Definition
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil or historically heavy oil, is any liquid fuel used in a diesel engine. Diesel engines ignite the fuel through compression of the inlet air followed by fuel injection. This process requires diesel fuel to have good compression ignition characteristics.
Origin
Diesel fuel is petroleum-based fuel used in diesel engines. It was invented by Rudolf Diesel in 1892. Diesel initially believed that his engine would work with any fuel in any state of matter.
Sources
Diesel fuel is a refined petroleum product commonly used in motor vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel fuel can also be refined from biomass materials.
Kinds of diesel
1) Petroleum Diesel - The most common type of diesel fuel, derived from crude oil through a refining process.
2) Biodiesel - An ecologically-friendly alternative made from natural, renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats.
3) Synthetic Diesel - Derived from wood, straw, corn, or even discarded foods.