Diislikütust

Diislikütust, commonly known as diesel fuel, is a type of fuel oil derived from petroleum. It is primarily used in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that operate on the principle of compression ignition. Unlike gasoline engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture, diesel engines ignite the fuel when it is injected into the hot, compressed air in the combustion chamber.

The refining process for diesel fuel involves the fractional distillation of crude oil. It is typically composed of hydrocarbons with carbon chains ranging from C12 to C20. Key properties of diesel fuel include its cetane number, which indicates its ignition quality, and its viscosity, which affects its flow characteristics. Diesel fuel is also characterized by its energy density, making it an efficient fuel for heavy-duty applications.

Diesel engines are widely employed in transportation, including trucks, buses, trains, and ships, as well as in agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and power generation. The widespread use of diesel fuel is attributed to the fuel efficiency and torque characteristics of diesel engines, which are well-suited for heavy loads and long-distance travel.

Environmental considerations are also associated with diesel fuel, particularly concerning emissions. Modern diesel fuels have seen significant improvements in refining processes to reduce sulfur content, which in turn lowers the emission of sulfur dioxide, a pollutant. Ongoing research and development aim to further reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, common emissions from diesel engines, through advanced engine technologies and exhaust after-treatment systems.