Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that use compression to ignite fuel without a spark. The diesel fuel supply chain involves the extraction of crude oil, its refinement into diesel, and its distribution to consumers. In the United States, major sources of crude oil include Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska, with Texas being the largest producer. The extracted crude oil is then refined through distillation, separating it into different components based on boiling points, and further processed to create diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is then distributed through pipelines, ships, trains, and trucks to reach consumers. The US also imports diesel fuel from international sources, with Canada being the largest supplier, followed by Saudi Arabia and Mexico. These imports are essential to meet the country's demand for diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. |
| Common type | A specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. |
| Alternative types | Biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, and synthetic diesel. |
| Standardization | In many countries, diesel fuel is standardized, e.g., EN 590 in the European Union. |
| Sulfur content | Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) has substantially lowered sulfur content. |
| ULSD adoption | As of 2016, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel in the UK, mainland Europe, and North America is ULSD. |
| U.S. consumption | In 2022, the U.S. consumed about 60.30 billion gallons of ULSD for all uses. |
| U.S. production | In 2022, U.S. refineries produced about 73.46 billion gallons of ULSD. |
| U.S. imports | The U.S. imported about 2.80 billion gallons of ULSD in 2022, with Canada supplying 72%. |
| U.S. crude oil sources | Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska are major crude oil sources in the U.S. |
| U.S. distribution methods | Pipelines, ships, trains, and trucks are used to distribute diesel fuel in the U.S. |
| U.S. pipelines | Major pipelines like the Colonial Pipeline and Keystone Pipeline distribute diesel across the U.S. |
| Injection methods | Individual pump, combined pump, distributor type, and common rail system. |
| Fuel system function | Inject a precise amount of atomized and pressurized fuel into each cylinder at the right time. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel sources and refining
Diesel fuel, also known as 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. Diesel fuel is a distillate fuel oil that is injected into the engine and ignited through compression without the need for a spark.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, which is a high-volume product of oil refineries. This type of diesel fuel is sometimes called petrodiesel to distinguish it from alternative diesel fuels that are not derived from petroleum. These alternatives include biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, which are becoming increasingly common. Biodiesel, for example, can be obtained from vegetable oil or animal fats and is often blended with petroleum-derived diesel.
In the United States, most diesel fuel is produced and refined from crude oil at petroleum refineries, with an average yield of 11 to 12 gallons of diesel fuel per 42-gallon barrel of crude oil. The US also produces and consumes biomass-based diesel fuels, contributing to the supply of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is typically transported to consumers through shared pipelines, ships, trains, and trucks.
To meet emission standards and reduce air pollution, the level of sulfur in diesel fuel has been decreasing over time. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) has a sulfur content of 15 parts per million or less and is now commonly used in the United States, the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America. The transition to ULSD has involved additional refining processes and infrastructural changes, contributing to higher prices for diesel fuel in some cases.
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Diesel fuel transportation
Diesel fuel is transported to consumers via pipelines, ships, trains, and trucks. In the US, diesel fuel is transported through a network of shared pipelines, with major pipelines like the Colonial Pipeline and the Keystone Pipeline playing a crucial role in distributing diesel across vast distances from refineries to regional hubs. Railroads and trucking companies are essential for areas not directly served by pipelines, with rail transport being ideal for moving large volumes over long distances, and trucks providing flexibility for remote deliveries.
The US also imports diesel from international sources to meet its demand. Canada is the largest supplier, providing almost half of all imported diesel, thanks to its proximity and robust oil sands industry. Other key sources include Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and distant countries. Transporting imported diesel involves ocean tankers carrying large quantities, and once it reaches the US, it is distributed via pipelines and trucks to various regions.
The US government and private sector maintain emergency stockpiles of diesel fuel to ensure availability during crises. These reserves are strategically located across the country to enable a rapid response to disruptions, such as natural disasters or geopolitical events, thus maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.
To ensure the quality of diesel fuel, it is tested as it enters and exits the pipelines, as mixing with other products is possible due to their shared transportation method. When the diesel fails to meet specifications, it is either sent back to the refinery for further processing or sold as a different product.
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Diesel fuel storage
Storage Containers and Tanks
It is crucial to choose a well-constructed and sealed storage tank or container that is specifically designed for diesel fuel. The tank should be clean, dry, and free from any contaminants to prevent fuel degradation and engine issues. The size and shape of the tank should be appropriate for the intended use and fuel quantity.
Storage Location and Temperature
Diesel fuel should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark location, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Underground storage or covered areas sheltered from the weather can help insulate the fuel from temperature-related issues. Storing diesel at temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit or above 95° Fahrenheit will accelerate fuel degradation.
