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Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that inject fuel for ignition without requiring a spark. The UN number for diesel fuel is 1202, and it falls under the category of dangerous goods for road transportation (ADR) and is subject to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code). Diesel fuel contains saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, which have specific characteristics in terms of reactivity and combustion. Its handling and storage are crucial due to its flammability and potential safety hazards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 1202 |
| Other Names | Gas oil, heavy oil, diesel oil |
| Composition | Fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil or non-petroleum alternatives like biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) |
| Properties | Liquid fuel designed for diesel engines with good compression ignition characteristics |
| Fire Safety | Flammable liquid with a low flash point; use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam to extinguish |
| Incompatibility | Strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid; may cause charring and ignition |
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What You'll Learn
- Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, with good compression ignition characteristics
- It is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but non-petroleum alternatives like biodiesel exist
- Diesel fuel has a low flash point and can be ignited by strong oxidizers like nitric acid
- In a fire, water spray may be inefficient; alcohol-resistant foam is recommended for small fires
- Petroleum crude oil: do not spray water directly into a breached tank car to avoid a boil over
Diesel fuel is any liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, with good compression ignition characteristics
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a type of liquid fuel specifically designed for diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine where fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel. Therefore, diesel fuel requires good compression ignition characteristics.
The most common form of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, alternative forms that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are increasingly being developed and adopted. To differentiate between these types, petroleum-derived diesel is sometimes referred to as "petrodiesel" in academic circles. Diesel is a high-volume product of oil refineries, and in many countries, diesel fuel is standardised.
Diesel fuel typically contains saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, which may be incompatible with strong oxidising agents like nitric acid. Under certain conditions, such as when exposed to heat or ignition sources, these hydrocarbons can burn exothermically, producing carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, it is crucial to handle diesel fuel with caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent fires and other hazards.
The transportation and storage of diesel fuel are subject to regulations due to its classification as a dangerous good. For example, when fighting fires involving diesel fuel, it is important to use appropriate methods, such as dry chemicals, CO2, or alcohol-resistant foam, as water spray may be ineffective or even unsafe. Additionally, it is crucial to eliminate all ignition sources and avoid touching or walking through spilled diesel fuel.
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It is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but non-petroleum alternatives like biodiesel exist
Diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, obtained through the fractional distillation of crude oil. This process involves heating the crude oil to vapourise it and feeding it into the bottom of a distillation tower. As the vapour rises through the vertical column, the temperature decreases, causing certain hydrocarbons to condense and run off at different levels. Each fraction that condenses contains hydrocarbon molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms. The distillates are then further refined to improve fuel quality. Diesel is a medium distillate, with a boiling point of 200-350°C.
However, non-petroleum alternatives to diesel do exist, such as biodiesel. Biodiesel is a clean transportation fuel produced in the United States and can be used in conventional diesel engines, either on its own or blended with petroleum diesel. It is safer than petroleum diesel as it is less combustible, with a higher flashpoint. Biodiesel also improves fuel lubricity and can extend supplies of traditional diesel. Furthermore, it reduces life cycle emissions as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed when growing the soybeans or other feedstocks used in its production.
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Diesel fuel has a low flash point and can be ignited by strong oxidizers like nitric acid
Diesel fuel is identified by the UN number 1202. Diesel has a higher flash point than gasoline, typically ranging between 52 to 93 degrees Celsius (126 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit), with some sources citing a range of 52 to 96 degrees Celsius (126 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit). This higher flash point makes diesel less volatile than gasoline, and therefore safer to transport and store.
The flash point of a material is the "lowest liquid temperature at which, under certain standardized conditions, a liquid gives off vapours in a quantity such that they are capable of forming an ignitable vapour/air mixture". In other words, it is the lowest temperature at which a substance's vapours can briefly ignite when exposed to an ignition source, but may not sustain combustion. Diesel fuel is suitable for use in a compression-ignition engine, where air is compressed until it heats above the autoignition temperature of the fuel, which is then ignited without a spark plug.
