Modern European diesel generators operating on diesel fuel are developed taking into account the high European norms and standards for fuel quality. Therefore, all imported diesel power plants are demanding on the quality composition of the fuel. Filling a diesel generator with low-quality fuel that does not meet Euro standards leads to failure of the fuel system of the power plant, engine and expensive repairs.
The main characteristics of diesel fuel.
On the territory of the Russian Federation, according to GOST 305-82, four grades of diesel fuel are produced:
þ "L" - summer, used at ambient temperatures above 0 ° C
ocloud point: - 5 o C
opour point: - 10 o C
þ "Z" (-20 o C) - winter, used at ambient temperatures below: - 20 o C
ocloud point: - 25 o C
opour point: - 35 o C
osulfur content does not exceed 0.2%
þ "Z" (-30 o C) - winter, used at ambient temperatures below: - 30 o C
ocloud point: - 35 o C
opour point: - 45 ° C
osulfur content does not exceed 0.5%
þ "A" - arctic, used at ambient temperatures below: - 50 ° C
osulfur content does not exceed 0.4%
The main performance indicators of diesel fuel:
þ cetane number, determines the high power and economic performance of the engine
þ fractional composition, determines the smoke, completeness of combustion and toxicity of the exhaust gases of the engine
þ viscosity and density, ensure the normal supply of fuel, atomization in the combustion chamber and the performance of the filtering of the fuel system
þ low-temperature properties, determine the functioning of the fuel system at sub-zero ambient temperatures and the conditions for fuel storage in tanks
þ degree of purity, ensures the reliability of the operation of coarse and fine filters, engine cylinders and pistons
þ flash point, determines the safety conditions for the use of fuel in engines
þ the content of sulfur compounds, unsaturated hydrocarbons and metals characterizes the formation of soot, corrosion and engine wear.
The main differences between high-quality diesel fuel and low-quality diesel fuel:
ü does not contain water
ü does not contain kerosene
ü does not contain gasoline
ü does not contain dirt
ü does not contain harmful impurities
ü no paraffin precipitation
ü sulfur content does not exceed 0.02%
ü quality additives are used
ü high cetane number - 51
Technology for the production of diesel fuel.
In the production of diesel fuel, the correct approach to the technological stages of the process is of great importance to ensure the high quality of diesel fuel.
Its industrial production can be divided into the following technological stages:
þ primary oil refining (or direct distillation) is the separation of oil into separate fractions according to boiling points, carried out in special distillation columns
þ secondary oil refining (refining) changes the chemical composition and structure of hydrocarbons. Produce cracking (splitting of large fuel oil molecules into smaller ones) and removal of sulfur from the fuel
þ mixing (compounding) - mixing of straight-run fractions with components of secondary processes and additives.
Compared to direct distillation, all recycling processes are technologically complex and very costly. However, they are necessary because they significantly increase the quality of diesel fuel. During the hydrotreatment of diesel fuel, environmentally friendly summer and winter grades are obtained.
At the last stage of production, the primary purified fuel fractions obtained in the first stage are mixed with the result of secondary chemical additives and processing in the required proportion. Also, when mixing, the permitted content of sulfur in the fuel is achieved, since it has an extremely negative effect on the environment.
In order to ensure good properties at low temperatures, winter and arctic grades of diesel fuel are obtained from lighter fractions than summer grades. Or expensive deparaffinization is carried out. In addition, special additives are introduced into arctic diesel fuel, leading to an increase in its cetane content and improvement in fuel quality indicators.
The addition of anti-smoke and depressant additives makes it possible to obtain Euro-4 diesel fuel, which is recommended for use in megacities in order to reduce the level of air pollution.
The cost and quality of diesel fuel will be higher, the more degrees of purification it has passed. It is worth considering the fact that diesel fuel produced by small companies can be produced with serious violations of production technology to reduce costs (diluted with gasoline, kerosene, water, which leads to frequent shutdowns of power plants, unscheduled maintenance and engine breakdown).
