Understanding the Different Types of Diesel Fuel

Using diesel-engine vehicles for personal usage has been reduced in the UAE compared to the previous decade. As per the UAE law, diesel fuel suppliers in UAE must only distribute ultra-low sulphur diesel that contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur. As part of its commitment to promote sustainable development, ENOC introduced ‘Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel’ across its retail and commercial networks in the UAE back in 2014. Motor enthusiasts who are in possession of diesel engine cars like Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok TDI, Range Rover Defender, Chevy Colorado, etc enjoy a much cleaner diesel today. But is there only a single type of diesel fuel? What differentiates one fuel from another? Read along for understanding the different types of diesel fuel.
 

What Are The Different Types Of Diesel Fuel?

We have enlisted below the choices available in diesel fuel to make it easier for understanding the different types of diesel fuel. It is mainly categorized based on the method of production:

Petroleum diesel

Petroleum diesel, often known as fossil diesel, is the most commonly used form of fuel in freight trucks, railroads, public transport, and agricultural and construction vehicles. Many modern passenger cars are also fuelled by diesel fuel. Its constituents are obtained through the fractional distillation of crude oil at atmospheric pressure and temperatures ranging from 200 to 350 degrees Celsius. As a result, a variety of carbon chains with 8 – 20 carbon atoms per molecule is formed.

Synthetic diesel

The creation of synthetic diesel has resulted from the goal to identify long-term low-carbon fuel options. It may be made from any carbonaceous source, including biomass, biogas, natural gas, and coal. Once the natural material has been gasified and purified, it is subjected to the Fischer-Tropsch process, which is simply a sequence of chemical processes that converts a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen into a hybrid substance known as hydrocarbons. This form of diesel has been praised for having a near-zero sulphur level, which reduces total emissions.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a sustainable fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease that offers an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel. Biodiesel is known as B100 in its purest form, although it can be blended with petroleum diesel depending on the temperature in which the fuel would be used. Many fuel device manufacturers are concerned about biodiesel because it can corrode fuel injection components, produce blockages, and induce pump seizures.

Hydrogenated oils and fats

While comparable to a synthetic diesel, this type of diesel is created by refining and hydrating triglycerides (a chemical component known as Ester that is generated from glycerol and fatty acids) present in vegetable oils and animal fats.

Dimethyl ether (DME)

DME has the potential to be a renewable energy source. It's a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel with a high cetane value and quiet combustion. Its low-cost approach, along with minimal soot and NOx emissions, might provide an excellent alternative.
 

How Do You Know Which Fuel Is Best For Your Purpose

Drive into any fuel station for a refill, and the attendant will almost certainly inquire, "Special or Super?" You will choose one or the other based on your usual preference. In the UAE, there are two categories of fuel available: Special (95 octanes) and Super (98 octanes). At fuel stations, the octane rating is clearly displayed in bold black digits on a yellow backdrop. Motorists have long disagreed over which of the two enables their vehicle to perform better.

Many say that higher octane gasoline boosts vehicle power, emits less pollution, and helps to keep a cleaner engine. Others argue that there is no change in automobile performance and that using higher octane fuel is actually harmful to the engine. Selecting high octane fuel in a vehicle designed to run on a lower octane fuel has been proven to be hazardous. Higher octane fuels are typically required or recommended for engines with a higher compression ratio and/or those that employ supercharging or turbocharging to pump more air into the engine. Increasing cylinder pressure helps an engine to produce more mechanical energy from a given air/fuel mixture, but higher octane gasoline is required to keep the mixture from pre-detonating. High octane gasoline will increase performance and fuel economy in certain engines.

It should also be mentioned that utilising low octane gasoline when your vehicle demands a higher octane fuel is just as harmful and will result in irregular combustion of the air-fuel combination in the cylinder. It will result in a phenomenon known as "knocking." When a spark plug ignites a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, the flame front fans out from the spark plug and quickly moves across the combustion chamber.

Knocking happens when the last part of the air-fuel combination spontaneously ignites before the flame front arrives, causing a rapid increase in pressure in the cylinder and producing a "knocking" or "pinging" sound.

So, how does the average person know which sort of gasoline to use? The simplest method to find out is to go through the owner's handbook. Another method is to pay close attention to the sound of your engine. If there is no "knocking" sound, you are using the appropriate grade. Is it, however, worth the extra expense to use higher octane fuel?

If your car requires midgrade or premium fuel, then you should consider sticking to it. If your owner's handbook states that your vehicle does not require premium but will run better on higher octane fuel, it is entirely up to you. Typically, the cost rise outweighs the fuel savings. However, for some users, minimising CO2 emissions and reducing petroleum consumption by even a tiny amount may be more valuable than money. It is also a good idea to get a decent fuel system cleaning for your vehicle. Popular gasoline additives aid in the restoration of lost power, as well as the improvement of performance and fuel efficiency. They also help to maintain the engine clean by removing deposits.
 

Find A Commercial Diesel Fuel Supplier

Redlines Diesel trading diesel fuel is one of the most renowned Fuel trading companies in UAE. By consistently checking and analyzing the fuel quality using the latest technology, they offer top-quality fuel to ensure top of the chart performance. Redlines Diesel Trading gives the customers innovative fuel solutions for their transportation, industrial and other needs.