Due to its higher flash point, diesel is less prone to ignite under normal storage and handling conditions, making it a safer option for industries that rely on stored fuel, such as transportation and heavy machinery. However, this does not mean that diesel fuel is incapable of ignition under certain conditions. Contamination, particularly with gasoline, can cause flash point deviations in diesel fuel, leading to safety hazards. Additionally, strong oxidizers like nitric acid have the potential to ignite diesel fuel, as they can lower the flash point and provide an ignition source.
While it is challenging to find a solution to a low flash point, the most advisable course of action is to recycle or replace contaminated fuel with fresh, in-spec diesel fuel. This ensures optimal performance and maintains a safe working environment, especially in industries that handle flammable liquids.
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In a fire, water spray may be inefficient; alcohol-resistant foam is recommended for small fires
Diesel fuel is a type of hydrocarbon fuel that does not mix with water and, for the most part, cannot be intermixed. This means that, in the case of a fire, water spray may be inefficient at extinguishing it. Water can cause the fuel source to spread, leading to more intense flames.
When dealing with a diesel fire, a foam extinguisher is recommended. Foam extinguishers use high-pressure liquids to create foam, which has a higher heat capacity than water and will cover the entire surface of the burning fuel. This foam blanket separates the flames from the fuel surface, cooling the fuel and suppressing the release of flammable vapours.
There are various types of firefighting foam, including synthetic foams, protein foams, and aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). AFFF is suitable for most hydrocarbon fuel fires, as it spreads rapidly across the surface and forms a water film beneath the foam, cooling the liquid fuel and stopping the formation of flammable vapours.
However, for polar solvent or alcohol-type fuel fires, a different type of foam is required. These fuels are combustible liquids that can destroy conventional firefighting foam by extracting the water from the foam blanket, breaking it down. Therefore, an alcohol-resistant foam, such as alcohol-resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF), must be used. AR-AFFF forms a protective membrane between the fuel surface and the foam blanket, preventing the foam from being destroyed by the alcohol fuel.
In summary, while water can be used to extinguish some fires, it may be inefficient for diesel fires as it can cause the fuel to spread. Alcohol-resistant foam, such as AR-AFFF, is recommended for small fires involving diesel or other hydrocarbon fuels, as it effectively cools the fire and prevents the spread of flammable vapours.
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Petroleum crude oil: do not spray water directly into a breached tank car to avoid a boil over
The UN number for diesel fuel is 1202. This number is used in the regulations concerning the road transportation of dangerous goods, including the ADR (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations), and the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).
Now, regarding the statement, "Petroleum crude oil: do not spray water directly into a breached tank car to avoid a boil over," here is some detailed information on the topic:
Petroleum crude oil is a flammable liquid that poses several hazards. When dealing with a breached tank car containing petroleum crude oil, it is crucial to avoid spraying water directly into the tank to prevent a potentially catastrophic "boil over." A boil over occurs because water and oil don't mix, and water is denser than oil, so it sinks to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer beneath the oil. This can lead to a violent reaction and the potential ignition of oil floating on top.
The correct procedure in such a scenario is to isolate the spill or leak area for a significant distance in all directions. For a large spill, an initial downwind evacuation of at least 300 meters (1000 feet) is recommended. If a fire is involved, the isolation zone should be expanded to 800 meters (1/2 mile) with a consideration for evacuation within this radius.
The vapors released by petroleum crude oil are a significant concern. These vapors are heavier than air and will spread along the ground, collecting in low or confined areas. There is a risk of vapor explosion, both indoors and outdoors, and runoff into sewers may create a fire or explosion hazard. Additionally, containers may explode when heated. Water spray may help reduce vapors but may not prevent ignition, especially in closed spaces.
It is crucial to approach a situation involving a breached tank car carrying petroleum crude oil with extreme caution. The potential hazards, from vapor explosions to flash fires, are significant, and the recommended precautions and emergency response procedures should be strictly followed to ensure the safety of all involved.
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Frequently asked questions
The UN number for diesel fuel is 1202.
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 where fuel ignition occurs without a spark, due to the compression of inlet air and the injection of fuel.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, non-petroleum-based alternatives like biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are also available.
