Farm and Road

Automotive Gasoline

Gasoline is made through a refining process that transforms crude oil into a fuel that is suitable for use in internal combustion engines. The following steps outline the basic process for making automotive gasoline:

• Crude Oil Distillation: Crude oil is heated in a large distillation tower to separate it into different fractions based on their boiling point. This process produces a range of products, including naphtha, which is the starting material for making gasoline.
• Naphtha Treatment: The naphtha produced from the distillation tower is treated to remove impurities, such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and to adjust its chemical composition. This process is known as sweetening.
• Catalytic Reforming: The treated naphtha is then subjected to a high-temperature, high-pressure reaction in the presence of a catalyst. This process, known as catalytic reforming, converts the naphtha into a mixture of high-octane gasoline components, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene.
• Blending: The gasoline components produced from the catalytic reforming process are blended together to produce the final gasoline product. The exact blend depends on factors such as the desired octane rating, volatility, and other properties of the gasoline.
• Additives: Finally, gasoline is treated with a variety of additives to improve its performance and to meet environmental regulations. For example, gasoline is often treated with detergents to prevent engine deposits, and with oxygenates such as ethanol or MTBE to improve its combustion properties and reduce air pollution.

This a basic overview of the process for making automotive gasoline, but the exact details can vary depending on the type of crude oil, the refining process, and the desired gasoline product.

AGO, which stands for Automotive Gas Oil, is a type of diesel fuel that is used in some countries for vehicles with diesel engines. It is also sometimes referred to as diesel fuel or road diesel.  Automotive gasoline, on the other hand, is a type of fuel made from petroleum that is used for vehicles with gasoline engines. It is also sometimes referred to as gasoline, petrol, or regular unleaded. So, AGO, and automotive gasoline are not the same thing. They are different types of fuels designed for different types of engines and have different properties, such as energy content, viscosity, and ignition properties.

Automotive Gasoil

Automotive Gas Oil, is made through a refining process that transforms crude oil into a fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. The following steps outline the basic process for making AGO:

• Crude Oil Distillation: Crude oil is heated in a large distillation tower to separate it into different fractions based on their boiling point. This process produces a range of products, including diesel fuel.
• Diesel Fuel Treatment: The diesel fuel produced from the distillation tower is treated to remove impurities, such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and to adjust its chemical composition. This process is known as sweetening.
• Hydro-cracking: The treated diesel fuel is then subjected to a high-pressure, high-temperature reaction in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst. This process, known as hydro-cracking, converts the diesel fuel into a mixture of high-cetane diesel components.
• Blending: The diesel components produced from the hydro-cracking process are blended together to produce the final AGO product. The exact blend depends on factors such as the desired cetane rating, viscosity, and other properties of the diesel fuel.
• Additives: Finally, AGO is treated with a variety of additives to improve its performance and to meet environmental regulations. For example, AGO is often treated with detergents to prevent engine deposits, and with additives to improve its lubricating properties and reduce emissions.

This a basic overview of the process for making AGO, but the exact details can vary depending on the type of crude oil, the refining process, and the desired diesel fuel product.

Specific specifications for AGO can vary depending on the location and regulations, but generally, it has the following characteristics:

• Viscosity: AGO has a viscosity range of 2.5 to 6.5 centistokes at 40℃. This determines the fuel's ability to flow through the engine's fuel system and is an important factor in its performance.
• Density: AGO has a density range of 0.82 to 0.87 grams per milliliter. This affects the energy content of the fuel and its storage and transportation requirements.
• Flash Point: AGO has a flash point of approximately 52℃ to 93℃. This is the temperature at which the fuel vaporizes and ignites in the presence of an ignition source.
• Cetane Number: AGO has a cetane number range of 40 to 55. The cetane number is a measure of the fuel's ignition quality, and a higher cetane number indicates better engine performance.
• Sulfur Content: AGO typically contains a low level of sulfur, typically less than 10 parts per million (ppm). This helps to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) and meet environmental regulations.
• Aromatic Content: AGO typically contains a low level of aromatic compounds, typically less than 25% by volume. Aromatic compounds can contribute to air pollution and engine deposits, so limiting their content is important for environmental and performance reasons.

