What are the Standard Diesel Quality Ratings for my Power Plant?

Diesel Supply Ratings

The demand for standard diesel quality has made the global market to demand that all types of diesel engines are expected to rise at an unprecedented rate through 2050.

Put differently, diesel engines aren’t fading off anytime soon.

Though, before the invention of the diesel engine with 26% efficiency by Rudolf Diesel, the steam engine and gasoline engine had 6% and 12% efficiency respectively.

The diesel engine was designed to improve the efficiency and enhance the performance of internal combustion engines so that more distance can be traveled with the same quantity of diesel because it is a type of internal combustion engine ( a type of engine that burns fuel internally).

As diesel engines run on a great variety of diesel fuels, a good quality diesel fuel will give an engine a better performance, higher efficiency, improved reliability, and lower maintenance costs.

How To Determine A Good Quality Diesel

A good quality diesel fuel can be ascertained based on its properties.

Many people think that Density is the number one most important property of a diesel (AGO) fuel.

In reality, without undermining the effect of density, the principal measure of the quality of diesel fuel is its cetane number (rating). This is a measure of the fuel’s ignition quality (with the use of an ignition quality tester, IQT).

The Cetane number (rating) influences combustion speed and compression of ignition.

Therefore, cetane rating plays a similar role in diesel fuel as the octane rating does for gasoline or petrol (PMS).

For instance, engine design, size, nature of speed and load variations determine the specifications of the diesel to feed the engine.

In the U.S, the standard specification for diesel fuel establishes a minimum cetane requirement of 40.

At Elect Energy Nigeria  Ltd, we make sure diesel supply is done at the best cetane value of 47-52. Because diesel engines operate optimally with a cetane number of 47 or higher.

Other Diesel Quality Properties

Density

Just like the cetane number, density is one of the most indispensable elements of diesel. That is why one must not compromise on it while making a purchase.

On average, low-density diesel affects engines and causes knocking if poorly managed.

The best density for diesel (AGO) fuel at 15 – 20°C is about 0.85kg/L ( 8.5 g/ml) – considerably 8.45g/ml – 8.60g/ml.

Flash Point

The vast majority of diesel in today’s market has its Flash Points dangling between 52°C and 96°C. This is the minimum temperature to which it produces a flammable vapor and causes ignition when heated.

That’s why we ensure that all our diesel are tested and confirmed to have a higher flash point (74 – 80°C). This helps to minimize the risk of an explosion.

Viscosity

The measure of resistance to flow is simply known as viscosity. It decreases with an increase in temperature. We understand that this is an essential factor in the operation and performance of diesel engines.

That’s why we offer reliable viscosity diesel (AGO), to our clients, which produces a finely atomized mist and improves its mix with the incoming air to encourage complete combustion for better power generation and lower emissions.

Sulphur Content

Recently, a great deal of attention has been drawn as a result of constant tear and wear of Pistons, Rings, Valves and Cylinders in a diesel engine.

During the combustion process, the hydrogen sulfide in the fuel combines with sulfur dioxide (or sulfur trioxide). This forms a corrosive effect, causing an increase in the tear and wear of engine parts.

This perpetually damages the engine. Hence, we ensure that our diesel is practically sulphur-free (0.0516Max, which is insignificant).

Water Content

No matter how pure diesel fuel is, water and dirt are the biggest concerns for its quality. These two elements can find their way into fuel and crash their performance. Dirty diesel will cause premature parts failure in engines, unlike a good clean and clear quality diesel fuel.

Heating value

The heating value of a good diesel ranges from 42MJ/kg to 46 MJ/kg (megajoules per kilogram). This is slightly lower than that of petrol which is 44 – 47 MJ/kg.

However, diesel fuel is denser than petrol. And contains about 15% more energy by volume (approximately 36.9MJ/L compared to 33.7 MJ/L of that of petrol).

Volatility

This refers to how quickly a fuel vaporizes or evaporates. Thus, volatility affects how easily an engine can start, warm it up, and how well it runs. Traditional diesel fuel vaporizes at temperatures between 149°C and 371°C.

Colour

A pure diesel is a pale yellow in color and to confirm this, the diesel must be placed in a clear and transparent container.  This is to ensure that we carry out a thorough examination of every diesel we supply.

Finally, diesel (AGO) fuel quality also varies by location. And on the nature of the crude oil and refining practices used in making it. That’s why, before we make a purchase or agree to buy any product from any refinery/importer, we must confirm the quality of the product.

At Elect Energy Nig. Ltd, we conduct independent tests on every product, certifying the original Quality Control Certificate (QC) of the product.

We promise to deliver the best quality of diesel in the industry.  And we will deliver it by going out of our way for all our clients.

10 thoughts on “What are the Standard Diesel Quality Ratings for my Power Plant?

  1. Gerawa Rice Mills Limited 080862093658037123678 says:

    We need a tanker loaded with diesel to our factory at KM 8 Gunduwawa Hadejia Road Gerawa Local Government Kano State.

    • Onyekachi Simeon says:

      The lesson was super,am a generator engineer,am having a diseal issue on one of my customer (Catholic church),it possible to make out time and send one of your staff to visit and check on the diseal,if well confirmed,electenergy will start supplying us, thanks

  2. Jimoh Muisi Olaide says:

    I would need your contact details do that we can be transacting business with you so that we can come and access your place so that we can be sure you are real.We are a major logistics company but diesel had been damaging our injectors so we need a good clean diesel

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