Rajan Wilcox
Kerosene and diesel are both fuels derived from the molecular components of crude oil. While kerosene is sometimes used in diesel engines, diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles. Kerosene is more refined, with fewer impurities than diesel, but it has very little lubricity, which can cause fuel pumps to burn out. Kerosene also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and is non-renewable, while diesel is more energy-efficient. Kerosene is typically cheaper than diesel and burns at a lower temperature, but it is prohibited for use on public roads in Canada and the United States.
Why is diesel a better fuel than kerosene?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Molecular structure | Diesel has a solid molecular structure, consisting of 34 hydrogen and 16 carbon atoms. Kerosene has a non-rigid structure, composed of hydrocarbon chains with 12-15 carbon atoms. |
| Volatility | Kerosene is less volatile than gasoline, with a higher flash point temperature. |
| Colour | Diesel is reddish, while kerosene is colourless. |
| Usage | Diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles, while kerosene is used in jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters. |
| Environmental impact | Kerosene contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and is non-renewable. |
| Health impact | Prolonged exposure to kerosene fumes may damage the skin and lead to lung diseases. |
| Price | Kerosene is typically cheaper than diesel. |
| Gelling | Kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel, preventing gelling in freezing temperatures. |
| Lubricity | Kerosene has very little lubricity compared to diesel, which can cause fuel pumps to burn out. |
| Energy content | Kerosene has a lower energy content than diesel, with about 135,000 BTU per gallon compared to 139,000 BTU for diesel. |
| Legality | Using kerosene in vehicles that are not meant for road use may be illegal in some places and can result in fines. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel has a higher energy value
Kerosene and diesel are both fuels derived from the molecular components of crude oil. Kerosene is typically cheaper than diesel and is used in a variety of engine systems, while diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles.
Kerosene is a lighter diesel oil than #2 diesel, which means it contains slightly less energy—approximately 135,000 BTU per gallon compared to 139,000 BTU for a gallon of #2 diesel. Kerosene also has very little lubricity compared to #2 diesel, which can cause fuel pumps to experience a lot of wear and may burn out.
The higher energy value of diesel is due to its solid molecular structure, consisting of 34 hydrogen and 16 carbon atoms. In contrast, kerosene does not have a rigid structure and is composed of hydrocarbon chains with 12 to 15 carbon atoms.
During the winter, kerosene can be mixed with diesel fuel to improve its cold-weather performance. A common mixture is 80% diesel and 20% kerosene, which can help lower the cold filter plugging point of the diesel fuel blend. However, it is important to note that using kerosene in diesel engines can come with risks and may not be legal for road use in some places.
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Kerosene is a non-renewable resource
Kerosene is composed of hydrocarbon chains with 12 to 15 carbon atoms. It has a lower boiling point than diesel, which is why it is extracted from crude oil first. Kerosene is less volatile than gasoline and diesel, making it a popular choice for consumers as it is widely available over the counter. It is frequently used as fuel for jet engines, furnaces, lamps, heaters, and cooking.
However, kerosene has several drawbacks. It is a finite source of energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its use may also have negative health impacts, as exposure to kerosene fumes can damage the skin and lead to lung diseases. Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with kerosene can be toxic to humans.
To reduce the use of kerosene and mitigate its environmental and health impacts, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power should be promoted, especially in rural areas. Additionally, industries that use kerosene as a cleaning agent can switch to more eco-friendly options, such as soy-based solvents and citrus-based cleaners.
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Diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles
Kerosene and diesel are both derived from the molecular components of crude oil, with kerosene being extracted first, followed by diesel. While kerosene is used in a variety of engine systems, diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles.
One of the key differences between the two fuels is their volatility, or how easily they vaporize and catch fire. Kerosene has a higher flash point than gasoline, making it less volatile and less prone to ignition. This is why kerosene is commonly used in compression-ignition engines, such as those found in diesel engines, while gasoline is typically used in spark-ignition engines, such as those in most cars.
Another difference is in their molecular structure. Diesel has a solid molecular structure, consisting of 34 hydrogen and 16 carbon atoms, while kerosene has a flexible structure composed of hydrocarbon chains with 12 to 15 carbon atoms. Kerosene's lighter weight results in slightly less energy per gallon compared to diesel. Additionally, kerosene burns drier than diesel due to its lower lubricity, which can lead to potential damage to fuel pumps and other engine components.
In terms of cost, kerosene is generally more expensive than diesel, especially during the winter months. However, with the rising prices of diesel fuel, kerosene may be a more affordable option for diesel engines, despite the potential risks and liabilities associated with its use. Kerosene burns at a lower temperature than diesel, preventing gelling in freezing temperatures, which can be advantageous in cold climates.
