Diesel
Diesel is a liquid fuel obtained from the refining of crude oil and is specially designed for use in diesel engines. Diesel engines are used in heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, buses, trains, some passenger cars, and many industrial and agricultural machines.
Features and applications
Diesel features
1. High density and energy: Diesel has a higher density than gasoline and therefore produces more energy per unit volume. This feature makes diesel engines more efficient in fuel consumption.
2. High flash point: Diesel has a higher flash point than gasoline (about 52°C), which means more resistance to spontaneous combustion and increased safety in transportation and storage.
3. Moderate viscosity: Diesel has a moderate viscosity, which makes it suitable for use in diesel engines with high pressure fueling systems.
4. Cetane number: The cetane number of diesel is a measure of combustion ability and quick start of combustion in the engine. Diesels with a higher cetane number (between 40 and 55) burn more easily and faster in diesel engines.
5. Sulfur content: Diesel usually has sulfur content, but in recent years efforts have been made to reduce the amount of sulfur in diesel in order to reduce air pollutants. Low sulfur diesels (ULSD) are now widely used.
6. Pollution: Diesel engines usually produce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). However, new technologies such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems are being used to reduce these pollutants.
Diesel applications
1. Heavy vehicles and machinery: Diesel is widely used in trucks, buses, heavy vehicles, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment. Diesel engines are very suitable for these types of applications due to their high efficiency and long life.
2. Power generation: Diesel is used in diesel generators to generate power in areas that do not have access to the power grid or as backup in emergency situations.
3. Rail and marine transportation industry: Many diesel trains and ships use diesel as fuel. This fuel is preferred due to its high energy density and good performance over long distances.
4. Heating: Diesel is used in some areas as a fuel for heating systems, especially in areas that do not have access to the natural gas network.
5. Military applications: Diesel is widely used in military vehicles and military equipment due to its high reliability and ability to operate in harsh conditions.
Diesel specification table
| ROW | PROPERTY | UNIT | TEST METHOD | SPECIFICATION | TYPICAL VALUE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density @ 15°C | g/cm3 | ASTM D1298 | MIN 0.815 | 0.818 |
| 2 | Flash point | °C | ASTM D93 | MIN 50 | 52 |
| 3 | Total Sulfur | %Mass | ASTM D4294 | Max 0.32 | 0.31 |
| 4 | Cetane Number | ASTM D613 | Min 47 | 49 | |
| 5 | Cetane Index | ASTM D976 | Min 51 | 54 | |
| 6 | Color | – | ASTM D1500 | MAX 2.0 | 1.5 |
| 7 | I.B.P | – | MIN 150 | 157 | |
| 8 | 50% | °C | ASTM D86 | Max 225 | 219 |
| 9 | 90% | °C | Max 310 | 300 | |
| 10 | FBP | °C | Max 345 | 340 | |
| 11 | Residue | MAX 2.0 | 0.7 |