Properties of Light Diesel Oil
by Tammie Painter
Light diesel oil, or LDO, is a blend of components from the distillation process of diesel. It is used in engines with an rpm less than 750, such as boilers and furnaces. LDO is also referred to as distillate fuel or marked oil since it is marked with a coloring substance. A number of properties must meet standard requirements for a fuel to be classified as light diesel oil.
Water Content, Flash Point and Viscosity
The water content of LDO must not exceed 0.25 percent of volume. The flash point (the lowest temperature of ignition) is 66 degrees Celsius. The viscosity of LDO at 40 degrees Celsius must be a minimum of 2.5 centistrokes and a maximum of 15.7 centistrokes.
Sulfur, Sediment, Carbon Residue and Ash Content
LDO is required to have a sulphur content of less than 1.8 percent by weight. Sediment levels must be below 0.1 percent by weight. Ash content must be less than 0.02 percent by weight. LDO must contain less than 1.5 percent carbon residue.
Cetane Number
The cetane number of LDO is 45. This measure of combustion quality can be up to 100 but most premium diesels are around 60. A higher cetane number means the fuel is of higher quality.
Pour Point
The pour point is the lowest temperature that the fuel will flow. This quality is important for continued performance in the cold. The pour point for LDO is 12 degrees Celsius from November to February and 21 degrees Celsius for the rest of the year.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Portland, Ore., Tammie Painter has been writing garden, fitness, science and travel articles since 2008. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as "Herb Companion" and "Northwest Travel" and she is the author of six books. Painter earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Portland State University.
