The diesel engine in its many forms is the workhorse of modern industry. Our fuel experts explain what makes this type of engine so important
Benefits versus negatives of diesel engines
The world’s reliance on fossil fuels arose out of necessity, and the fuels we use were always the best that industry could find from what was available at the time.
In the 19th century, oil lamps relied on whale oil, which had terrifying effects on ocean life. It wasn’t until 1854, when a cleaner-burning, more abundant and easier to produce alternative was produced by Canadian geologist Abraham Pineo Gesner through the distillation of crude oil that fuel consumption was able to switch to something better for the environment. At the time, this fuel was kerosene. From there, more petroleum products, such as diesel, petrol, lubricants were manufactured to serve industry, and the rest is history.
Since the earliest days of diesel engines, diesel has been a fuel of choice for several reasons as seen below
Benefits of using diesel fuel
Benefits versus negatives of diesel engines
The world’s reliance on fossil fuels arose out of necessity, and the fuels we use were always the best that industry could find from what was available at the time.
In the 19th century, oil lamps relied on whale oil, which had terrifying effects on ocean life. It wasn’t until 1854, when a cleaner-burning, more abundant and easier to produce alternative was produced by Canadian geologist Abraham Pineo Gesner through the distillation of crude oil that fuel consumption was able to switch to something better for the environment. At the time, this fuel was kerosene. From there, more petroleum products, such as diesel, petrol, lubricants were manufactured to serve industry, and the rest is history.
Since the earliest days of diesel engines, diesel has been a fuel of choice for several reasons as seen below
✔ Fuel supply affordably meets demand
✔ Relatively efficient release of energy (compared to petrol)
✔ Clean burning (relative to petrol)
✔ Safe to be stored – stable at natural temperatures
✔ Diesel engines are heavy duty out of necessity
✔ Engines can remain operable for most temperatures experienced in the year
