Source: Exxon What is diesel fuel?Diesel fuel is principally a blend of petroleum-derived compounds called middle distillates (heavier than gasoline but lighter than lube oil) and may or may not contain additional additives. Other middle distillates include kerosene and No. 2 Heating Oil. Diesel fuel is designed to operate in a diesel engine where it is injected into the compressed, high-temperature air in the combustion chamber and ignites spontaneously. This differs from gasoline, which is ign ...

Diesel engine failures are increasingly becoming a problem in South Africa, also in the agricultural sector. Combustion related piston failure is the most common cause of this phenomenon. The problem can be traced directly to diesel quality, with lubricity and contamination of the diesel being the major factors responsible. At a recent Seminar held at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Engineering and organized by CONMESA (Construction and Mining Supplier’s Association), Prof At ...