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Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a combustible liquid used as fuel for diesel engines. It is safer than gasoline because its vapours do not ignite or explode as easily. Diesel is more efficient than gasoline because it contains 10% more energy per gallon. Diesel fuel is produced from various sources, the most common being petroleum. Synthetic diesel, made from natural gas, and biodiesel, from biomass, are also used. Diesel fuel is typically standardised and graded based on viscosity, volatility, and sulphur content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Diesel, diesel oil, heavy oil, petrodiesel, biodiesel, ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), white diesel, red diesel |
| Engine type | Diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition takes place without a spark |
| Engine examples | Cars, lorries, trucks, watercraft, Stirling engine, boilers for steam engines, gas turbine engines, MAN M-System engines |
| Fuel sources | Petroleum, biodiesel, biomass to liquid (BTL), gas to liquid (GTL) diesel, natural gas, synthesis gas derived from coal, biogas obtained from biomass, plant-based fuel |
| Fuel standards | EN 590 (European Union), ASTM D975 (US), 15 ppm of sulfur (US), 10 ppm of sulfur (European Union) |
| Viscosity | Measured at 40 °C; increases as temperature decreases |
| Volatility | Higher grades are more volatile |
| Cetane number | A measure of ease of ignition; the higher the number, the more volatile the fuel |
| Performance criteria | Ease of ignition, ease of volatilization, sulfur content |
| Safety | Safer than gasoline as vapors don't explode or ignite easily; conventional diesel exhaust can cause cancer |
| Grades | #1, #2, light-middle distillates, middle distillates, heavy distillates, AG diesel, B5 |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is safer than gasoline
Diesel fuel and gasoline are both petroleum products used for engines, but they have distinct characteristics, and diesel fuel offers several safety advantages.
Diesel engines are also designed to be safer. They operate at a much higher compression ratio than gasoline engines, which means they are more efficient and have a higher thermal efficiency. This also means that diesel engines do not require a spark plug to ignite the fuel, unlike gasoline engines. Without the need for spark plugs, there is a reduced risk of unintended ignition and, therefore, a lower chance of engine fires.
Another safety advantage of diesel fuel is its lower volatility. Gasoline is highly volatile and can easily evaporate, especially in hot weather conditions. This not only leads to harmful vapor inhalation but also increases the risk of fire and explosions. Diesel fuel, however, has a much lower evaporation rate, making it safer to store and handle, even in extreme temperatures.
Diesel fuel is also less likely to cause severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin. Gasoline can cause severe skin irritation and burns, and its vapors can be harmful if inhaled. Diesel fuel, while still requiring careful handling, poses less of a risk in these areas. Finally, diesel engines tend to last longer than gasoline engines due to their sturdier build and more efficient combustion process, which reduces the need for frequent maintenance and potential safety hazards associated with engine repairs.
In summary, diesel fuel offers several safety advantages over gasoline. From its lower flammability and reduced risk of ignition to its lower volatility and safer engine design, diesel fuel poses less of a threat of fires, explosions, and skin irritation. These factors contribute to why diesel fuel is considered a safer option for engines and why it is widely used in various industries, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles and machinery.
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Diesel engines and vehicles
Diesel fuel is a combustible liquid used as a fuel for diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark, due to the compression of inlet air and then the injection of fuel. Diesel fuel is specifically designed for use in diesel engines, although it can also be used in some non-diesel engines.
Diesel engines are commonly used in motor vehicles such as cars and lorries, as well as in heavy trucks, boats, and stationary engines. Diesel fuel is typically derived from petroleum, but alternative sources such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), gas-to-liquid (GTL), and synthetic diesel are also used. Synthetic diesel can be produced from various carbonaceous precursors, with natural gas being the most important. Rudolf Diesel's first engine was designed to run on peanut oil, and Henry Ford envisioned plant-based fuel as the primary transportation fuel.
There are several grades of diesel fuel, including "light-middle" and "middle" distillates for high-speed engines, and "heavy" distillates for low and medium-speed engines. The performance criteria for diesel fuel include the cetane number (a measure of ease of ignition), ease of volatilization, and sulfur content. The highest grades, for automobile and truck engines, have the highest volatility, while the lowest grades for low-speed engines are the least volatile and tend to have higher sulfur content. Sulfur is a critical pollutant in diesel exhaust and has been heavily regulated, with maximum limits set by various governments and organizations. For example, in the United States, diesel fuel sold for highway vehicles must be "ultra-low sulfur" with a maximum of 15 ppm, while the European Union has set a limit of no more than 10 ppm.
Diesel fuel is also graded as Diesel #1 and Diesel #2, with the latter being the most commonly available grade worldwide. Diesel #1 flows more easily and is more efficient at lower temperatures, while Diesel #2 is less volatile and is used for carrying heavy loads over long distances. The two types can be blended to create winterized diesel fuel, which is used in cold weather conditions to prevent gelling.
In terms of safety, diesel fuel is considered safer than gasoline as its vapors do not explode or ignite as easily. However, emissions from conventional diesel fuel have been found to be toxic and carcinogenic, leading to the development of clean diesel engines and stricter fuel standards.
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Grades of diesel fuel
Diesel fuel grades are classified by cetane number, cloud point, and pour point. The cetane number indicates how quickly the fuel ignites, while the cloud point marks the temperature at which wax crystals form, causing the fuel to appear cloudy. The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fuel remains liquid. These characteristics determine cold-weather performance.
Some common grades of diesel fuel include:
Grade 1-D Diesel
Grade 1-D diesel is known for its lack of paraffin wax and low sulfur content. It has a high cetane rating (45-55), which makes cold starts easier and reduces battery strain. It is more volatile and flows better in cold weather, with a low cloud point of -40°C to prevent gelling. It also includes additives like detergents, demulsifiers, and rust inhibitors to prevent sediment buildup, water contamination, and corrosion. Grade 1-D diesel is more expensive due to added lubricants, which reduce engine wear and extend vehicle lifespan.
Grade 2-D Diesel
Grade 2-D diesel is the standard fuel grade and is widely sold throughout the United States. It has a higher viscosity and is preferred for trucks carrying heavy loads and driving long distances at consistent speeds. It is less volatile, provides better fuel economy, and is typically the type of fuel available at gas stations. Grade 2-D diesel tends to gel in winter and can cause harsh starts during colder months.
Grade 4-D Diesel
Grade 4-D diesel is used for low-speed, stationary units and is not appropriate for most mobile equipment.
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel contains 15 ppm or less sulfur, resulting in lower emissions, better engine performance, and improved fuel economy. It has good cold flow properties, making it suitable for cold weather, and can be found in grades 1-D, 2-D, or 4-D.
Dyed Diesel
Dyed red to distinguish it from other diesel types, off-road diesel is primarily used for off-road purposes and is tax-exempt. However, using it on-road is illegal in many places and can damage engines. It usually falls under either Grade 2-D or 4-D.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oil and can be mixed with any grade of fuel (1-D, 2-D, or 4-D) to cut emissions. It improves lubrication and reduces engine wear but can cause performance and compatibility issues if the mixture is too high.
Premium Diesel
Some retailers offer premium diesel, which is Grade 2-D with additives that promise better fuel economy and smooth engine performance.
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Biodiesel and synthetic diesel
Heavy diesel fuel, also known as number 4 fuel oil, is a type of petroleum-based fuel used primarily for generating power and for heating. It is a heavy, viscous liquid that is typically yellow or orange in color and has a strong, distinctive odor. Now, let's focus on biodiesel and synthetic diesel, which are alternative fuels that can be used in diesel engines as substitutes for conventional diesel fuel.
Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning fuel that is made from biological sources, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. It is safe, biodegradable, and reduces air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel can be used pure (B100) or blended with conventional diesel fuel in various proportions (e.g., B20, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel). Using biodiesel can reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. However, it may have slightly lower energy content than conventional diesel, which can result in slightly lower fuel economy.
Synthetic diesel, also known as renewable diesel or green diesel, is produced through a chemical process called hydrotreating. This process involves treating renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or even waste plastics, with hydrogen. This process removes oxygen and adjusts the molecule structure to create a product that is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel. Synthetic diesel has several advantages, including improved engine performance, reduced emissions, and better cold-weather performance compared to biodiesel. It also has a higher energy content, resulting in similar or improved fuel economy compared to conventional diesel.
The production of both biodiesel and synthetic diesel contributes to the reduction of our dependence on fossil fuels and can promote the development of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. These alternative fuels can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, making the transition to a greener energy landscape more accessible and feasible. Additionally, the use of waste products and by-products as feedstock for these fuels can help reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and contribute to a circular economy.
In conclusion, biodiesel and synthetic diesel are viable alternatives to conventional diesel fuel, offering environmental benefits, reduced emissions, and, in some cases, improved engine performance. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the development and adoption of these alternative fuels will play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, helping to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.
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Diesel fuel standards and regulations
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or biodiesel, is designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel is typically a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but non-petroleum alternatives like biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more common.
EPA Regulations in the United States:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a significant role in regulating diesel fuel sulfur levels to reduce harmful emissions. In 1993, the EPA began regulating sulfur in diesel fuel, and by 2006, stricter regulations were phased in to lower the sulfur content to 15 parts per million (ppm), resulting in ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). These regulations targeted emissions from both on-road and non-road diesel sources, leading to a significant reduction in harmful emissions. As of 2014, the EPA's diesel standards mandate that all nonroad, locomotive, and marine (NRLM) diesel fuel must be ULSD, with some exceptions for older engines. The EPA is also proposing regulatory changes to align with the global sulfur standard for distillate diesel fuel, accommodating its supply and distribution as marine fuel.
European Standards:
In Europe, the standard for diesel fuel is EN 590, which replaced the DIN 51601 standard in 1993. This standard is used across the European Union and ensures the quality of diesel fuel.
State and Federal Regulations in the United States:
Legal requirements for diesel fuel can be imposed at both the state and federal levels in the United States. For example, California has its own set of regulations, including the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which places unique requirements on the renewable content of diesel fuel. California also regulates fuel properties such as API gravity, lubricity, polycyclic aromatics, nitrogen, and cetane number. Additionally, fire codes and insurance requirements set minimum standards for flashpoint temperature. While ASTM standards are not federally mandated, many states require fuels to meet these standards to minimize harm to people, the environment, and equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Heavy diesel fuel, also known as heavy distillates, is a type of diesel fuel used for low- and medium-speed engines with sustained loads and speeds, such as trains, ships, and stationary engines.
Diesel fuel is a combustible liquid used as fuel for diesel engines. It is typically derived from fractions of crude oil but can also be obtained from synthetic diesel made from natural gas or biodiesel made from biomass.
Diesel fuel offers several advantages over gasoline. Firstly, it is more efficient as it contains about 10% more energy per gallon. Secondly, it is safer as its vapors do not explode or ignite as easily as gasoline vapors. Finally, diesel fuel is also more widely used in certain types of engines, such as those in heavy trucks and watercraft.
