Diesel fuel

Diesel fuel is a mineral fuel obtained from crude oil and is mainly used in various transportation and machinery applications. It is isolated and refined by distillation and may contain biofuels and special additives.

Definition of
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel, is a middle distillate and is mainly produced from hydrocarbons in crude oil. It is a refined gas oil which is adapted to the required standards by blending.

Background / origin
Diesel fuel is isolated from crude oil by distillation, whereby the fraction with a boiling range of 200°C to 360°C is referred to as gas oil. The refined gas oil is adjusted to the required parameters in the corresponding fuel standard by means of blending. Up to 7% by volume of biodiesel in accordance with DIN EN 14214 as well as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), gas-to-liquid (GtL) and biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuels can be added to the composition.

The quality requirements for diesel fuel are defined in DIN EN 590, which is also regulated by the 10th BImSchV. This regulation serves to implement the European Directive 98/70/EC on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and takes into account the regional differences in marketing, particularly with regard to cold and kerosene precipitation. In Germany, for example, winter grades are offered from November to February.

On large engines, especially in marine diesel engines, heavier diesel fuel grades are often used, which have a higher sulphur content. However, the sulphur content is being continuously reduced by the applicable emission limits in order to meet environmental requirements.

Properties
The main components of diesel fuel are hydrocarbons obtained from crude oil. Compared to petrol, the fuel is around 10% denser and has a higher energy content per liter.

The main properties of diesel fuel are
- Higher density compared to gasoline.
- Increased energy content per liter.
- High cetane number, which is decisive for the ignition quality of the fuel.

In addition, diesel fuel is optimized with special additives to improve performance and reduce emissions.

Application and importance in the market
Diesel fuel is used in a variety of ways, particularly in road traffic, agriculture, shipping and rail transport. It is also used in construction machinery and stationary engines.

Due to the different regional climate zones, the composition of diesel fuel varies, resulting in seasonal products such as winter diesel. The trading and logistics activities associated with diesel fuel are organized by companies such as the Mabanaft Group, which store and handle fuels.

The tax treatment is important here: in Germany, the tax rate for diesel fuel is lower than for petrol, which has an impact on the final price at the filling station.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Petrol: Has a lower density and a different energy content. Produced from a different fraction of crude oil.
- Biodiesel: Is blended as a biofuel and is specifically defined as an alternative fuel source.
- Sulphur content: Marine diesel often has a higher sulphur content than diesel fuel for motor vehicles, but is being continuously reduced due to stricter requirements.

Summary
Diesel fuel is a mineral fuel obtained from crude oil by distillation. It is mainly used in transportation, agriculture and shipping. The quality is regulated by DIN EN 590 and may contain biofuels. Due to geographical and climatic differences, the composition varies, especially in the winter months. The specific properties, such as the higher density and energy content compared to petrol, are decisive for its application.