These are general specifications for AGO, but specific requirements can vary depending on the location and regulations. These specifications can be influenced by factors such as the type of crude oil used, the refining process, and the desired diesel fuel product.

The primary factor that determines whether diesel fuel is used for road or farm use is the intended end-use application of the diesel engine. In general, diesel fuel for road use is formulated to meet the specific needs of high-speed diesel engines used in on-road vehicles, such as heavy-duty trucks and buses. This type of diesel fuel is typically characterized by its low sulfur content, high cetane number, and high flash point.

On the other hand, diesel fuel for farm use is formulated to meet the specific needs of diesel engines used in off-road applications, such as tractors and other agricultural equipment. This type of diesel fuel is typically characterized by its lower cost, higher sulfur content, and lower cetane number compared to diesel fuel for road use.

Regulations and standards can vary by country and region, and that some countries may allow the use of diesel fuel for farm use to be used in on-road vehicles. In general, diesel fuel for farm use is not suitable for use in high-speed diesel engines due to its lower cetane number and lower flash point, and it may not meet the specific quality requirements specified by regulations and standards for diesel fuel for road use.

Diesel Refining

All fuel, except biodiesel, is produced from crude oil using a refining process that involves several steps, including distillation, hydro-treating, and hydro-cracking. The type of diesel fuel produced depends on the specific refining process used, as well as the intended end-use application of the diesel engine. For example, diesel fuel for road use is typically produced using a hydro-treating process that removes impurities and reduces the sulfur content of the diesel fuel. This type of diesel fuel is formulated to meet the specific needs of high-speed diesel engines used in on-road vehicles, such as heavy-duty trucks and buses.

Diesel fuel for farm use, on the other hand, is typically produced using a less complex refining process that may not include hydro-treating. This type of diesel fuel is formulated to meet the specific needs of diesel engines used in off-road applications, such as tractors and other agricultural equipment.

Specific refining process used to produce diesel fuel can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used, as well as the specific requirements of the intended end-use application of the diesel engine. The type of diesel fuel produced can also vary depending on the specific crude oil feed-stock used, as well as the type and configuration of the refining equipment.

Types of Diesel

• Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) - a cleaner burning diesel fuel that contains lower levels of sulfur.
• Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) - a diesel fuel that has lower levels of sulfur compared to traditional diesel but higher than ULSD.
• High Sulfur Diesel (HSD) - a diesel fuel that contains higher levels of sulfur and is commonly used in developing countries or remote areas where ULSD or LSD may not be available.
• Biodiesel - a renewable fuel made from plant-based sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. It can be used in diesel engines as a direct replacement for or in blends with traditional diesel fuel.
• Renewable diesel - a synthetic diesel fuel made from renewable sources such as agricultural waste, cooking oils, and other organic materials. It has lower emissions and is often considered a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel.

ULSD

Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is a type of diesel fuel that has had its sulfur content reduced to a very low level, typically below 10 parts per million (ppm). Some other common names or terms used to refer to ULSD include:

• Low-Sulfur Diesel (LSD)
• Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
• Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel (ULSF)
• Low Sulfur Fuel (LSF)
• Clean Diesel
• Reduced Sulfur Diesel

These terms are used interchangeably to refer to diesel fuel with a low sulfur content, which is often required by regulatory agencies to reduce emissions from diesel engines. ULSD is commonly used in road vehicles, off-road vehicles, and boats, as well as in some industrial applications, such as heating systems and power generators.

Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is a type of diesel fuel that has a very low sulfur content, typically below 10 parts per million (ppm). The exact specifications for ULSD can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used, but in general, ULSD must meet certain minimum quality requirements, including:

• Sulfur Content: The sulfur content of ULSD must be reduced to a very low level, typically below 10 ppm.
• Cetane Number: The cetane number of ULSD must be above a specified minimum value, typically around 51 or higher.
• Density: The density of ULSD must be within a specified range, typically between 0.820 and 0.925 kg/L.
• Flash Point: The flash point of ULSD must be above a specified minimum value, typically around 55℃ or higher.
• Distillation: The temperature at which ULSD begins to boil (T10) must be below a specified value, typically around 180℃ or lower, and the temperature at which 90% of the fuel has been boiled (T90) must be below a specified value, typically around 340℃ or lower.

These are some of the most common specifications for ULSD, exact specifications can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used. For example, the EN590 diesel fuel standard in the European Union specifies different minimum quality requirements for diesel fuel, including a maximum sulfur content of 10 ppm and a minimum cetane number of 51.

LSD

Low-Sulfur Diesel (LSD) is a common name or term used to refer to diesel fuel with a lower sulfur content compared to conventional diesel fuel. LSD fuel is sometimes referred to as Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) or simply "clean diesel," as the reduced sulfur content results in lower emissions from diesel engines. The exact specifications for LSD fuel can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used, but in general, it must have a low sulfur content, typically below 10 parts per million (ppm).

Low-Sulfur Diesel (LSD) is a type of diesel fuel that has a reduced sulfur content compared to conventional diesel fuel. The exact specifications for LSD fuel can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used, but in general, LSD must meet certain minimum quality requirements, including:

• Sulfur Content: The sulfur content of LSD must be reduced to a low level, typically below 10 parts per million (ppm).
• Cetane Number: The cetane number of LSD must be above a specified minimum value, typically around 51 or higher.
• Density: The density of LSD must be within a specified range, typically between 0.820 and 0.925 kg/L.
• Flash Point: The flash point of LSD must be above a specified minimum value, typically around 55℃ or higher.
• Distillation: The temperature at which LSD begins to boil (T10) must be below a specified value, typically around 180℃ or lower, and the temperature at which 90% of the fuel has been boiled (T90) must be below a specified value, typically around 340℃ or lower.

D2

Another classification of diesel fuel, also known as Gasoil. It is a heavy, viscous fuel oil that is used in diesel engines, particularly in large marine and industrial applications. D2 is typically refined from crude oil and is a major component in the production of diesel fuel, kerosene, and other petroleum-based products. The exact specifications of D2 fuel may vary, but it generally has a lower energy content compared to lighter diesel fuels like ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel).

EN590

is a European standard for diesel fuel that specifies the minimum quality requirements for automotive diesel fuel used in road vehicles. The standard covers the chemical and physical properties of diesel fuel, including its composition, appearance, flash point, density, and sulfur content, among others. The sulfur content specified by EN590 is limited to a maximum of 10 ppm (parts per million). The EN590 standard helps to ensure that diesel fuel is of a consistent quality and meets minimum environmental and performance standards, making it suitable for use in modern diesel engines. This standard applies to diesel fuel sold in the European Union and other countries that have adopted the standard.

The EN590 standard specifies several variants of diesel fuel, including:

• EN590:2010 - This is the latest version of the standard and covers the quality requirements for diesel fuel used in road vehicles. It includes specifications for sulfur content, density, cetane number, and other properties.
• EN590:2004 - An earlier version of the standard that has since been replaced by EN590:2010. It has similar quality requirements to the latest version but may have different specifications for certain properties.
• EN590:2011 - This variant of the standard covers diesel fuel used in non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), such as construction equipment and agricultural machinery. The requirements for this variant are similar to those of EN590:2010 but are specifically tailored for the use of diesel fuel in NRMM.

Variants of the EN590 standard specifies the minimum quality requirements for diesel fuel and helps to ensure that diesel fuel is of a consistent quality and meets minimum environmental and performance standards, making it suitable for use in modern diesel engines.

