Fuels Densities Specific Volumes
Reference data and engineering information about fuels densities specific volumes for thermodynamics applications.
Overview
Engineering reference data for Fuels Densities Specific Volumes in thermodynamics.
Key Formulas
First Law
Energy is conserved — heat added minus work done.
Ideal Gas Law
Relates pressure, volume, and temperature of an ideal gas.
Heat Transfer
Sensible heat transfer.
Carnot Efficiency
Maximum efficiency between two temperatures.
Variables
| Symbol | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Internal energy | J | |
| Heat | J | |
| Work | J | |
| Pressure | Pa | |
| Volume | m³ | |
| Temperature | K |
Fuel Data
Fuel | Density@15°C (ρ)(kg/m³) | Density@15°C (ρ)(lb/ft³) | Specific Volume (v)(m³/1000 kg) | Specific Volume (v)(ft³/ton) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthracite | 720 - 850 | 45 - 53 | 1.2 - 1.4 | 42 - 50 |
| Bituminous coal | 690 - 800 | 43 - 50 | 1.2 - 1.5 | 45 - 52 |
| Butane (gas) | 2.5 | 0.16 | 400 | 14100 |
| Charcoal, hard wood | 149 | 9.3 | 6.7 | 240 |
| Charcoal, soft wood | 216 | 13.5 | 4.6 | 165 |
| Coke | 375 - 500 | 23.5 - 31 | 2.0 - 2.7 | 72 - 95 |
| Diesel 1D¹ | 875 | 54.6 | 1.14 | 40.4 |
| Diesel 2D¹ | 849 | 53 | 1.18 | 41.6 |
| Diesel 4D¹ | 959 | 59.9 | 1.04 | 36.8 |
| EN 590 Diesel² | 820-845 | 51-53 | 1.18-1.22 | 42-43 |
| Gas oil | 825-900 | 51-56 | 1.1-1.2 | 36-43 |
| Gasoline | 715-780 | 45-49 | 1.3-1.4 | 45-49 |
| Fuel Oil No.1³ | 750-850 | 47-53 | 1.2-1.3 | 42-47 |
| Fuel Oil No.2³ | 810-940 | 51-59 | 1.1-1.2 | 38-44 |
| Heavy fuel oil | 800-1010 | 50-63 | 1.0-1.3 | 35-44 |
| Kerosene | 775-840 | 48-52 | 1.2-1.3 | 42-46 |
| Natural gas (gas) | 0.7 - 0.9 | 0.04-0.06 | 1110-1430 | 39200-50400 |
| Peat | 310 - 400 | 19.5 - 25 | 2.5 - 3.2 | 90 - 115 |
| Propane (gas) | 1.7 | 0.11 | 590 | 20800 |
| Wood | 360 - 385 | 22.5 - 24 | 2.5 - 2.8 | 90 - 100 |
Source: engineeringtoolbox.com
Notes on Fuel Classification
Diesel Grades (US)
The United States classifies diesel fuels into three primary grades based on viscosity and boiling point ranges:
- 1D: Lower viscosity. Preferred for cold weather operation.
- 2D: Used in warmer weather, sometimes blended with 1D for winter performance.
- 4D: Higher viscosity, typically used in low-speed engines.
Historically, the fuel grade number was displayed on pumps, but this practice is less common today.
EN 590 Diesel
This refers to the European diesel fuel standard (2005), which defines specifications for automotive diesel.
Fuel Oils
Fuel oil is a broad category with numerous classes and varying specifications across different markets. The density ranges provided represent general variations; specific commercial products may fall outside these ranges.