High Flash High-Speed Diesel (HFHSD- IN 512)

WHY IN NEWS?

The Indian Navy in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has adopted a new fuel with higher technical specifications - High Flash High Speed Diesel (HFHSD – IN 512).

ABOUT HIGH FLASH HIGH-SPEED DIESEL (HFHSD- IN 512)

• Leveraging technology and improved refining techniques available with the country’s petroleum industry, the Indian Navy in collaboration with M/s IOCL carried out an extensive and thorough study and a comparative evaluation of existing international regulations (ISO, MARPOL, NATOetc).
• As an outcome, a revised technical specification was arrived at consisting of 22 test parameters including critical parameters cetane number, flash point, sulphur content, sediment content, oxidation stability and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP). The new specification will not only ensure a better quality fuel but also result in a reduced carbon footprint.
• Distinct improvements in fuel quality were observed. Given the positive results, the new fuel was therefore decided for pan Navy implementation.
• On 13 January 2020, the launch of the new fuel (High Flash High Speed Diesel) HFHSD – IN 512, with revised technical specifications was undertaken.
• With this, the country will be able to ensure interoperability amongst foreign navies during fleet exercises and provide fuel of quality better than that mandated to all foreign navies under bilateral/ multi-national logistics support pacts including LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement).
• Cetane number is a measurement of the quality or performance of diesel fuel.
• The higher the number, the better the fuel burns within the engine of a vehicle.
• The cetane number is similar to the octane rating in that it is a rating assigned to a fuel to rate the quality of its combustion.
• The difference is that octane rating rates gasoline whereas cetane rates diesel.

Prelims Question

Q. HFHSD – IN 512 which was recently in news is?
a)High speed diesel
b)Newly discovered planet
c)Newly discovered influenza Virus strain
d)Humanoid robot

Answer to the Prelims Question