2007-01-10 20:40:16 · 11 answers · asked by Sherren S 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It is not just a simple red dye, it also stains permantly all the fuel system which can then be made visible with UV light.
One you have put even a drop in your tank it can be detected years down the line with the right equipment.
It has been known for vehicals to be confiscated for using red dev even if the pressent owner has not used it, simpley becuse the pevious owner has and the evidce is still there.
It is possible to remove this dye as was recently shown on the BBC news that in Ireland a small illega set-up was doing so, but it requires many types of acids in vloumes greater than the amout of diesel you are trying to process.
2007-01-10 22:35:13 · answer #1 · answered by jimauk 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there is such a thing a Red Diesel that is used for agricultural and industrial purposes. It's got a colouring in it that makes it red (or pinkish I suppose...) The tax paid on Red Diesel is different from normal diesel I believe that is what it's all in aid of. You can use in it any normal diesel engine but is Very Naughty!
2007-01-11 04:45:31 · answer #2 · answered by Andy M Thompson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is pink as there has been no fuel duty paid on it and so it is illegal to use on the road. A simple dye gives the colour. I've been told that if the diesel is put in a clear container and left in sunlight the dye fades away.
2007-01-11 04:45:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is a dye but also a colourless marker which is detectable with a simple road side test.
The penalty in the UK for using ' red diesel ' is confiscation of vehicle and prison. HM Customs and Excise take a very dim view of illegal use. So don't even think about it!
2007-01-12 12:26:10 · answer #4 · answered by Rob M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Various types of fuels are dyed for identification; agricultural diesel isn't taxed, so it has a different color added than "regular" diesel that you can buy at the pump.
2007-01-11 04:48:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's little or no tax on it and the dye is put in as a tell tale sign. The customs and excise regularly go round building sites and "ask" to test cars and vans. If they find anyone with red diesel in their cars they're prosecuted.
2007-01-11 06:07:04 · answer #6 · answered by GenetteS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is called "Red" or "agricultural" diesel.
There is hardly any tax on it but it can only be used by farmers, builders etc. for agricultural purposes, not for personal use. It is dyed so people cannot use it without being caught.
You can probably buy some at your local garage, It is not available on the pumps, you buy it in tanks.
2007-01-11 11:17:52 · answer #7 · answered by RiVaL 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is pink! it is dyed this colour. ( not sure what they use, its probably a secret) they dye it because agricultural diesel is not taxed and therfore they dye it to identify it from the road vehicle diesel.
2007-01-11 08:23:33 · answer #8 · answered by JAMIE C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is called red diesel, they dye it
it isn't taxed as much as regular diesel so it needs to be different
2007-01-11 04:44:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is dyed so you can distinguish it from other fuels. The goverment doesn't tax Ag diesel so they color it so it can be distinguished at the pump.
2007-01-11 04:49:35 · answer #10 · answered by Olivia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