What is the Difference Between Kerosene and Diesel

The main difference between kerosene and diesel is that kerosene is a lighter fraction of crude oil compared to diesel.

Kerosene and diesel are versatile hydrocarbon fuels with various applications. During the refining process, known as fractional distillation, different hydrocarbons in crude oil are separated based on their boiling points. Kerosene, having a lower boiling point, is collected at an intermediate level in the distillation tower, while diesel, with a slightly higher boiling point, is collected in a lower section.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Kerosene
      – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Diesel
      – Definition, Features, Uses
3. Similarities Between Kerosene and Diesel
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Kerosene and Diesel
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Kerosene and Diesel
      – Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Kerosene, Diesel

What is Kerosene

Kerosene is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons). The carbon chain length of these hydrocarbons typically falls in the range of C₁₂ to C₁₅. It is characterized by its clear or slightly yellow appearance, with a relatively low viscosity. The chemical composition and properties of kerosene can vary depending on the source of crude oil and the refining process applied.

One of the key characteristics of kerosene is its boiling point range, which typically falls between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius. This range makes it a liquid at room temperature and allows it to vaporize readily when exposed to heat. Kerosene also has a higher flash point compared to gasoline, making it less volatile and safer to handle.

The production of kerosene involves the refining of crude oil through a process called fractional distillation. During fractional distillation, crude oil is heated, and the vaporized components are then condensed into different fractions based on their boiling points.

Kerosene is typically obtained from the mid-distillate fraction of the distillation process. This fraction consists of hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths that fall between those of lighter fractions like gasoline and heavier fractions like diesel and lubricating oils. Once separated, kerosene may undergo additional refining processes to meet specific quality standards or requirements.

Uses of Kerosine

Kerosene serves diverse purposes, with one prominent application being its use as jet fuel in aviation, known as Jet-A in the United States and Jet-A1 internationally. Meeting stringent specifications to ensure optimal combustion and performance in aircraft engines, kerosene’s high energy density and relatively low freezing point make it well-suited for this role. Additionally, historically employed for heating and lighting, kerosene lamps illuminated homes and businesses before widespread electricity availability. Even today, some regions continue to use kerosene for heat in portable heaters and stoves.

Furthermore, kerosene’s efficacy as a cleaning solvent, capable of dissolving greases and oils, has found applications in industrial settings for cleaning machinery, tools, and surfaces. Lastly, kerosene contributes to diesel blending, particularly in regions with low temperatures, where its addition enhances cold-weather properties by lowering the cloud point and improving diesel fuel flow characteristics. Despite its versatility, the use of kerosene as a solvent has diminished in certain areas due to environmental and health considerations.

What is Diesel

Diesel fuel primarily consists of hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The specific composition of diesel can vary based on factors such as the source of crude oil and the refining process. Diesel is characterized by its relatively high energy density, which refers to the amount of energy produced per unit of volume or mass. This high energy density is one of the reasons diesel is useful in applications where fuel efficiency is crucial.

The carbon chain length of diesel hydrocarbons typically falls within the range of C₁₀ to C₁₅, making it a heavier fraction than gasoline but lighter than heavier oils like lubricating oils. Diesel fuel is a liquid at room temperature and has a boiling point range of approximately 180 to 360 degrees Celsius.

The production of diesel involves fractional distillation. Diesel is obtained from the mid-distillate fraction, which contains hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths suitable for diesel fuel. After the initial distillation, the diesel fraction may undergo additional refining processes to meet specific quality standards. These processes may include hydrodesulfurization to reduce sulfur content, which is essential for meeting environmental regulations and improving combustion efficiency.

Uses of Diesel 

One of the primary applications of diesel is in the transportation sector. Diesel engines are commonly used in trucks, buses, trains, ships, and some cars. The fuel efficiency and torque characteristics of diesel engines make them well-suited for heavy-duty applications, such as long-haul trucking and freight transport. Diesel engines power a wide range of industrial machinery, including construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and generators. The robust and durable nature of diesel engines makes them suitable for demanding and remote operating conditions. Diesel generators are often used for backup or remote power generation. They provide a reliable source of electricity in situations where a stable electrical grid may not be available. Diesel fuel is also useful in marine engines for ships and boats. The efficiency and durability of diesel engines make them a popular choice for various marine vessels.

Similarities Between Kerosene and Diesel

• Both kerosene and diesel primarily contain hydrocarbons.
• Kerosene and diesel are both liquid fuels at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
• Production of both involves the refining of crude oil, a process known as fractional distillation.

Difference Between Kerosene and Diesel

Definition

Kerosene is a flammable hydrocarbon liquid derived from crude oil through a refining process, while diesel is a liquid fuel derived from crude oil, characterized by a higher boiling point than gasoline.

Boiling Points

While kerosene has a boiling point range typically between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius, diesel has a higher boiling point range, generally falling between 180 and 360 degrees Celsius.

Hydrocarbons

Kerosene contains hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths primarily in the range of C₁₂ to C₁₅, while diesel contains hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths typically in the range of C₁₀ to C₁₅.

Density

Kerosene is less dense than diesel.

Color

Kerosene is often colorless or has a slight yellow tint, whereas diesel fuel is typically a pale to dark yellow color.

FAQ: Kerosene and Diesel

Which is better, kerosene or diesel?

Kerosene is preferred for heating, lamps, and aviation, while diesel is more suitable for diesel engines in vehicles and industrial machinery.

Is kerosene lighter than diesel?

Yes, kerosene is lighter than diesel.

What is more toxic, kerosene or diesel?

Kerosene is more toxic than diesel because it contains higher levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, which can contribute to increased toxicity. 

Conclusion

During fractional distillation, different hydrocarbons in crude oil are separated based on their boiling points. Kerosene, having a lower boiling point, is collected at an intermediate level in the distillation tower, while diesel, with a slightly higher boiling point, is collected in a lower section. This is the main difference between kerosene and diesel. 

Reference:

1. “Kerosene.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
2. “Diesel Fuel.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Kerosene lamp 1930” By Svklimkin – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Red diesel tank” By Meena Kadri – Decorative Diesel(CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia