How Does Diesel Fuel Density Affect My Generating Sets?

We can’t talk about a good quality diesel, without talking about the density.

Not only does the density of diesel affect generating sets and diesel engines,  it is also a measure of how premium a quality diesel fuel is.

A good quality diesel fuel can’t be gotten if its density isn’t accurate and in accordance with industry set standards.

Amongst many factors that can affect fuel quality, the density is at the top of the list because it has a great effect on engine performance.

An Interesting fact About The Density

Firstly, what does the density (ρ) of diesel fuel mean?.

It is “the mass of a unit volume of diesel at a selected temperature. In some cases, the density is expressed as specific gravity or relative density.

As of 2019 to date, the density of diesel fuel is about 0.832 kg/L (6.943 lb/US gal), this is about 11.6% more than ethanol-free petrol (gasoline).

Effect of Diesel Density on Generating Sets

The density of a diesel fuel affects engine calibration and power because the mass injected per stroke varies with the diesel density. This, in turn, affects the engine combustion and emissions timings.

Similarly, PM( particle pollution) emissions generally increase with an increase in diesel fuel density which can alter the efficacy and performance of the generating set.

An increase in density also increases the dynamic injection timing, and high-density diesel fuels also have higher viscosity which is responsible for the changes in the injection process.

Looking at the empirical formula for calculating diesel density, we know that,

density = mass / volume.

so, mass = density X volume.

This means if fuel density is less, fuel mass will also be less for the same volume.

When a diesel fuel with less mass goes into the combustion, it affects the stoichiometric ratio. And the fuel-air mixture becomes lean, and this reduces the efficiency of the diesel engine.

Because diesel engines operate with an open-loop fuel control system, the torque is also affected by the variations in the diesel fuel density.

Additionally, changes in the diesel density will either increase or decrease the energy content of the fuel.

Conclusion

People always say “Diesel stored is always good for life.”

This is a common misconception because it is not always the case.

Diesel fuel can break down over time and this can compromise its quality. Hence resulting in poor generator efficiency.

That is why the integrity of the diesel product heavily depends on its density.

When it comes to mission-critical facilities, keeping the lights on is a top priority.

That is why every facility manager or diesel consumer has to really know the density of each product they purchase.

At Elect Energy Nigeria Limited, we make sure you know the density of every diesel product we deliver.

This is done even before delivery.

For inquiries about the rating of diesel fuel you want to buy,  you can send us a message