Types_of_Diesel_Fuel

Types of Diesel Fuel
All diesel fuels are not the same. They are classified into three groups, 1D, 2D and 4D fuels. 1D and 2D fuels are used for highway vehicles or for mobile equipment. 4D fuel is used for units that are either slow or stationary. Diesel engines which are high speed are fuel by either 2D or 1D.
Diesel fuels differ based on their pour point, viscosity and cetane number. What separate 1D fuel from 2D fuel is the viscosity and the pour point. The pour point is defined as the lowest possible temperature that a liquid will still flow. Viscosity is how much a liquid can resist flow. 1D fuel can handle lower temperatures, the fuel will still flow even when the temperature drops. This makes it great for cold temperatures. The pour point is lower and so is the viscosity.
2D fuel has a higher pour point and viscosity. It is best for higher temperatures. Increased viscosity is responsible for improved lubrication in the fuel injection system. The higher BTU?s in 2D fuel allows it to generate more power per gallon of fuel. Higher Btu?s generate increased power. This increases fuel economy. Vehicles with more British thermal units will get more miles per gallon.
The cetane rating is very similar to the octane rating of gasoline. However, there is one significant difference. Cetane measures the ease of fuel ignition. Increased cetane ratings mean the fuel ignites easier. This differs from octane ratings. The higher the octane rating is for gasoline, the resistance is higher for ignition. Manufacturers often have maximum and minimum cetane ratings. Besides meeting 2D or 1D specification, these fuels must also have minimum Btu ratings. If they are not high enough, the miles per gallon will decrease.
Different fuels have different attributes and functions. The same is true for diesel fuel. There are three primary groups. They include 1D, 2D, and 4D fuels. 4D fuel is used for machinery that is either slow moving or that does not move at all. Your 1D and 2D fuels will power your motor vehicles. What sets apart various types of fuels are their cetane number, pour point and viscosity.
2D diesel fuel is best to use in high temperatures. It has a high pour point and high viscosity. 1D diesel fuel on the other hand, is good in lower temperatures. It has a lower pour point and viscosity then 2D fuel.
The Cetane rating is also important when it comes to diesel fuel. It is similar to what the octane rating is to gasoline. It measures fuel ignition and how easy it is to ignite the fuel. The higher the cetane rating, the easier the ignition. Vehicle manufacturers do require that their vehicles have minimum and maximum cetane ratings.
1D, 2D and 4D diesel fuels will not be of concern to the average vehicle owner. The type of fuel which will be used for diesel engines is often long decided before the vehicle is rolled out. This information is for car mechanic enthusiasts and for those that are interested in related matters.

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