While diesel is primarily used for vehicles, it is important to note that it is also utilized in other applications such as generators and off-road equipment. The exclusive use of diesel in vehicles can be attributed to its performance characteristics, energy density, and suitability for automotive engines.
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Kerosene is cheaper
Kerosene is a more affordable alternative to diesel fuel. While diesel prices have been skyrocketing, kerosene is typically cheaper, making it a seemingly attractive option for vehicle owners.
Kerosene is also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, while regular diesel is designated as #2 diesel fuel oil. Kerosene has a lower flash point, lower viscosity, and a lower cloud point than #2 diesel. These properties make it better suited for cold weather operation, as it has a lower freezing temperature and doesn't gel as quickly as diesel. This can be particularly advantageous in colder regions, such as Alberta, Canada.
In addition to its lower cost, kerosene is also more readily available at retail outlets and gas stations. This accessibility further enhances its appeal to consumers.
However, it's important to note that using kerosene in vehicles that are not meant for road use can result in legal liabilities. In Canada and the United States, for example, using non-approved fuel on public roads is prohibited, and doing so may incur fines.
While kerosene is cheaper, it has some drawbacks. It has lower energy content per gallon than diesel, resulting in lower total heat output. Kerosene also lacks sufficient lubricity, which can lead to increased wear and potential burnout of fuel pumps and other engine components. To mitigate this issue, some people add automatic transmission fluid or 2-cycle oil to the kerosene.
In conclusion, while kerosene is a more affordable option than diesel, its disadvantages, such as reduced energy content and lubricity issues, along with legal considerations, should be carefully weighed before opting for it as a fuel choice.
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Kerosene is less refined
Kerosene is a lightweight hydrocarbon mixture that consists of molecules with mainly 10 to 16 carbon atoms. It is a less-refined fuel, which means it undergoes a simpler and shorter distillation and refining process compared to diesel. This results in a fuel that is not as highly purified and polished as diesel. The simpler refining process for kerosene removes fewer contaminants and unwanted compounds, which can lead to a final product that may not burn as cleanly or efficiently as diesel.
The distillation process for kerosene typically involves separating the desired range of hydrocarbons from crude oil through atmospheric distillation. This initial step is relatively straightforward and does not require the same level of complexity and precision as diesel refining, which often employs additional processes like hydrocracking and catalytic cracking to achieve the desired fuel properties.
Diesel, on the other hand, undergoes a more intricate refining process, including various treatments and processes to enhance its performance and emissions characteristics. Diesel fuel is typically subjected to higher pressures and temperatures during refining, which helps break down larger hydrocarbon molecules and remove impurities, resulting in a more consistent and pure product.
The additional refining steps in diesel production aim to improve fuel stability, lubricity, and combustion efficiency, ensuring that it performs optimally in modern diesel engines. These engines have sophisticated fuel injection systems and tight tolerances, requiring a fuel that can deliver consistent combustion and engine performance. The more refined nature of diesel contributes to its superior performance and efficiency in these advanced engine systems.
Kerosene's simpler refining process results in a fuel that may contain more impurities and contaminants, which can lead to operational issues in engines. These impurities can cause carbon deposits and increased wear and tear on engine components over time. In contrast, diesel's more refined nature helps ensure a cleaner burn, reducing the risk of engine deposits and maintaining engine performance and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel is a better fuel than kerosene because kerosene has very little lubricity compared to diesel, which means that fuel pumps experience a lot of wear and may burn out. Kerosene also has a lower energy density, making it less efficient than diesel. In addition, kerosene contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and is non-renewable, whereas diesel is more commonly used in vehicles.
Kerosene is a more refined fuel than diesel, with fewer impurities, and is therefore less likely to leave a strong odour when burnt. Kerosene is also cheaper than diesel and burns at a lower temperature, preventing gelling in freezing temperatures.
Kerosene has a lower energy value than diesel, meaning that burning a gallon of kerosene will produce less heat than burning a gallon of diesel. Kerosene also has very little lubricity compared to diesel, which can cause damage to fuel pumps and other engine parts.
Diesel has a solid molecular structure, consisting of 34 hydrogen and 16 carbon atoms. Kerosene, on the other hand, does not have a rigid structure and is composed of hydrocarbon chains with 12 to 15 carbon atoms.
Yes, kerosene can be mixed with diesel fuel, and this is often done during winter to change the cold weather handling temperatures of diesel fuel. A mixture of 10% kerosene will lower the cold filter plugging point of a diesel fuel blend by five degrees. However, it is important to note that kerosene has very little lubricity, so the mixture may cause damage to fuel pumps.
