Diesel is an extremely efficient energy source that burns much cleaner than many other fuels. That’s why it’s used in commercial equipment from generators, to backhoes, to fuel cells. However, what you may not know is that there are different types of diesel for different applications.
There are many different commercial diesel oil uses and types. You must select the right one for your trucks or commercial equipment.
The information below provides basic information on the best commercial diesel oil as well as the pros and cons of each type. Keep reading to find out more about their uses and how they can meet your commercial fuel needs.
Diesel Basics
Diesel engines use internal combustion to run. This means they burn fuel that generates energy inside their structure.
Unlike gasoline engines that use spark plugs to start combustion, diesel engines rely on mechanical compression. Cylinders inside the engine use pressure to heat the air that causes the fuel to ignite.
While the composition of diesel engines has evolved over the years, so has the production of diesel fuel itself. This has afforded many benefits, including a more environmentally friendly product.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, diesel engines are 30 to 35 percent more efficient than their gas counterparts. They also last much longer than gasoline ones, which makes them a popular choice for trucking and commercial uses.
Even though it is flammable, diesel is much less explosive than other types of fuel, including gasoline. Also, oil systems tend to last much longer than natural gas or propane ones.
Diesel also is efficient to produce. U.S. petroleum refineries can make between 11 and 12 gallons of diesel from every 42-gallon barrel of crude oil. There also is the opportunity for using more sustainable sources, such as biomass, to produce diesel.
Below are the three main types of commercial diesel oil available. Each has its pros and cons for home or office energy use.
1. Clear Diesel
The most common type of diesel oil is “clear diesel.” This is the fuel you can buy at the gas station pump. Since most vehicles use it, you also may hear it referred to as “road,” “highway,” or “auto diesel.”
As the name suggests, clear diesel has no color (at least not a prominent one). It can have a light green hue, which darkens as the diesel degrades over time.
Clear diesel is for vehicles traveling on public roads and marine vessels. It is taxed in the United States, so all on-road cars and trucks must use it.
2. Dyed Diesel
Dyed diesel is specific to agricultural or off-road use. It is not taxed in the United States and is often dyed with solvent red 26 or 164 to indicate this status. It is illegal to use it in vehicles that operate on public roads.
Since it is not used on roadways, dyed diesel has a slightly higher sulfur content than clear diesel. Some common uses for dyed diesel are heavy construction equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and excavators. It also is common among farming equipment.
Blue dyed diesel is for use in government vehicles and is not available for public consumption. There also are purple and green dyed diesel fuels for some aviation fuels.
It is important to note that there are serious penalties for improper use of dyed diesel since it is a form of tax evasion. It could include stiff fines or even jail time.
3. Diesel Exhaust Fluid
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandated that all diesel vehicles on the road use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). This fuel has as much as 90 percent fewer pollutants than regular diesel and as much as 97 percent less sulfur.
To achieve this, a “selective catalytic reduction” (SCR) system is installed in the exhaust systems of trucks or equipment. It uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to dissolve pollutants like nitrogen oxide in the fuel. All-new diesel engines sold in the United States must have this system in place.
DEF comprises 32.5 percent urea or carbamide, a chemical compound used in certain fertilizers, and 67.5% deionized water. Besides reducing emissions, an added benefit of DEF is that it improves fuel efficiency and helps motors last longer.
Approximately every 50 gallons of diesel fuel requires one gallon of DEF. You can purchase it in smaller, 2.5-gallon jugs, or buy it in bulk. DEF can last up to two years as long as you store it in temperatures below 80 Fahrenheit.
Find a Commercial Diesel Oil Supplier
Now that you have an idea of the main types of commercial diesel oil, you can decide which one is right for your business. If you want to learn more about diesel fuel and its uses, contact a reputable fuel distributor.
At Sperr’s Fuel and Heating, we stock all three types of diesel fuels described here. We offer clear diesel delivery for on-road vehicles and ultra-low dyed diesel for generators and other equipment.
If you are looking for DEF for vehicles or industrial equipment, we offer that as well. We provide scheduled as well as on-demand delivery plans. Reach out to us today to learn about pricing and how to set up service.