
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. The UN number for diesel fuel is 1202. This number is used to identify diesel fuel in the context of transportation and regulatory compliance, particularly when it comes to the carriage of dangerous goods. The regulations that govern the carriage of dangerous goods, such as diesel fuel, are important to ensure safety and compliance with international standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 1202 |
| Other Names | Gas oil, heavy oil, diesel oil |
| Flash Point | Not more than 60°C |
| Carriage Regulations | Covered by the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009) |
| Exemptions | ADR Special Provision 363 (ADR 3.3) exempts fuels contained within equipment or machinery, such as generators or compressors |
| Red Diesel | Classified as diesel, but coloured for taxation purposes |
Explore related products
$104.99
What You'll Learn
- Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is any liquid fuel for diesel engines
- Diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil
- Non-petroleum-derived diesel alternatives include biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid, and gas-to-liquid
- Diesel with a flashpoint above 100°C is not considered dangerous for transport
- 'Red diesel' is covered by the same UN 1202 classification as regular diesel

Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, is any liquid fuel for diesel engines
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, receives the UN number 1202. It is defined as any liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel engines are unique in that fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel. Thus, diesel fuel must possess good compression ignition characteristics.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil. However, alternative types of diesel fuel 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 varieties, 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 standardized.
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009), as amended, regulate the carriage of diesel fuel by road. This legislation is implemented in Great Britain and is based on the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, also known as ADR. The ADR provides specific provisions and exemptions for the transport of dangerous goods, including diesel fuel. For instance, it allows for the carriage of certain quantities of dangerous goods, such as diesel, without the full application of the regulations.
Additionally, ADR Special Provision 363 (ADR 3.3) grants an exemption from the complete requirements of ADR for specific fuels, like diesel, contained within equipment or machinery being transported. This includes fuels in generators, compressors, heating units, and similar apparatus. It is important to note that even if a carriage of fuel is exempt from CDG 2009, it should still be transported with safety as a priority. Diesel with a flash point above 100°C is not considered dangerous for carriage and is therefore exempt from CDG 2009 regulations.
Storing Diesel Fuel for Your Tractor: Best Practices
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a type of internal combustion engine fuel designed specifically for use in diesel engines. Diesel engines are unique in that fuel ignition occurs without a spark, relying instead on the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel.
Diesel fuel is most commonly derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum fuel oil, which occurs at temperatures between 200 and 350 °C (392 and 662 °F) and results in a mixture of carbon chains typically containing 9 to 25 carbon atoms per molecule. This process involves using steamed hot water to boil the liquid, separating the distillates, and obtaining products at various temperature ranges. The lightest fluids, known as "top distillates," have the highest flashpoints, while "middle distillates," including diesel fuel, have higher flashpoints than 42°C. Below these are the "bunker fuels," which are heavier diesel fuels used primarily in maritime applications.
The fractional distillation of crude oil yields a range of petroleum products, including diesel, petrol, gas oil, kerosene, jet fuel, and domestic and commercial heating oil. Diesel fuel specifically is a distillate of petroleum fuel oil, although alternative sources for diesel fuel production that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming increasingly common. These alternative sources include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
The term gas oil is sometimes used interchangeably with diesel fuel, especially in French ("gazole"). In the United Kingdom, diesel fuel intended for road use is often called "white diesel" to differentiate it from reduced-tax agricultural diesel, which contains an identifying coloured dye and is known as "red diesel." In Australia, diesel fuel is referred to as "distillate," while in Indonesia, Israel, and most Middle Eastern countries, it is known as "Solar," a trademarked name from the national petroleum company Pertamina.
Removing Diesel Stains: Quick and Easy Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$105.99

