Diesel Fuel

Key Points about Diesel Fuel

Energy Density  -  Diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gasoline, which means it can provide more power for the same volume.
Combustion Process  -  In diesel engines, fuel is ignited by compression rather than spark plugs, as in gasoline engines.  Diesel engines compress air at high pressure, which increases temperature, causing injected diesel to ignite spontaneously.
Types  -  Diesel is often classified as petrodiesel or biodiesel (made from renewable resources like vegetable oil or animal fat).  Blends of the two, known as biodiesel blends, are also used to reduce emissions.
Environmental Impact  -  Diesel fuel combustion produces more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than gasoline, contributing to air pollution.  However, modern diesel engines and emission-control technologies, such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction, help reduce these emissions.

Common Uses

Diesel is widely used in transportation (trucks, buses, and trains), construction (bulldozers and excavators), and power generation (backup generators), where its energy efficiency and torque advantages are critical.