Fuel Type and Additives
Most diesel fuel today contains at least 5% biodiesel, which has a shorter shelf life and is more sensitive to temperature and oxygen exposure. If storing 100% biodiesel (B100), be aware of its specific storage limitations. Consider using fuel additives like Biobor to preserve the fuel, reduce maintenance costs, and improve its performance. Additives can help kill microbial contamination, stabilize the fuel, improve cetane, add lubricity, and disperse water.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regularly inspect your fuel system and the fuel itself during long-term storage. Check for water accumulation at the bottom of the tank and drain it to prevent microbial growth, which can cause filter clogging, poor fuel flow, and reduced storage life. Keep the tank clean and free from any pollutants or buildup. If you notice any changes in fuel quality, such as variations in colour or texture, consult a specialist.
Storage Life and Emergencies
According to the National Fire Protection Agency standards, fresh diesel has a storage life of approximately 1.5 to 2 years. To prepare for emergencies, it is recommended to store and manage your diesel fuel appropriately. If you intend to store diesel for extended periods, consider mixing it with fresh diesel or using additives like Diesel 911 cetane boost to improve its performance.
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Diesel engine fuel injection
The purpose of a diesel fuel injection system is to deliver fuel into the engine cylinders, while precisely controlling the injection timing, fuel atomization, and other parameters. The main types of injection systems include pump-line-nozzle, unit injector, and common rail. Modern injection systems reach very high injection pressures and utilize sophisticated electronic control methods.
The performance of diesel engines is heavily influenced by their injection system design. The most notable advances in diesel engines have resulted directly from superior fuel injection system designs. While the main purpose of the system is to deliver fuel to the cylinders of a diesel engine, it is the method of fuel delivery that makes the difference in engine performance, emissions, and noise characteristics.
The basic principle of fuel injection is that the right amount of fuel must be injected at the right time to satisfy engine horsepower demands. Since fuel requires time to burn, the right amount of fuel must be injected at the appropriate point in the compression stroke, so that it burns completely. The engine speed is limited solely by the amount of fuel injected into the engine cylinders. The engine should always have sufficient oxygen to burn and the engine will attempt to accelerate to meet the new fuel injection rate.
Fuel atomization—ensuring that fuel atomizes into very small fuel particles is a primary design objective for diesel fuel injection systems. Small droplets ensure that all the fuel has a chance to vaporize and participate in the combustion process. Any remaining liquid droplets burn very poorly or are exhausted out of the engine. Modern diesel fuel injectors, such as those found in common rail fuel systems, use piezoelectricity. Piezoelectric injectors are extremely precise and can handle the very high pressures found in common-rail applications.
There are four primary systems for injecting fuel:
- Individual pump and injector for each cylinder
- Combined pump and injector for each cylinder (unit injector type)
- One pump serving injectors for several cylinders (distributor type)
- Pumps in a common housing with injectors for each cylinder (common rail system)
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Diesel fuel additives
Another important function of diesel fuel additives is to clean and maintain the fuel system. Additives such as Diesel Extreme and AR6500 are formulated to remove harmful deposits from diesel injectors, ensuring the engine runs efficiently and reducing wasted fuel. Carbon build-up, in particular, can lead to reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption. AR6500, for instance, uses proprietary chemistry to remove carbon deposits from the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and turbocharger, preventing engine issues and potential failures.
Cetane boosters are also a common type of diesel fuel additive. These boosters increase the cetane number (CN) of the fuel, improving combustion and engine performance. AR6500, the Everyday Diesel Treatment, and Diesel Extreme all include cetane boosters in their formulations. This is particularly beneficial in the United States, where diesel fuel typically has a lower CN than what is required for efficient engine operation.
Some diesel fuel additives are designed for specific conditions, such as cold weather. Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, for instance, is a winter fuel additive that helps engines withstand cold temperatures by improving cold starts, preventing icing, and reducing fuel line freeze. Similarly, Winter Diesel Treatment by Archoil is meant for use during cold weather.
While some users swear by diesel fuel additives, others are sceptical of their benefits. Some people report not noticing any significant difference in performance or fuel mileage after using additives. It is important to note that the effectiveness of additives may depend on various factors, including the specific engine, its age, and the type of additive used.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. Diesel engines are internal combustion engines that use compression of inlet air and fuel injection to ignite without a spark.
Diesel fuel is supplied to the engine through a fuel system, which can vary in complexity. Simple fuel systems use gravity or air pressure, while modern engines use a fuel transfer pump driven by the engine to automatically supply fuel to the injection system. The fuel injector ensures that the fuel is broken down into small droplets and distributed evenly for combustion.
Diesel fuel is produced through the refining of crude oil, which involves distillation to separate the different components based on their boiling points. Diesel is then collected, further processed to remove impurities, and distributed via pipelines, ships, trains, and trucks. In the US, major crude oil sources include Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska, and the country also imports diesel from Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico to meet its demand.
