Automotive
✔ Passenger vehicles
✔ Petroleum diesel (DERV or red diesel (gas oil))
✔ Paraffinic diesel (such as HVO fuel or GTL fuel)
✔ Biodiesel
What makes a diesel engine fuel?
What makes a diesel engine fuel?
What makes a diesel engine fuel?
Mineral-based diesel has a cetane number of about 40, while higher performance alternatives such as HVO fuel or GTL fuel have a cetane score of 70 or greater, the higher cetane number results in improved burning – a fuel that more readily combusts and more complete burning, which itself provides cleaner emissions.
To be used in a diesel engine, fuels need to have an appropriate density and viscosity. For petroleum diesel fuel, this is between 0.82 – 0.835g/ml and its viscosity is between 2.0 and 4.5. Clean-burning alternatives need a similar density to diesel, however up to a 5.0 viscosity is required for paraffinic diesel fuels to ensure they meet the required regulations.
The fuel of choice for a diesel engine is based on what the engine will be used for. While most diesel engines are designed to run on middle distillate petroleum fuel, larger, more heavy-duty engines will be designed for use with heavier diesel fuel.
What about homemade biodiesel fuel?
There are some unofficial ways of powering diesel engines, such as mixing store-bought vegetable oil with reactants to create homemade biodiesel in order to save on fuel at fuel stations. While duty needs to be paid on an annual production of 2,500 litres and higher, if done at home, this fuel is produced entirely at your own risk.
Your vehicle’s warranty will likely not cover homemade fuel, and if poorly produced, it may result in damage to your engine, or worse yet, damage to your own and nearby property.
If your aim is to help the environment, you’re best off purchasing renewable fuels from specialist suppliers.