Diesel fuel is a very important substance. Those who drive large vehicles, such as buses and trucks, utilize diesel fuel to power their vessels. There are different kinds of diesel fuel. Some come from petroleum-based sources. Others stem from plant sources. Petroleum-based fuels are known for being relatively accessible while plant-based ones are known for being clean-burning and renewable. Take a look at this list of three types of diesel fuel.
1. Mineral-Oil-Based Fuel
Mineral-oil-based diesel fuel has specific properties, including notable sulfur and aromatics content, a low hydrogen to carbon ratio, and a boiling curve. The soot formation for this kind of fuel is proportional to its sulfur content. The formation of soot rises in the sequence that begins with alkanes, progresses to cycloalkanes, goes to olefines, and ends in aromatics. Note that petroleum distillation is a typical production method for this fuel type. One can place mineral-oil-based diesel fuel in a vessel that contains a diesel fuel filtration system.
2. First-Generation Biofuel
First-generation biofuel does not have sulfur content, nor does it have aromatics. There is approximately 10% oxygen content in this fuel type. It has a high boiling point. It is worth mentioning that this biofuel’s oxygen content results in low soot formation. Also, there is an increased soluble organic fraction in this fuel’s particles. The common production method for first-generation biofuel is the transesterification of vegetable oils. Corn, soy, and sugar represent the kinds of biomass used to yield this fuel type. There is a growing number of people who want to invest in biofuel because they view it as a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based diesel.
3. Second-Generation Biofuel
Second-generation biofuel is a significant kind of biodiesel because it is derived from lignocellulosic structures, such as reeds and grasses. This kind of biofuel has little to no sulfur or aromatics content. Its low sulfur and aromatics content and its high hydrogen to carbon ratio lead to low particle formation. The standard production method for second-generation biofuel is the Fischer-Tropsch process. This process produces liquid fuel from biomass. It has been utilized to generate liquid fuel from coal. Many gravitate towards this fuel type because non-food items can be used to produce it. Such items include food crop waste, wood chips, and agricultural residue.
One can produce diesel fuel from different sorts of resources, including plant sources. People will likely use this kind of fuel for years to come.
