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Automotive gas oil (AGO) is a term primarily used in the United States to refer to gas oil that is mainly used as diesel fuel. It is equivalent to the UK term DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle).
Overview
- Definition: Automotive gas oil (AGO) is a type of diesel fuel designed for use in diesel engines. It is a refined petroleum product that powers vehicles such as trucks, buses, and cars with diesel engines.
- Composition: AGO consists mainly of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil through the refining process. It includes a mix of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, which contribute to its energy density and combustion properties.
Key Characteristics
- Energy Density: AGO has a high energy density, which provides the power needed to operate diesel engines efficiently.
- Combustion Properties: It has a specific cetane rating, which indicates the fuel’s ignition quality. Higher cetane ratings generally lead to smoother engine operation and better cold-start performance.
- Additives: Various additives may be included in AGO to enhance performance, such as anti-icing agents, detergents, and lubricants to protect the engine and improve fuel efficiency.
Applications
- Diesel Engines: AGO is used in vehicles with diesel engines, including commercial trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, and certain passenger vehicles.
- Industrial Uses: It is also used in stationary engines and machinery that require diesel fuel for operation.
Environmental Considerations
- Emissions: Diesel engines that use AGO produce exhaust emissions that include nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and particulate matter (PM). Regulations and technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filters (DPF), are implemented to reduce these emissions and minimize environmental impact.
- Bio-Diesel: There is a growing interest in bio-diesel as a more sustainable alternative to traditional AGO. Bio-diesel is made from renewable resources and can be used in diesel engines with minimal modifications.
Automotive gas oil (AGO) is a crucial component for powering diesel engines, with specific properties and additives tailored to enhance engine performance and efficiency.
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