MOQ | 30 MT |
Port | ROTTERDAM , RUSSIA |
Packaging | METRIC TONS |
D2 is a refinery abbreviation for Gasoil. It is the second
distillate from the crude, and can be used without reformers and
additives. So, the first engines used D2 as fuel – before petrol
cars as we know them today was invented. That is because the
engine invented by a German called Diesel, requires no spark
plugs. The diesel engine will ignite and combust when the
pressure increases so that the heated “plug” makes it explode.
Here we get the name “Diesel” – since the same principles are
used in diesel engines today. However, automotive diesel that you
fill has additives that the refinery will add to make the engine
more efficient and also easier to start in the winter. If you
read the small print, you will see that diesel changes “flash
point” in the winter. It also has additives to absorb water that
condense as you have it in your car (same as petrol) – but since
the diesel is injected right into the cylinder, the ice will
destroy the nozzles long before the engine. If you use summer
diesel in the winter, you will get better mileage, but your fuel
pipes may freeze and can also burst, and the wax makes the diesel
flow thicker.
The principal differentiators in GASOIL or D2 is the content of
sulphur. Just 10 years ago, the US EPA introduced a limit of 4%
sulphur in the GASOIL, whereas Europe and the rest of the world
followed later. As in most other cases, when you first have to
remove the sulphur, it was soon discovered ways of doing this
more efficiently. Then it was discovered that the sulphur, as
sulphuric acid, could be traded with a good profit – which now is
the motivator for extracting as much as
possible.
So “Low sulphur Gasoil” is no longer 4 percent – but below 0.2
percent. Then we have a new, “Ultra Low Sulphur” at 0.02% at the
most, and the limit here is (a) that mass spectographs requires
extensive calibration to measure below 1000ppm, and (b) sulphur
has a way to form clogs – the molecules binds to free hydrogen
molecules and form a cluster of molecules that will break if
“cracked” by the refinery, but as explained above, D2 is a
distillate and has not been “cracked”. So – take a pint of ULSG,
you may have the misfortune of having 0.1 percent sulphur – but
the average for a barrel will be less then 0.02 – its just you
managed to get a cluster of molecules.
The International Standardisation Organisation – ISO has a
standard for D2 that most oil companies use as their
reference.
However, in the US, it is ANSI that has defined the US national
standard for D2, according to proposals from the ASTM, API and
EPA.
In Europe, similar national variants exists, e.g. in Germany set
by DIN, and in Russia by GOST.
The GOST variant for D2/Gasoil is GOST 305-82 and specifies now a
sulphur content of 0.02 MAX which is according to the ISO
standard. However, the ANSI standard will call this “Ultra Low
Sulphur”, and retain 0,2% (2000ppm) as the “Low sulphur. The
reduction of sulphur in the Gasoil used for heating has
contributed to less pollution in many cities.
Automotive diesel has national variants – but the usual variants
traded is EN590 and EN560 which are specified by ISO in Paris.
These qualities may be sold in the US, and be compliant with EPA
regulations in the US. Because of the way Diesel invented his
engine, the engine is very flexible and adjust to the small
differences. Automotive diesel is now tested in planes with great
success, where you get greater mileage per weight unit of fuel –
as much as 40% increase. In these days, when no stone remains
unturned to reduce emissions, one outcome may be that planes will
fly on Gasoil and not kerosene. The problem is condensate / ice
particles and wax that may cause the jet engine (which is a
turbine) to be completely destroyed. A preliminary solution is to
heat the gasoil before injection, and pass it through a
electrostatic filter. Come up with a simpler solution, and you
can become a millionaire.