The installation for the production of diesel fuel provides for the following mandatory steps:
þ water removal
þ removal of solid impurities
þ paraffin separation
þ sulfur landings
We guarantee:
ü The quality of the supplied diesel fuel complies with the climatic conditions and current standards of GOST and TU and is confirmed by quality certificates provided by the manufacturer
ü Prompt delivery of high-quality, seasonal, environmentally friendly diesel fuel EURO-4
ü EURO-4 contains only 0.005% sulfur, that is, 40 times less than provided by the Russian GOST 305-82
ü Extending engine life and saving fuel, the use of EURO-4 diesel fuel leads to a reduction in emissions of combustion products by more than 2 times
Confidently occupies a leading position in the oil products market. This type of fuel, which provides high power and efficiency, is used for refueling railway and water transport, special equipment, and recently it has been increasingly used for automobile engines.
At the same time, different types of fuel are produced under this name, differing in their characteristics and quality, so the question of how to choose the right diesel fuel (diesel fuel) worries both private car owners and enterprises whose economic activities are related to the operation of machinery and vehicles equipped with diesel-powered power units.
A list of the main criteria for the correct choice of diesel fuel.
The right choice of diesel fuel ensures the durability of the equipment and the efficiency of its operation. It should be noted that not all Russian refineries strictly adhere to the existing GOST 305-213 and at gas stations you can find fuel that differs from existing standards, which means that its use for modern diesel engines can lead to the failure of expensive equipment.It can differ in a wide range of indicators, and, consequently, there can be many criteria for the right choice. The main ones on this list are:
seasonality
Technical indicators
Manufacturer reputation
Price
Brand
Quality confirmed by the passport
Quality comes first!
The main criterion for choosing the type of diesel fuel is its quality. Of course, this concept includes many components, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to determine the quality of diesel fuel “by eye”.
But to some extent, a visual assessment can provide useful information. Good fuel should not become cloudy and contain sediment. Therefore, many motorists practice settling a small amount of diesel fuel during the day, followed by an assessment of its transparency and the presence of impurities.
But, it is clear that such a method cannot give a guaranteed answer regarding the compliance of diesel fuel indicators with established standards. More accurate information can be provided by a special laboratory of MosNefteTrans LLC, equipped with the most accurate modern diagnostic equipment.
Summer or winter diesel fuel?
When buying diesel fuel, be sure to take into account seasonality. At positive temperatures, it is necessary to use summer fuel, and in colder weather - winter diesel.
This rule will not only optimize consumption, but also reduce the load on the motor. In frosty weather, the use of the appropriate brand of diesel is the main condition that ensures the possibility of operating vehicles.
The extreme point at which it is still possible to allow the use of summer grades of diesel is a temperature of -5 ° C. At the same time, you should not rely on any additives: all the same, the beginning of crystallization of such diesel fuel occurs at -10 ° C. The result of such a process will be clogging of the fuel filters and a complete engine stop.
The use of a winter diesel engine in summer does not lead to engine shutdown, but also has its negative sides, which are a higher fuel price, an increase in the emission of harmful substances, and a decrease in the power of power units.
When buying winter diesel fuel, you need to pay attention to the maximum filterability temperature (depending on weather conditions), since at lower temperatures the fuel will not pass through the filter. The completeness of fuel combustion is determined by its fractional composition.
Pay attention to the manufacturer!
To make sure of the quality, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to its manufacturer. On the diesel fuel market, you can find products from various refineries, including small plants, which are noticeably inferior to large enterprises in terms of their technical equipment, and, therefore, there may be cases of incomplete compliance of the finished product with modern standards.
Using the convenient service "Logistics Solutions" on the official website of MosNefteTrans, wholesale buyers get the opportunity to independently choose a manufacturer, as well as quickly track the price of diesel fuel from different refineries online.
Fuel documentation.
When buying diesel fuel, pay attention to its quality certificate. According to the "Technical Regulations" established by the government of the Russian Federation "On the requirements for automobile and aviation gasoline, diesel and marine fuel, jet fuel and heating oil", each batch is accompanied by a document certified by the original seal.
The passport for diesel fuel contains the following data:
Manufacturer information;
- established standards for the characteristics of the oil product and their actual values;
- date of manufacture;
- data on the absence/presence of additives.
When studying such a document, one should pay attention to what standards and conditions regulate the manufacture of this diesel fuel. Preference should be given to products manufactured in accordance with GOST. In the production of diesel according to specifications, there are often various deviations from modern quality standards.
