The Difference Between Fuel Oil and Diesel in Diesel Generators Part 1

If the service life of the generator is limited, consideration should be given to transitioning from diesel to fuel oil. For tests that require regular testing, it is best to always use diesel fuel. Only convert to fuel oil when running for a long time.

Firstly, contrary to many opinions, diesel fuel is not equal to the fuel oil we use for heating! If a diesel engine does not use special arrangements for fuel oil during operation, it may cause engine failure or even damage during operation. Heating oil is specifically used for non engine combustion and has a sulfur content higher than diesel. This also applies to light and low sulfur fuel oils. The use of fuel oil still requires some important parameters, but there is no guarantee for certain operating conditions or engine types.

Fuel oil contains various hydrocarbons with a wider boiling point than diesel

Additives are added to diesel, which can be filtered even at high temperatures

Diesel fuel contains special additives to achieve better ignition rates.

Overall, diesel fuel has much stricter specifications than fuel oil. The biggest difference between fuel oil and diesel is that heating oil can contain higher water content and impurities. Therefore, special measures and special attention should be taken when using fuel oil.

Technically speaking, can I operate a diesel generator with fuel oil?

Fundamentally, fuel oil can replace diesel in diesel generator sets, but some measures should be taken in advance. This is particularly important in modern complex diesel engines equipped with modern common rail injectors. These jobs have a maximum pressure of over 1000 and are particularly sensitive to impurities or fluctuations in fuel quality, such as fuel oil.

What are the legal regulations for operating generator sets with fuel oil?

The use of fuel oil in vehicles is prohibited and should be punished, including portable generators or transportable working machinery. People who use fuel oil instead of diesel here will evade taxes and be punished as a result.

Therefore, fuel oil will also be coated with red dye to prevent abuse. In addition to this coloring, solvent yellow 124 is also sealed on heating oil. Therefore, the customs themselves can prove that the amount of fuel in the fuel is still so small. Therefore, customs also conduct regular inspections on large diesel vehicles.

However, there are also some exceptions to fixed location facilities, such as those used by generator manufacturers for grid power supply. Therefore, before using fuel oil, opinions from relevant customs departments should be sought and written permission obtained.

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