The winter variant of EN590 diesel fuel typically contains specific additives that improve the fuel's cold flow properties, such as reducing its viscosity and preventing waxing or gelling in low temperatures. These additives may include:

• Pour Point Depressants - to reduce the temperature at which the fuel begins to gel or solidify.
• Anti-Waxing Agents - to prevent the formation of wax crystals in the fuel, which can clog fuel filters and restrict fuel flow.
• Cold Flow Improvers - to reduce the fuel's viscosity, allowing it to flow more easily at low temperatures.

In terms of specifications, the winter variant of EN590 diesel fuel typically meets the same quality requirements as regular EN590 diesel fuel, but with additional requirements for cold weather performance, such as:

• Cloud Point - the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in the fuel. The winter variant of EN590 diesel fuel typically has a lower cloud point than regular diesel fuel.
• Pour Point - the temperature at which the fuel begins to gel or solidify. The winter variant of EN590 diesel fuel typically has a lower pour point than regular diesel fuel.

The most recent version of the EN590 diesel fuel standard is EN590:2010. This version specifies the minimum quality requirements for diesel fuel used in road vehicles. These are the most recent exact specifications of the EN590 diesel fuel standard, as of September, 2019.

• Density: The density of diesel fuel must be between 0.820 and 0.925 kg/L.
• Flash Point: The flash point of diesel fuel must be above 55℃.
• Sulfur Content: The sulfur content of diesel fuel is limited to a maximum of 10 parts per million (ppm).
• Cetane Number: The cetane number of diesel fuel must be above 51.
• Copper Strip Corrosion: Diesel fuel must not cause corrosion of a copper strip when tested in accordance with the EN590 standard.
• Distillation: The temperature at which diesel fuel begins to boil (T10) must be below 180℃ and the temperature at which 90% of the fuel has been boiled (T90) must be below 340℃.
• Appearance: The appearance of diesel fuel must be free from any visible impurities, such as water or debris.

HSD

High-Speed Diesel (HSD) is a common name or term used to refer to diesel fuel that is specifically formulated to be used in high-speed diesel engines. HSD fuel is typically characterized by its high cetane number and high flash point, which makes it well-suited for use in high-speed diesel engines. Other common names or terms used to refer to HSD fuel include "high-performance diesel," "high-speed diesel fuel," and "high-speed diesel oil." It's worth noting that the exact specifications for HSD fuel can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used.

• High-Speed Diesel (HSD) is primarily used in high-speed diesel engines, which are commonly found in a variety of applications, including:
• Automotive: High-speed diesel engines are used in heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles.
• Marine: HSD fuel is used in large marine diesel engines, such as those used in cargo ships and tankers.
• Power Generation: HSD fuel is used in diesel generator sets, which provide emergency backup power for commercial and industrial applications.
• Agriculture: HSD fuel is used in large farm equipment, such as tractors and combines.
• Construction: HSD fuel is used in heavy construction equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators.

These are some of the most common applications of high-speed diesel engines, however, HSD fuel can be used in a variety of other applications as well, including stationary engines and portable power generators.

High-Speed Diesel (HSD) fuel is characterized by its high cetane number and high flash point, which makes it well-suited for use in high-speed diesel engines. The exact specifications for HSD fuel can vary depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used, but in general, HSD fuel must meet certain minimum quality requirements, including:

• Cetane Number: The cetane number of HSD fuel must be high, typically above a specified minimum value, such as 51 or higher.
• Flash Point: The flash point of HSD fuel must be high, typically above a specified minimum value, such as 55℃ or higher.
• Sulfur Content: The sulfur content of HSD fuel may be limited to a low level, typically below 10 parts per million (ppm), depending on the regulatory agency or standard being used.
• Density: The density of HSD fuel must be within a specified range, typically between 0.820 and 0.925 kg/L.
• Distillation: The temperature at which HSD fuel begins to boil (T10) must be below a specified value, typically around 180℃ or lower, and the temperature at which 90% of the fuel has been boiled (T90) must be below a specified value, typically around 340℃ or lower.