What is Diesel Fuel?
Discover What Makes Diesel A Unique And Reliable Energy Source.
Across the country, gas stations are sure to include a few diesel pumps in addition to their regular gasoline offerings. If you’ve driven truck or never thought to get your own backup generator, then you might not be sure what makes diesel fuel so different from its gasoline counterpart. With that said, if you've wondered what diesel fuel is or what used it’s for, then you came to the right place.
What’s the Difference Between Gas and Diesel?
A regular gasoline engine and a diesel engine are essentially the same as they both convert liquid into mechanical energy through a series of small explosions. But there are some key differences between diesel engines and gasoline engines.
The major difference between gas and diesel is the way these explosions take place. Honestly, the difference is highly technical, with the distinction being that diesel engines use a higher compression ratio to achieve better fuel economy (i.e. better gas mileage).
Diesel engines also don’t use a spark plug to ignite their fuel. In fact, diesel fuel is harder to ignite overall thanks to its lower volatility. Once diesel is evaporated, however, it’s reasonably easy to ignite, which means that diesel engines can operate on compression alone, where gas engines need a good spark plug.
Why Should I Switch to Diesel Fuel?
There are several easily apparent benefits to switching to a diesel engine.
- Diesel engines get better mileage, whether you’re powering a semi or a refrigerator. In fact, they’re usually 30 percent more efficient than gasoline engines.
- Diesel fuel is comparably more energy efficient of the two fuels.
- Since the high compression of diesel engines makes them a little shaky, diesel engines are built tougher. That means they typically last a lot longer than a gasoline engine.
Diesel Fuel is Good for the Economy
Thanks to its clear improvement in efficiency over gasoline, diesel fuel is the choice of 15 key sectors of the economy. It moves the trucks that transfer freight, it powers the machines that harvest crops and mine ore, and diesel keeps the construction industry building. Without diesel to help propel their machinery, some of the most fundamental (and integral) parts of our nation’s economy wouldn’t be able to support themselves.
Take a Hint From the Pros
When downtime isn’t an option in your business, then you’re going to need a generator. Why not take your cue from the nation’s most successful industries and make sure that you rely on a diesel generator that will last longer, require less fuel, and mean less preventive maintenance.
To learn more about diesel fuel or diesel powered generators, contact Generator Source today!
Story Summary
What is diesel fuel?
Diesel fuel is a petroleum-based fuel used in diesel engines. It is different from gasoline in several key ways:
- Diesel fuel is less refined than gasoline and has a higher energy density
- Diesel engines use compression ignition rather than spark ignition
- Diesel fuel has a higher boiling point and is less volatile than gasoline
What are the advantages of diesel fuel?
Some key advantages of diesel fuel include:
- Better fuel efficiency - diesel engines typically get 20-35% better fuel economy than gasoline engines
- More torque - diesel engines produce more torque, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications
- Longer engine life - diesel engines are built more ruggedly and often last longer than gasoline engines
- Lower flammability - diesel fuel is less flammable than gasoline, making it safer to store and transport
What types of vehicles and equipment use diesel fuel?
Diesel fuel is commonly used in:
- Large trucks and semi-trailers
- Buses
- Construction and farm equipment
- Generators
- Some passenger vehicles, especially in Europe
How is diesel fuel stored safely?
Proper diesel fuel storage requires:
- Approved fuel storage tanks made of steel or aluminum
- Tanks with internal baffles to reduce fuel sloshing
- Proper venting and spill containment
- Regular inspection and maintenance of tanks
- Following all applicable regulations for fuel storage
Is diesel fuel more or less expensive than gasoline?
Historically, diesel fuel has often been less expensive than gasoline. However, prices fluctuate based on market conditions. Even when diesel costs more per gallon, the better fuel efficiency of diesel engines can make it more economical overall.
What are some disadvantages of diesel fuel?
Some potential drawbacks of diesel include:
- Higher initial cost for diesel engines
- More expensive maintenance and repairs
- Noisier engine operation
- Higher emissions of some pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulates
| 3/2/2017 1:00:09 AM
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