Technical Assessment of Diesel Obtained from Modular Refinery for Use in Industries and Transportation

Abstract

The growing use of modular refinery systems in Nigeria calls for a comprehensive analysis of the quality and performance properties of the petroleum products generated in such refineries. In this research, the technical analysis of diesel fuel produced from one of the modular refineries in Nigeria was done in order to determine its applicability in industries and transport vehicles. The collected diesel samples were tested by the standard ASTM test methods. The following physicochemical properties were determined: water content (ASTM D95); density (ASTM D1298); flash point (ASTM D93); kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445); sulfur content (ASTM D1266); and atmospheric distillation characteristics (ASTM D86). The analyses were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions and the measurements were repeated in duplicate for increased accuracy and consistency. The test results were then compared against the Nigerian regulatory standards and a number of international diesel fuel standards. It was found that the diesel sample exhibited desirable quality features, with no water content, density of 0.869 g/cm³, flash point of 73°C, kinematic viscosity of 5.05 mm²/s, and sulfur content of 0.1661 wt%. The atmospheric distillation analysis showed an initial boiling point of 180°C and a final boiling point of 380°C, which is below the Nigerian maximum limit of 385°C. Most of the properties under consideration complied with the Nigerian fuel quality standards, thus indicating good combustion, storage safety, lubricating performance, and environmental acceptability.