It is also important when the study of the characteristics of the oil product was carried out. If the analysis was carried out a long time ago, then due to improper storage or transportation conditions, diesel fuel may lose its quality.
diesel fuel cost.
The cost of diesel fuel is influenced by many factors, but among them, one of the most significant for the normal operation of vehicles is the degree of purification.
High-quality diesel is purified from sulfur compounds, water and other impurities. Of course, the price of such fuel will be slightly higher, but these costs are more than offset by the reliable and durable operation of cylinders, pistons of power units, as well as pumps, filters and other fuel equipment.
To make the purchase of high-quality diesel fuel more economical will help cooperation with LLC MARKET OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS - a company that offers petroleum products that meet the requirements of GOST from leading refineries, with delivery by their own transport from the nearest tank farm to the customer.
Before starting a story about diesel fuel, I would like to announce with regret that our domestic diesel fuel today occupies only 43rd place in terms of quality among the leading oil companies in Europe. Hence all the problems of diesel engines of our passenger cars, the fuel equipment of which is designed for diesel fuel of a standard corresponding to at least Euro-3.
Immediately a warning for lovers of free diesel fuel: if you do not want to screw up the diesel of your foreign car, in no case do not drain diesel fuel from tractors, it definitely does not comply with Euro-3. By the way, at our gas stations there is no diesel fuel of the Euro standard at all, there are so-called classes from 2nd to 5th, in which the standards for cetane number are noticeably underestimated. But what is the cetane number of diesel fuel and how does it differ from the octane number of the same gasoline?
As you know, the octane number of gasoline characterizes its detonation resistance to pressure and temperature. But the principle of operation of a diesel engine lies precisely in this very detonation, therefore the cetane number characterizes the self-ignition of diesel fuel in the cylinder. In other words, the higher the CC, the greater the tendency of diesel fuel to self-ignite. In addition, the CC also determines the ease of starting the engine, the period of white smoke after starting and the rigidity of idling, the so-called diesel knock. If the CCH is less than what is prescribed for this type of fuel equipment, problems will begin with starting the engine, and if it is more than what is prescribed, power drops, smoke increases, and efficiency deteriorates.
Fuel consumption increases in proportion to the excess of the CF over the calculated value - up to 0.5% per CF unit. Therefore, if you do not want the above problems with starting and operating a diesel engine, you must adhere to the following standards: for diesel and turbo diesel engines, the CC should be in the range of 45-48 units, for TDI, CDI and HDI engines with unit injectors or the Common Rail CC is at least 51, and for the most modern engines that comply with Euro-5 standards, the CC should be 55.
In addition to the cetane number, diesel fuel differs in fractional composition, which affects engine starting and exhaust gas toxicity during start-up and warm-up. The temperature of the transition of the fuel to the gaseous state also depends on the fractional composition (the lower the transition temperature, the higher the power and the better the economy). The generally accepted standard requires that 95% of the fuel goes into a gaseous state up to 360°C. The main components of the fractional composition of diesel fuel are sulfur and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the so-called PAHs, the amount of which should not exceed 11%.
Sulfur causes the most harm to the environment, which also contributes to the corrosion of engine parts and the failure of exhaust gas converters and particulate filters. But without it, it’s impossible, sulfur provides lubrication of parts. It remains only to limit its content in the fuel: for diesel atmospheric engines no more than 350 ppm, turbocharged engines - no more than 50 ppm and TDI, CDI, HDI - no more than 10 ppm.
Of course, at gas stations you won’t find out anything about this, but if you set yourself the goal of determining a normal gas station that sells diesel fuel appropriate for your engine, then it’s enough to take fuel for testing at several gas stations and send it to the laboratory. There you will be given not only its CCH, but also the flash point, which affects the starting properties and toxicity, which should not be lower than 40 °, as well as the cloud point (the starting point for paraffin crystallization). For summer diesel fuel, it should be no higher than -5°C, and for winter diesel fuel, it should not be higher than -25°C. The process of determining the cloud point lasts for five hours, but it is worth it, since the start of a diesel engine at sub-zero temperatures depends on it.
