I was asked to detail Diesel specs ... Red and ULSD (Road)

[Guest]

I have scanned the docs that are used to verify / state specs on fuel oil (Diesel / Gasoil Stock) in Red and Road ULSD forms.

So here are the relevant standards .... (note that EU reviews these regularly and they are slow in releasing data !! What a surprise... alos that over next few years sulphur is the target in all grades ... to reach zero levels possibly by 2011 .....)

First we have Red Diesel. Now I hear from some that Red is available in 0.2% and 50ppm sulphur levels. That may be so, but is purely a decision of supplier and not required. Maximum sulphur by specs is 0.2%. My lab regularly finds that sulphur is averaging 0.1 - 0.18% ... well within spec.

Then we have amendments that are discussed, and should come in .... note the typical EU lack of "back-bone" ....

Now onto Road Diesel ... ULSD as its called. Here we have varying specs depending on climate, location etc. and please note that this is EU only.

Over next years .. the sulphur content is the one factor to change as EU pushes towards zero sulphur levels. Shortly the 35ppm level will be implemented, which in fact will not significantly change the ULSD at the pump as we find in the lab that often it is already near enough that mark ... but reduction further will be expensive as Refinerys are required to "clean" stock in production. It will also mean the refinery will have the job to dispose of the wastes ...

Note that many countries around the world still have 0.2 and higher diesels as road fuel ... in fact I have a countries spec on the desk in front of me now that states 0.5% Sulphur. That shipment will be satisfied as usual by 0.2% base stock.

I ask that extreme care be taken in interpretation of the above and that reference to expert advice be taken to interpret.

I submit it for information only and no responsibility can be accepted in any way.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

So now you know ..... care to buy me a pint for it ????? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[BurnitBlue]

Very Good. I wonder if you could answer a difficult question that has been puzzling me for years. Everywhere one looks there is fuel burning machinery, cars, trucks, chain saws etc.

It would appear to me that Oil Tankers would have to arrive at major ports every minute to keep up. So my question is whether a gallon of CRUDE oil actually gives more than a gallon of petrol/Diesel after its been de-compressed - so to speak.

To put it another way, what quantity of fuel does a gallen of CRUDE supply? Approximately.

Many thanks

 

[BurnitBlue]

Apologies sbc, didn't mean to burden you, with more research. I know its your line of work and I suppose you are very busy, so anytime you have time. Thanks

 

[Mudplugger]

If & when we get to the Baltic, will be delighted to buy you a pint! possibly even 2.......Thanks Nigel for info.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Very Good. I wonder if you could answer a difficult question that has been puzzling me for years. Everywhere one looks there is fuel burning machinery, cars, trucks, chain saws etc.

It would appear to me that Oil Tankers would have to arrive at major ports every minute to keep up. So my question is whether a gallon of CRUDE oil actually gives more than a gallon of petrol/Diesel after its been de-compressed - so to speak.

To put it another way, what quantity of fuel does a gallen of CRUDE supply? Approximately.

Many thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

You cannot bget out more than you put in !! In weight that is. Volume yes as there are various components in the extreem light ends that when fractionated out will expand .. but they are very limited in quantity.

Putting it simply ... Crude is introduced to a column that temp is increased ... the different products come of at different levels up the column ... fuel oils and heavy's near bottom, middle distilates such as light diesels at mid levels, naphthas, gasolines etc. at higher.
The amount of product produced is dependent on three factors : Type of crude used - there are hundreds of different crudes. Method of "cracking" ... vacuum, hydro, spiked etc. Blend of crude with other agents or crudes to alter distillate curve.

Sorry but the answer is impossible for me to answer - as each refinery is basically set up for a certain range of crudes ...

What I can tell you is that N. Sea Crude is a light to middle range crude (young) that lends well to lighter fractions. For heavier fractions you are normally looking to Heavy Arabian, Nigerian etc. or Mexican etc.