petrodiesel

Petrodiesel is a diesel fuel produced from crude oil through refining and processing. It is distinguished from biodiesel, which is derived from biological feedstocks, and from renewable or synthetic diesels that are produced from non-petroleum sources. Petrodiesel is the most widely used form of diesel fuel in road transport and many other diesel-powered applications.

Chemically, petrodiesel consists mainly of saturated hydrocarbons in the C10–C20 range, including paraffins and cycloalkanes, with smaller amounts of aromatics. Typical cetane numbers for conventional diesel are in the 40–50 range, reflecting ignition quality. In many markets, petrodiesel is supplied as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), with sulfur content limited to about 10–15 parts per million, reducing sulfur oxide emissions and protecting emission-control systems.

Production and specifications: refining involves distillation to recover the diesel fraction, followed by hydrodesulfurization and other upgrading steps to meet sulfur and cold-flow requirements. Additional blending and, in some cases, additives are used to achieve target properties such as cetane, lubricity, and winter-performance. Standards and grades vary by region, with regional regulatory limits shaping formulation.

Usage and properties: petrodiesel is used in compression-ignition engines in cars, trucks, buses, trains, ships, and stationary power generators. It can be blended with small amounts of biodiesel in approved ratios (for example, B5 or B20), though compatibility depends on engine specifications and additives.

Environmental and economic context: combustion emits CO2, NOx, and particulates, though ULSD reduces sulfur-related emissions. The price and availability of petrodiesel are tied to crude-oil markets and refining capacity, with ongoing developments in alternative and renewable fuels influencing demand.