Which burns cleaner diesel or kerosene?

As an expert in the field of energy and combustion, I can provide a detailed comparison between diesel and kerosene to determine which burns cleaner. It's important to note that "cleaner" can be interpreted in different ways, such as less particulate matter, fewer harmful emissions, or a more efficient combustion process. Let's dive into the characteristics of each fuel and how they relate to combustion and environmental impact.

Diesel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that are derived from crude oil. It is widely used in diesel engines, which are known for their efficiency and power. Diesel fuel has a higher energy density compared to kerosene, which means it contains more energy per unit of volume. This higher energy content allows diesel engines to produce more power and torque. However, diesel engines have been historically associated with higher emissions of particulate matter (soot) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to air pollution and health problems.

Kerosene, on the other hand, is also a hydrocarbon mixture but is typically used for jet engines, heating, and sometimes in diesel engines in areas where diesel fuel is not readily available. Kerosene has a lower energy density than diesel, which some might interpret as meaning it burns at a cooler temperature. However, the temperature at which a fuel burns is not solely determined by its energy density; it also depends on the combustion process and the presence of oxygen.

The cleanliness of a fuel's combustion can be evaluated by looking at several factors:


1. Emission of Pollutants: Diesel engines can produce more particulate matter and NOx, which are harmful pollutants. Kerosene, while still producing some emissions, may have a lower potential for these specific pollutants due to its different combustion characteristics.


2. Efficiency: Diesel engines are generally more efficient than kerosene-fueled engines, which can translate to less fuel being used for the same amount of work, and thus potentially fewer emissions per unit of work done.


3. Combustion Completeness: Complete combustion is desirable as it produces fewer pollutants. Diesel fuel, with its higher energy density, can potentially lead to more complete combustion if the engine is well-maintained and optimized.


4. Sulfur Content: Traditionally, diesel has had higher sulfur content, which can lead to sulfur dioxide emissions during combustion. Modern diesel fuels have significantly reduced sulfur levels, but this is still a factor to consider.


5. Alternative Additives: Some diesel fuels are treated with additives to reduce emissions, while kerosene may not have the same level of treatment, depending on its intended use.


6. Engine Design: The design of the engine itself plays a significant role in how clean the fuel burns. Modern diesel engines are equipped with advanced technologies to reduce emissions, such as particulate filters and NOx reduction systems.

In conclusion, while kerosene may have a lower energy density and potentially produce less particulate matter, the overall cleanliness of the combustion process depends on a variety of factors, including the specific engine design, the condition of the engine, and the treatment of the fuel itself. It's not as simple as saying one fuel is universally cleaner than the other without considering these variables.

Now, let's move on to the translation of the above explanation into Chinese.

Some people will cite kerosene as a hotter-burning fuel than #2 diesel, with subsequent concerns about burning out rings. Others cite the fact that kerosene has less energy value, and so would not burn at a hotter temperature. It is absolutely true that kerosene contains less total energy than #2.Sep 28, 2015