Farm tractors, irrigation pumps, and combines play an essential role in today’s quality of life and national economy, and America’s mining sector depends heavily on diesel-powered vehicles to harness the earth’s natural resources, such as iron, oil, coal, iron, and precious metals.
With diesel-powered engines providing two-thirds of machine energy for America’s farms and major transportation systems, clean diesel has become the standard for new technology in these industries.
This new generation of diesel engines offers companies in the farming, transportation, mining, and constructions industries the following benefits:
- Ultra-low, cleaner sulfur diesel fuel
- Combustion improvement
- Advanced engine controls
- Emissions control technology
From digging foundations to lifting steel beams, diesel engines even offer a green solution to performing heavy-duty construction work.
Companies that are looking for diesel-powered vehicles to get the job done efficiently and cost-effectively need to take into consideration the environmental impact, fuel efficiency, and governmental regulations of clean diesel engines.
How Diesel Engines Work
Diesel-powered engines work differently from their gasoline counterparts, with the distinction lying in the ignition type. While gasoline-powered engines function on spark ignitions, diesel engines utilize compression-ignition systems.
Diesel engines draw the air into the engine and subject the fuel to high compression, resulting in a higher temperature that ignites the fuel.
Because diesel engines infuse the air and fuel at different stages, the fuel and air mixture limits diesel fuel compression to provide overall fuel efficiency.
Benefits of Green Diesel Fuel
From petroleum-based to biodiesel fuel engines, most farming and transportation companies have turned to a greener form of fuel economy.
These fuels create a balanced energy policy that benefits customers and companies across the nation, providing diesel engine longevity and cleanliness.
Not only do diesel engines offer a greener form of fuel efficiency to companies, but these engines also provide numerous environmental benefits.
1. Ease of Use
Green diesel fuels work in existing diesel engines, allowing the fuel to be pumped, burned, and stored safely without have a negative effect on the environment. Biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel fuels can be used together or separately in any portion, making it a cost-effective alternative to gasoline-powered engines.
2. Fuel Economy Efficiency
Diesel engines rely on diesel fuel to lubricate the components, ensuring optimal performance levels. Green diesel fuel offers high lubricity levels for the fuel injection system, resulting in an increased performance and minimal injection system failure. The introduction of low and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has extended the life of the fuel injection system and fuel lubricity.
3. Greenhouse Gas and Emission Reduction
Green diesel fuel successfully follows the Clean Air Act by the EPA, reducing carcinogenic compound emissions by up to 85 percent.
These engines offer a welcoming relief in environments where pedestrians and workers function in close proximity to these engines, including farming, public transportation, construction, and mining.
With the advent of diesel engines that are equipped with particulate filters, catalytic converters, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), clean diesel technology offers incredible fuel efficiency and low emission levels.
A study performed by the EPA(pdf) shows the true impact of clean diesel fuel on regulated and non-regulated emissions:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) – 80 percent reduction
- Carbon Monoxide – 48 percent reduction
- Particular Matter – 47 percent reduction
- Sulfates – 100 percent reduction
- Unburned Hydrocarbons – 67 percent reduction
The ultimate goal of diesel-powered companies is to build a stronger, self-sufficient community that benefits the local economy.
From farmers growing their feedstock to major transportation systems carrying passengers, diesel fuel allows the money to remain in the community while maintaining a greener impact on local environments and increasing overall energy security.
According to a 2012 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), farming and rail transportation industries employ approximately 21 percent of certified diesel mechanics.
Individuals who wish to become certified diesel mechanics and work on clean diesel fuel engines for the farming community or major transportation industry need to obtain the proper certifications through an accredited college before applying for available positions.