Yellow, brown, greenish… In fact, these differences depend on the oil companies’ own production methods and the additives they use. At this point, the following question may come to mind for those who do not know; Is this additive harmful?
Oil companies use these additives to increase the performance of gasoline and protect the engine, and their harm depends entirely on their use, purpose and composition. It is subject to strict regulations and when used correctly, its harms are minimized. We can say that it has more benefits than harm.
Gasoline is a mixture of various hydrocarbons, and the type and ratio of these hydrocarbons are the main factors affecting the color and odor of gasoline.
It can take on different colors depending on the source and components of the crude oil from which it is refined. It usually ranges from slightly yellow to colorless or light colours.
In addition, the color of the gasoline may change when some additives are added to the gasoline. For example, if these substances are red or green in color, they can cause color changes in gasoline when added to gasoline.
Some gasolines have a more intense and pungent odor, while others have almost no odour.
The reason for this pungent odor is the volatile organic compounds in gasoline. These components, when combined with additives and other components added to improve the performance of gasoline, cause an intense odor. For this reason, some countries have mandated the use of odorless gasoline.
Although it provides better environmental performance, its production is quite demanding.
It is usually produced in oil refineries with a higher process and at the same time special additives are added. These additives are used to provide less emissions and better performance during combustion.
In addition, odorless gasoline is characterized by a lower vapor pressure and higher octane number.
Besides additives, chemicals, and even the refinery’s production process, the weather also influences the smell and color of gasoline. How Does? Weather conditions, especially temperature and humidity levels, can affect the rate of evaporation of the volatile components in gasoline, which causes the odor of gasoline to differ.
In hot and humid weather, the volatile components in gasoline evaporate faster, resulting in a more intense odour. In cold, dry weather, the volatile components evaporate more slowly, resulting in a lighter odour.
As a result, many factors are effective in gasoline colors and odors, and it is quite natural for them to differ. This makes our petrol experience both colorful and fragrant. So maybe we, who just sit by the gas pump and contemplate its smell, are actually witnessing the surprising play of chemical components and other factors.
21676