Non-petroleum-derived diesel alternatives include biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid, and gas-to-liquid
Diesel fuel, also known as gas oil or heating oil, has a UN number of 1202. Diesel is a petroleum-based fuel, and its use has come under scrutiny due to its environmental impact. As a result, non-petroleum-derived diesel alternatives, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid, and gas-to-liquid, have gained prominence.
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable alternative to diesel made from modified vegetable oils. It is often blended with diesel fuel, and its use has increased due to government incentives and environmental concerns. Biodiesel has lower emissions than diesel, and its production cost is similar. However, it may require modifications to older engines, as it can degrade rubber components. Biodiesel blends, such as B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum), are commonly used in fleet and commercial vehicles, offering slightly lower fuel efficiency than pure diesel but improved sustainability.
Biodiesel is one of the earliest biofuels and can be produced through transesterification, converting oils and fats into usable engine fuel. This process differs from the hydrogenation process used to produce renewable diesel, which is chemically equivalent to petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel, also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) or hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), can be seamlessly blended, transported, and co-processed with petroleum diesel.
Biomass-to-liquid (BTL) is another non-petroleum-derived diesel alternative. It is produced by gasifying biomass to create a synthetic gas, which is then converted into liquid fuel through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. BTL fuel offers similar properties to petroleum-based diesel and can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.
Gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology also produces synthetic diesel fuel by converting natural gas into synthetic crude oil, which is then refined into diesel fuel. GTL diesel has superior combustion properties, resulting in lower emissions and improved engine performance.
These non-petroleum-derived diesel alternatives offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option to traditional diesel fuel, contributing to the global effort to reduce reliance on petroleum products and mitigate environmental impact.
The Energy Cost of Heating Diesel Fuel
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$34.99 $38.99

Diesel with a flashpoint above 100°C is not considered dangerous for transport
The UN number for diesel fuel is UN 1202. Diesel fuel, also known as diesel 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 considered a dangerous good for transport, and as such, it is subject to specific regulations and exemptions. The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009) govern the transport of dangerous goods, including diesel, by road. These regulations are based on the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, known as ADR.
While diesel is generally classified as a dangerous good, there is an important exception. According to CDG 2009, diesel with a flashpoint above 100°C is not considered dangerous for transport. This means that it does not fall under the scope of the CDG 2009 regulations. This exemption is crucial as it simplifies the transport of certain types of diesel and reduces the regulatory burden for carriers.
It is worth noting that the regulations surrounding the transport of dangerous goods, including diesel, are updated periodically. For example, in Great Britain, the CDG 2009 regulations were amended in 2011, 2012, and 2019 to include additional provisions and derogations. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the latest regulations and exemptions to ensure compliance and safe transport.
Additionally, there are specific provisions for the storage of diesel fuel at workplaces, as outlined in the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations. These regulations aim to ensure the safe handling and storage of diesel fuel to mitigate potential risks.
Cooking Oil as Diesel: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$144.96

'Red diesel' is covered by the same UN 1202 classification as regular diesel
The UN number for diesel fuel is 1202. This classification also covers gas oil and heating oil with a flash point of more than 60°C and not exceeding 100°C. This is the standard classification for diesel fuel, including red diesel.
Red diesel, also known as gas oil, is a type of diesel that is dyed red to indicate that it is for use in off-road applications, such as agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and generators. It is chemically identical to regular diesel fuel but is marked for identification purposes to distinguish it from regular, "on-road" diesel.
The primary difference between red diesel and regular diesel is in their intended use. Regular diesel, also known as "white diesel", is used in vehicles and transportation on public roads and highways. In contrast, red diesel is restricted for use in specific, off-road industries and applications.
Despite this difference in intended use, the chemical composition of red diesel and regular diesel is the same, and therefore, they fall under the same UN classification. This classification is important for the safe transport, handling, and regulation of these substances, as it indicates their flammable nature and the precautions that must be taken during storage and transportation.
The UN 1202 classification is specifically for diesel fuel with a flash point within the specified range. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a substance can form a flammable mixture with air, and this classification indicates that these types of diesel fuel have a relatively low flash point, necessitating careful handling and storage procedures.
Where to Buy Top-Tier Diesel Fuel
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The UN number for diesel fuel is 1202.
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, 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 due to the compression of inlet air and fuel injection.
The transportation of diesel fuel is regulated by The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009). Diesel fuel with a flash point above 100°C is not considered dangerous and is exempt from these regulations. However, diesel fuel with a flash point not exceeding 60°C is classified as UN 1202 Gas Oil or Diesel Fuel and is subject to the relevant regulations for dangerous goods.











































