sulphur content. Modern refining processes can convert low-gravity crude oils into lighter products with lower sulphur content. However, this conversion requires more complex equipment, more processing steps, and greater energy expenditure.
The maximum allowable sulphur content in diesel fuel has decreased significantly over the years. In the 1990s, specifications permitted a maximum sulphur content of 2000 ppm. By the early 21st century, with the introduction of Euro 3 specifications, the limit was reduced to 350 ppm. The implementation of Euro 4 by 2006 further lowered the limit to 50 ppm, resulting in Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD).
As of 2016, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America is of the ULSD type. The standard for diesel fuel in Europe was raised further with the introduction of Euro 5 in 2009, which set a maximum sulphur content of 10 ppm. In the United States, the transition to ULSD started in 2006 and became mandatory on June 1, 2010.
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Biodiesel
The modern form of biodiesel emerged in the 1930s when a method was discovered to transform vegetable oils for fuel use. The US National Biodiesel Board defines "biodiesel" as a mono-alkyl ester. Biodiesel has a higher boiling point and flash point than petrodiesel, and it has distinct lubricating properties. Its calorific value is approximately 9% lower than that of standard diesel, which affects fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also called diesel oil, is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. It is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil.
Diesel fuel is categorised into different types, including #1, #2, and #4. These types are further classified into 1D, 2D, and 4D.
The main difference between the diesel fuel types is their viscosity and pour point. 1D fuel is less viscous and has a lower pour point, making it suitable for cold weather operation. 2D fuel, on the other hand, has a higher viscosity and pour point, and is used in warmer weather.
Diesel fuel is primarily made from petroleum, but it can also be derived from other sources such as biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
The standard for diesel fuel in Europe is EN 590. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is commonly used in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America.
