Improving Winter Diesel Fuel Operability
Cold weather can cause significant downtime because of fuel and filter issues, which can be costly for your operation. Implementing a fuel quality management program, choosing the right filter, and using a quality cold flow improver can help you avoid these problems.
Storage Tank Management
• Diesel fuel and biodiesel blends contain water and wax in suspension. As temperatures drop, these separate from the fuel, settle at the bottom of the tank, and can restrict fuel flow through filters. We recommend performing regular checks for free water.
• Be proactive by regularly removing water from the bottom of the storage tank and changing filters before they clog. A partially clogged filter is more likely to plug than a new one. We recommend microglass media filters. They have an improved flow rate with colder high viscosity fuels compared to other media types with the same micron rating.
Using Cold Flow Improvers
Use a quality cold flow improver with the following components:
• Deicer Component: Lowers the freezing point of water in the fuel, protecting fuel lines and filters from freezing, especially when equipment is idle overnight.
• Wax Modifier Component: Prevents wax crystals from clumping together and becoming large enough to block filters and restrict fuel flow.
• Wax Anti-Settling Agent: Keeps wax particles dispersed and suspended, preventing them from settling at the bottom of the tank.
Winter Express and Cetane Express +CFI are engineered with the above components. They provide comprehensive protection against cold weather issues. Both products are proven to lower the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of traditional diesel fuels by 310°F on average and keep wax suspended for five days or more.
Optimal Use of Cold Flow Improvers
• Timing is critical. Mix cold flow improvers with fuel before temperatures drop. They work by reacting with wax crystals as they form, so additives should be mixed into the fuel at 10-15°F above the cloud point. Start incorporating them when ambient temperatures approach 32°F.
• Avoid over-treatment or mixing of multiple chemicals for cold flow improvement. More is not always better and can often lead to increased issues. Follow treatment recommendations closely and check if the fuel you receive is pre-treated for cold weather. Discuss the condition of fuel tanks and the types of additives delivered with your supplier before adding anything else.
Rescue Treatments
• In case of fuel gelling or plugged filters, use rescue treatments to “re-liquefy” fuels. Red Alert is our emergency use rescue product. While effective, long-term use of these types of additives is not recommended as it can lead to long term internal engine and fuel injector issues.
• For more information on ensuring better cold temperature operation of your equipment, contact your local Energy Account Manager.
