Biozola Oil

D6 Diesel

D6 oil is a term commonly used in the oil trading and refining industry to refer to a specific grade of residual fuel oil , often categorized as a heavy fuel oil (HFO). It is part of the broader classification system for petroleum products, where different grades of oil are labeled with codes like D2, D6, etc., depending on their refining process, composition, and intended use.

Key Characteristics

Sulfur Content :

The sulfur content in EN590 diesel is limited to 10 mg/kg (ppm) or less. This ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is essential for reducing harmful emissions and ensuring the proper functioning of emission control devices such as catalytic converters and particulate filters.

Cetane Number :

The cetane number, which measures the ignition quality of diesel fuel, must be at least 51 . A higher cetane number improves combustion efficiency, reduces engine noise, and enhances cold-start performance.

Density :

The density of EN590 diesel is specified to be between 820 kg/m³ and 845 kg/m³ at 15°C. This ensures consistent fuel flow and injection performance.

Cold Weather Performance :

EN590 includes specifications for cold weather performance, measured by the Cloud Point and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) . These parameters ensure that the fuel remains fluid and can be pumped at low temperatures, preventing issues like fuel gelling in winter conditions.

Cloud Point : The temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in the fuel.

CFPP : The lowest temperature at which the fuel can still pass through a filter.

Lubricity :

Diesel fuel must have adequate lubricity to prevent excessive wear on fuel injection components. EN590 specifies a maximum wear scar diameter of 460 microns in the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) test.

FAME (Biodiesel) Content :

EN590 allows for the inclusion of up to 7% Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) , which are bio-components derived from renewable sources. This helps reduce the carbon footprint of diesel fuel while maintaining compatibility with existing engines.

Viscosity :

The kinematic viscosity of EN590 diesel is specified to be between 2.0 mm²/s and 4.5 mm²/s at 40°C. Proper viscosity ensures efficient fuel atomization and combustion.

Flash Point :

The minimum flash point for EN590 diesel is 55°C , ensuring safe handling and storage.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) :

The content of PAHs is limited to 8% by mass . PAHs are harmful compounds that can contribute to particulate emissions, so limiting them helps reduce environmental impact.

 

Environmental Benefits:

Reduced Emissions : The low sulfur content and high cetane number help reduce harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO).

Compatibility with Emission Control Systems : Modern diesel engines are equipped with advanced emission control technologies like DPFs and SCR systems, which require ultra-low sulfur diesel to function effectively.

 

Regional Variations:

While EN590 is primarily used in Europe, similar standards exist in other regions:

ASTM D975 in the United States

JIS K2204 in Japan

 

These standards may have slightly different specifications, but they all aim to ensure clean, efficient, and reliable diesel fuel for modern engines.

primary uses

1. Marine Bunkering (Shipping Industry)

  • Primary Use : D6 oil has historically been one of the most common fuels for large ships and vessels, especially cargo ships, tankers, and bulk carriers. It is referred to as bunker fuel in the shipping industry.
  • Why It’s Used :
    • It is inexpensive compared to lighter fuels like marine gasoil (MGO) or diesel.
    • Its high energy density makes it suitable for long-distance shipping.
  • Impact of IMO 2020 Regulations : The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented a global sulfur cap of 0.5% on marine fuels starting January 1, 2020. As a result, many ships have switched to low-sulfur alternatives or installed scrubbers to continue using high-sulfur D6 oil. However, D6 oil is still used in regions or sectors where compliance with IMO regulations is not strictly enforced.
 

2. Power Generation

  • Primary Use : D6 oil is widely used in power plants, particularly in developing countries or remote areas where cleaner fuels like natural gas or low-sulfur diesel are not readily available or affordable.
  • Why It’s Used :
    • It is a cost-effective option for generating electricity.
    • Power plants equipped with heavy fuel oil boilers can burn D6 oil efficiently.
  • Examples : Countries with limited access to natural gas or renewable energy sources often rely on D6 oil for electricity generation.
 

3. Industrial Heating

  • Primary Use : D6 oil is used in industrial furnaces, boilers, and kilns for heating purposes.
  • Industries That Use It :
    • Cement Production : The high temperatures required for cement manufacturing make D6 oil a viable fuel option.
    • Steel and Metal Processing : D6 oil is burned in furnaces to achieve the extreme heat needed for smelting and processing metals.
    • Chemical Manufacturing : Some chemical processes require high-temperature heating, which D6 oil can provide.
  • Why It’s Used :
    • It is cheaper than lighter fuels like diesel or natural gas.
    • Its high energy content makes it efficient for industrial-scale heating.
 

4. Backup Power for Large Facilities

  • Primary Use : D6 oil is sometimes used in backup generators for large industrial facilities, hospitals, or military installations.
  • Why It’s Used :
    • It is a reliable and cost-effective fuel for emergency power generation.
    • Backup generators designed for D6 oil are typically equipped with preheating systems to handle its high viscosity.
 

5. Blending and Refining

  • Primary Use : D6 oil is sometimes blended with lighter fuels or additives to create intermediate-grade fuels for specific applications.
  • Examples :
    • Blending with diesel or marine gasoil (MGO) to produce lower-viscosity fuels.
    • Adding desulfurization agents to reduce sulfur content for compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Refining : In some cases, D6 oil is further refined or processed to extract valuable components or reduce its sulfur content.
 

6. Remote or Off-Grid Applications

  • Primary Use : In remote or off-grid locations, D6 oil is used as a primary fuel source due to its availability and affordability.
  • Examples :
    • Remote mining operations.
    • Oil rigs and offshore platforms.
    • Isolated communities without access to natural gas or cleaner fuels.
 

7. Military and Defense

  • Primary Use : Some military applications, particularly in older or non-compliant equipment, may use D6 oil as a fuel source.
  • Examples :
    • Naval vessels in certain regions.
    • Backup generators at military bases.
  • Why It’s Used : D6 oil is often stockpiled for strategic purposes due to its long shelf life and energy density.