There is also the so-called filterability limit temperature, below which fuel filters fail, as well as the pour point, at which diesel fuel loses its mobility. Usually it is lower than the limiting filterability temperature by 5-7 ° C. And, of course, one cannot bypass such a characteristic of diesel fuel as its lubricity, on which the durability of fuel equipment parts directly depends. It is determined by the diameter of the contact spot, which is at least 460 microns.
To date, the required indicators for Euro-4 are most consistent with diesel fuel sold at the filling stations of TNK Corporation. In addition, it fully meets the requirements of environmental standards, but for conventional atmospheric and turbocharged diesel engines, TNK fuel has too high a cetane number. High motor performance due to balanced FHP (fractional chemical additives) has diesel fuel at gas stations owned by LUKOIL, but it showed insufficient lubricity. Unlike LUKOIL, Tatneft fuel demonstrates good lubricity and a low content of PAHs, but its use increases fuel consumption dramatically. The high cetane number provides Shell's fuel, but, unfortunately, it has too much sulfur and a very high content of PAHs. The same high CC is guaranteed by BP Corporation, whose diesel fuel is perfect for TDI, CDI and HDI engines, but it has too low lubricity, and CC is categorically not suitable for conventional atmospheric and turbocharged diesel engines. For all engines, without exception, diesel fuel sold at Rosneft gas stations is suitable, with minimal smoke and a minimum amount of PAHs. It has only one drawback - a lot of sulfur.
In general, if you want to minimize the problems of operating diesel fuel equipment, choose one gas station that is most suitable for your car and try to fill up only there. In our country, diesel fuel is classified according to grades, classes and low-temperature properties. For temperate climates, there is a classification into grades from A to F, and for cold and arctic climates, classes from 0 to 4 are established, differing in ignition temperature (up to -35 ° C) and pour point (up to - 50 ° C). In Russia, during the warm months, summer diesel fuel should be implemented, characterized by an ignition temperature of 62 ° C and pour and filtration temperatures not lower than -5 ° C. In the cold season, filling stations receive winter diesel fuel corresponding to class 1 with an ignition temperature not higher than 40°C, solidification not less than -35°C and filtration not less than -26°С.
During transitional climatic periods (as a rule, April and October), filling stations must sell diesel fuel of grade E with a filtering temperature not higher than -15 ° C. In other words, grade E is a mixture of summer and winter fuel in a ratio of 50x50. But this is only possible in the ideal. In fact, most gas stations will not sell winter diesel fuel until they sell summer diesel fuel, which primarily affects ordinary drivers. What to do? There are only two ways out: the search for a decent gas station or the use of anti-gel additives. By the way, many drivers make the mistake of pouring anti-gel into a full fuel tank after the temperature drops below zero. This is fundamentally wrong. The anti-gel is poured into an empty tank before refueling, even at a positive temperature, in order to have time to mix well with the fuel and perform its anti-freezing function. In extreme cases, you can use kerosene, which has lubricating properties. When kerosene is added to the fuel in a ratio of 1 to 5 (20% kerosene), the fuel mixture will not solidify up to -40°C. But in no case do not add gasoline to diesel fuel - this is death for diesel fuel equipment.
The quality of diesel fuel determines the service life of the equipment, the reliability of its use in any conditions and the safety of work. Modern standards set rather stringent requirements for manufacturers, and fuel produced in accordance with them has high performance characteristics and has a gentle effect on mechanisms; its oxidation products cause less harm to the environment.
The problem is that such fuel is quite expensive to produce. Unfortunately, unscrupulous manufacturers seek to save money and violate technology. On the other hand, even if there are no complaints against the manufacturer, there are sellers who also do not mind making additional profit by selling a low-quality “diesel” under the guise of an expensive one. The most common type of violation is the sale of a summer-type mixture with kerosene under the guise of winter fuel. Dilution is often done during the transportation and fueling phase, so it is important to check the integrity of the manufacturer's or supplier's seal on the fuel tank.
