is that portion of crude oil
that distills out within the temperature range of approximately 200°C
(392°F) to 370°C (698°F), which is higher than the boiling range of
gasoline. See
distillation. Diesel fuel is ignited in an
internal combustion engine
cylinder by the heat of air under high compression — in contrast to motor
gasoline, which is ignited by an electrical spark. Because of the mode of
ignition, a high cetane number is required
in a good diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is close in
boiling range and composition to the lighter
heating oils. There are two grades of diesel fuel, established by the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
Diesel 1 and Diesel 2. Diesel 1 is a
kerosene-type fuel, lighter, more volatile, and cleaner burning than
Diesel 2, and is used in engine applications where there are frequent
changes in speed and load. Diesel 2 is used in industrial and heavy mobile
service. Diesel fuel is also widely used in drilling mud
formulations.
Also see drilling oil.
Application
Notes:
