Unveiling the Power Behind High-Pressure Cleaning: A Dive into Fuels

In the dynamic world of high-pressure cleaning equipment, the choice of fuel plays a pivotal role in determining efficiency and performance. Our line of pressure washers and heaters, designed for both business and consumer use, embraces a range of hydrocarbon fuels, each tailored to meet specific needs. In this article, we unravel the diverse world of hydrocarbon fuels, from traditional diesel to renewable alternatives, showcasing their unique attributes and applications.

The two main types of fuel: Petrol and Diesel

Petrol:

Petrol is a liquid fuel derived from crude oil. It is commonly used as a fuel in internal combustion engines, such as those in our NPC Honda Range of engine-driven pressure washers.

Advantages of Petrol:

1. Quick Ignition: Petrol engines have a faster ignition time compared to diesel engines, leading to quicker and easier starts and acceleration. [Source: Quora;]

2. High Energy Content (to Weight): Petrol has a higher energy content per kilogram compared to diesel, contributing to better fuel efficiency in certain applications. [Source: European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association; Energy Education; Quora;]

3. Lower Particulate Emissions: Petrol engines generally produce fewer particulate emissions than diesel engines, contributing to cleaner air quality. [Source: youmatter; theengineer;]

4. Less Noisy: Petrol engines tend to be quieter than diesel engines, providing a smoother and quieter driving experience. [Sources: Valvoline; Car Leasing Ltd.;]

5. Lighter Weight: Relatively speaking, petrol engines, with a similar power output, tend to be lighter than diesel engines. Moreover, petrol is lighter than diesel. (That said, in absolute terms, you must consult specifications for what a piece of equipment weighs.) [Sources: Howstuffworks; Valvoline;]

Disadvantages of Petrol:

1. Lower Fuel Efficiency: Petrol engines typically have lower fuel efficiency compared to diesel engines, especially in longer use/continuous, heavy-duty and high-torque applications. [Source: Byjus; Cazoo;]
2. Higher Carbon Emissions: Petrol engines generally emit more carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of energy produced compared to diesel engines.  [Source: youmatter; RAC;]
3. Limited Torque: Petrol engines usually have lower torque at lower RPMs compared to diesel engines, affecting their performance in certain heavy-duty applications. [Source: Quora; Rentar;]
4. Flammability: Petrol is more flammable than diesel, posing a higher risk of fire in the event of a leak or accident. [Source: Argonne National Laboratory;]

Diesel

Diesel is a type of fuel that is also derived from crude oil. It is heavier but has a higher energy density than petrol. Diesel fuel is commonly used in diesel engines, such as those found in our NPC WF Range of engine-driven pressure washers. Diesel engines ignite the fuel through compression, unlike petrol engines that use a spark plug for ignition.

Advantages of Diesel:

1. Better Fuel Efficiency: Diesel engines are known for their higher thermal efficiency, resulting in better fuel efficiency and longer driving ranges.[Source: Byjus; Cazoo;]
2. Higher Torque: Diesel engines produce higher torque at lower RPMs, making them well-suited for heavy-duty applications like trucks and industrial equipment. [Source: Quora; Rentar;]
3. Lower CO2 Emissions: Diesel engines typically emit less CO2 per unit of energy produced compared to petrol engines, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. [Source: youmatter; RAC;]
4. High Energy Content (to volume): Diesel has a higher energy content per litre compared to petrol, contributing to better fuel efficiency in certain applications. [Source: Quora;]

Disadvantages of Diesel:

1. Slower Ignition: Diesel engines have a longer ignition time compared to petrol engines, resulting in a slightly slower start and acceleration. [Source: Quora;]
2. Noise and Vibration: Diesel engines are generally noisier and produce more vibrations than petrol engines, affecting the driving experience. [Sources: Valvoline; Car Leasing Ltd.;]
3. Particulate Emissions: Diesel engines can produce higher levels of particulate matter, contributing to air pollution, although advancements in technology have led to cleaner diesel engines. [Source: youmatter; theengineer;]

The choice between petrol and diesel depends on factors such as the intended use, engine type, fuel efficiency requirements, and environmental considerations. Advances in technology continue to address some of the historical disadvantages associated with both fuel types. If you’re unsure what fuels your cleaning equipment can run on, get in touch via phone (01652) 659759, contact form (which links to our email) or facebook messenger.

Types of Diesel:

There are various types of diesel available, and it's essential to ensure compatibility with the equipment we offer. (Please verify the compatibility of any fuel before using it in your cleaning equipment!) For instance, regular diesel is suitable for all our diesel-powered equipment. However, some equipment performs exceptionally well, or even better, with alternative diesel forms like kerosene/heating oils and bio-diesel. While regulations are increasingly stringent regarding red diesel, it's worth noting that certain heating equipment, like the Airrex Heater Range, can still operate using it.

Regular Diesel

Regular diesel is the type of diesel you can get from the pump at the petrol station. It is, therefore, highly accessible. Most of the equipment that runs on diesel, will run on regular diesel.

Kerosene / Heating Oil: 

Kerosene is distilled from crude oil, burns hotter and holds more heat energy than many other types of diesel. This is advantageous in heating systems that are compatible with it as heat is the aim of the game!

Beyond greater heat output, Kerosene is also a good fuel option as it produces fewer emissions. It can often be cheaper (though like many fuels, this fluctuates) than other fuel types and is easier to light, with a lower flash point. 

The drawbacks of Kerosene include a contribution to carbon footprint/greenhouse gases, and it is also difficult to recycle.

[Sources: NWF Fuels; Rix; Crown Oil]

At Idro Power we use a form of heating oil for many of our heaters and pressure washers, when working on them in-house. If you’d like to know more, get in touch via phone (01652) 659759, contact form (which links to our email) or facebook messenger.

Bio/Renewable-Diesel:

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from sources like vegetable oil, animal fats, or waste cooking oil through a process called transesterification. It serves as a renewable and more environmentally friendly substitute for conventional or fossil diesel.

Using biodiesel has environmental benefits, primarily being 'carbon neutral'—it absorbs as much carbon during oil crop growth as it releases when burned. While there's some pollution in biodiesel production, it's rapidly biodegradable and non-toxic, reducing spillage risks. Biodiesel also has a higher flash point, making it safer in accidents. Overall, it's a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel.

[Source: University of Strathclyde]

Red Diesel:

Red diesel is a marked-dyed version of regular diesel fuel, easily recognisable by its red colour. It is intended for off-road use and carries a lower tax rate compared to regular diesel. Industries such as agriculture benefit from the reduced tax, but it is crucial to use red diesel only in approved circumstances, as its misuse for on-road purposes is illegal and can lead to penalties.

[Source: Crown Oil]

Considerations for Users

Selecting the right fuel for your pressure washer or heater is a crucial decision. Here are some considerations:

• Compatibility: Ensure the selected fuel aligns with the specifications of your equipment.
• Safety Measures: Adhere to safety guidelines when handling and storing hydrocarbon fuels.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about local regulations, especially when using specific fuel types such as red diesel.

Conclusion

In the world of high-pressure cleaning, the power behind the equipment lies in the diverse array of hydrocarbon fuels. Whether it's the reliability of diesel, the environmental consciousness of biodiesel, or the sustainability of renewable diesel, our range of pressure washers and heaters caters to a spectrum of needs. Empower your cleaning endeavours by choosing the right fuel, and let our equipment redefine the standards of efficiency and performance in your industry. 

If you have any questions regarding fuel for your cleaning equipment, get in touch via phone (01652) 659759, contact form (which links to our email) or facebook messenger.