There are several ways to determine quality diesel fuel. Conventionally, they can be divided into two groups: laboratory and domestic. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Laboratory methods for determining the quality of diesel fuel
You can get data on fuel quality by analyzing it in a specialized laboratory. To do this, a sample is taken from the batch and its study is carried out using special equipment. The quality of diesel fuel is evaluated by the following indicators:
- determination of the cetane number. Its value must correspond to the CCH specified in the quality certificate for the batch of fuel. As a rule, dilution of diesel fuel leads to a decrease in the indicator. Increasing the value above 55 also indicates a low quality of the product;
- dynamic viscosity. The most important criterion on which the durability of the engine depends. The deviation of viscosity from the values typical for this type of fuel indicates a violation of the technology or the addition of foreign impurities;
- fraction composition. Determined by the fuel evaporation method. The formation of a strong soot and the appearance of oily liquid inclusions indicates the introduction of kerosene or other substances into the composition;
- the amount of sulfur. Excess sulfur leads to the formation of sulfuric acid and devastating consequences for the engine. Exceeding the permissible values indicates a low degree of purification or mixing of high quality fuel with a lower quality product.
All these characteristics are determined by research. When buying a large batch of diesel fuel, the quality of several samples is determined, followed by a decision. A reliable way to avoid fakes is to purchase the best diesel fuel from a reputable company.
Determining the quality of diesel fuel at home
If you buy a small amount for domestic use, then quality diesel fuel can be evaluated at home. To do this, you need to carry out several manipulations that do not require special equipment:
- evaluation of color and transparency. You need to pour a small amount of diesel fuel into a transparent glass container and look at it against the background of a white sheet of paper. High-quality fuel should be transparent, without turbidity and heterogeneity, slightly yellowish. If there is a sample with known characteristics, then they can be compared. A dark shade or an opaque solution indicates a violation and a large number of resins in the composition;
- assessment of the amount of water. It is necessary to allow the fuel to stand in a closed glass vessel for some time. If there is excess water in the mixture, then phase separation will begin and water will settle to the bottom. Such fuel is detrimental to the fuel system, as it leads to the formation of a water plug;
- determination of the amount of resins in the composition of the fuel. For this, the method of filtering the sample through a paper filter is used. It is enough to skip 150-200 ml of diesel fuel and evaluate the trace left on paper. If the spot is light, then there is little tar in the fuel, the dark color of the spot indicates a high concentration of tar.
These simple actions are recommended when buying a new batch of diesel fuel, and especially when buying from a new seller. A set of measures allows you to choose the best diesel fuel and extend the life of your equipment.
Choosing the right gas station, which has both acceptable quality fuel and not exorbitant prices, is often no easier than choosing a car, because the duration and safety of the operation of your vehicle’s components, as well as the security of your wallet, depend on these parameters. Therefore, we present a rating of gas stations in terms of quality in 2018-2019 in Moscow and the region.
What is quality gasoline?
Why refuel a car with decent gasoline and how to determine which one is better? We answer the first question: low-quality gasoline adversely affects the procedure for starting the engine, quickly disables spark plugs and damages the components of the fuel system. Remember that the longer you save money and opt for gas stations that offer low quality gasoline, the more endangered your car is.
Gazpromneft
The gas station network from the largest Russian company does not leave indifferent millions of car owners across the country. All fuel complies with the Euro 4 standard, and therefore you can not worry about the safety of the elements of your car.
In addition to gasoline and diesel fuel available at all gas stations, Gazpromneft is also expected to offer gas. Gas stations are almost always equipped with corners for relaxing or buying a bite to eat on the road, and the professionalism of the employees is not satisfactory.
Rosneft
A major player in the Russian fuel market not only provides a license for the sale of BP oil products, but also has the widest network of gas stations throughout Russia. Own production, as well as the status of the most important state corporation, guarantees consumers the quality of fuel. And at their gas station, perhaps, the most delicious coffee.
Lukoil
A widely recognized leader among domestic suppliers of refined products. The fuel complies with Euro 5 standards and constantly wins awards for the environmental performance of its gasoline, and customers usually stay with Lukoil for a long time after the first use.
A big plus against the background of many competitors is the breadth of the offer of petroleum products, which allows you to refuel any car without fear of losing its performance. The prices at the gas stations of this company are quite high, but the excellent quality of gasoline here is complemented by excellent service and additional services, and therefore you have to overpay a little.
We hope that our review on which gas stations to buy fuel at will help you choose the right network of gas stations for your soul and budget, as well as keep the key technical elements of your vehicle safe and sound. Good luck on the road and do not save on the most important.
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