Mercedes Mullins
Diesel fuel is prone to solidifying in cold weather, which can cause vehicle engines to fail. This is because diesel contains paraffin, a waxy substance that crystallises at low temperatures, clogging fuel filters and injectors. This process is known as 'gelling' or 'waxing'. To prevent this, diesel fuel can be 'winterised' by blending it with lighter fuels or additives that reduce its cloud point—the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form. In North America, diesel fuel is typically available in two grades: No. 1 and No. 2. No. 1 fuel has a lower cloud point than No. 2, but it is more expensive and has a lower energy content. In colder regions, it is recommended to use a blend of the two, with the ratio of No. 1 to No. 2 varying according to the temperature. In Europe, diesel fuel must meet certain CFPP (Cold Filter Plugging Point) characteristics as governed by the EN 590 standard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cloud Point | The temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in the fuel, giving it a cloudy appearance |
| Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) | A standard test that indicates the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a standardised filtration device in a specified length of time when cooled under certain conditions |
| Low-Temperature Flow Test (LTFT) | Indicates the winter performance of diesel with improver additives |
| Pour Point | The temperature at which diesel fuel loses its fluid character and pumps stop operating |
| Additives | Used to prevent gelling and keep fuel-filters from plugging with ice and wax |
| Fuel Type | Winter diesel is typically a blend of No.1 and No.2 diesel, with the ratio varying depending on the climate |
| Battery | Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, so it is important to test and replace batteries if necessary |
| Coolant | Ensure coolant is suitable for sub-zero temperatures by checking its concentration and condition |
| Tire Pressure | Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, affecting traction and braking |
| Transition | Transition gradually from summer to winter diesel to avoid issues |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel's cloud point
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a flammable, translucent, waxy solid distilled from petroleum. At certain low temperatures, the paraffin in diesel fuel begins to change, and wax crystals start to form, giving the fuel a cloudy appearance. This temperature threshold is known as the "cloud point".
The cloud point is an important property of diesel fuel because the presence of solidified waxes can clog filters and negatively impact engine performance. The wax crystals can plug up filters, preventing the fuel from reaching the engine, which can cause engine damage and difficulty starting up. The cloud point of diesel fuel is typically reported at intervals of 1°C.
The cloud point varies depending on the type of diesel fuel and its paraffin content. For example, #2 diesel fuel has a cloud point range of -18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 to -7 degrees Celsius), while #1 diesel fuel can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). In extremely cold conditions, #1 diesel is recommended.
To prevent issues caused by low temperatures, it is important to transition from summer to winter diesel fuel. This can be done by blending #1 and #2 diesel fuels in varying ratios depending on the temperature. As temperatures drop, the ratio of #1 diesel should be increased, as it has a lower cloud point and is more suitable for cold weather. Additionally, additives can be used to lower the cloud point of diesel fuel and prevent the formation of wax crystals. These additives are particularly useful in regions with cold climates, where diesel fuel must meet certain standards for winter operability.
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Additives to prevent gelling
Diesel fuel is prone to gelling or waxing in cold weather, which refers to the solidification of diesel oil into a partially crystalline state. This solidification thickens the oil and clogs fuel filters and injectors in engines, causing the engine to stop running.
To prevent this, you can use high-quality cold-weather diesel additives, which can stop the wax from turning into crystals. These additives can lower the pour and gel points, allowing the engine to perform better at lower temperatures. Depending on your location, your fuel provider may have already added these additives to the fuel. In other places, you may need to purchase the additive and pour it into your tank. The amount of additive you should add depends on the temperature—the lower the temperature, the more additive you should use.
There are several products available on the market that can be used as additives to prevent gelling. Hot Shot’s Secret offers EDT+ Winter Defense and Diesel Winter Anti-Gel to reduce your fuel’s CFPP and prevent your fuel filters and lines from clogging. Power Service offers Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, which prevents fuel gelling and protects against fuel-filter icing. Diesel Winter Rescue is another product that can be used to solve gelling and icing issues by thawing frozen filters and reliquifying gelled diesel.
In addition to using additives, there are other ways to prevent gelling. For example, you can blend diesel fuel with lighter fuel, such as kerosene or gasoline, which has a lower gelling point. However, blending diesel fuel with lighter fuel can be more expensive. Another option is to insulate tanks, filters, and fuel lines to help maintain fuel temperature and prevent gelling.
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Cold filter plugging point (CFPP)
The CFPP is based on a standardised test that indicates the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a standardised filtration device in a specified length of time when cooled under certain conditions. The test method followed to measure the CFPP is specified in EN116 standards, which is considered the lowest temperature at which 20 ml of fuel can pass through a standard filtration mesh of 45-μm size in less than 60 seconds with 1.96 kPa of vacuum. The CFPP test is accepted worldwide because none of the low-temperature flow properties except CFPP predicts the performance of biodiesel and diesel in the fuel lines under cold weather conditions.
The CFPP is important in relation to the use of additives that allow the usage of winter diesel at temperatures below the cloud point. The tests according to EN 590 shows that a cloud point of +1 °C can have a CFPP −10 °C. Current additives allow a CFPP of −20 °C to be based on diesel fuel with a cloud point of −7 °C. The fluid characteristics of winter diesel are also extended, allowing a diesel type of CFPP −15 °C to be operated safely in −24 °C weather conditions.
In regions with a cold climate, the standard diesel fuel at fuel stations is required to meet certain CFPP characteristics. In Europe, this is governed by the EN 590 standard, which originally described the validation of low-sulphur diesel. For temperate climatic zones, the EN 590 standard defines six classes from A to F. In Central and Western Europe, winter diesel must meet Class F conditions at least from the beginning of December to the end of February.
The CFPP measurements provide the lowest temperature of fuels at which engine operational problems arise after prolonged exposure to lower ambient temperature conditions. Generally, fuels containing a high percentage of long-chain saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0), suffer from poor low-temperature flow properties because fuels with high CFPP clog up vehicle engines more easily.
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Low-temperature flow test (LTFT)
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterized diesel, is a type of diesel fuel that has been enhanced to prevent it from solidifying in cold weather conditions. This solidification is commonly referred to as "gelling" or "waxing". To ensure the fuel remains operational in colder months, it is treated with additives that alter its low-temperature characteristics.
The "Low-Temperature Flow Test" (LTFT), or ASTM D4539, is a standardised test that evaluates the winter performance of diesel fuel with additives. It indicates the rate at which diesel fuel with additives will flow through a standardised filtration device under specific conditions and temperatures. The LTFT is conducted at temperatures above the pour point, which is the temperature at which diesel loses its fluidity and pumps cease to operate.
The LTFT helps determine the minimum temperature at which diesel fuel with additives can be used without solidifying. This is particularly important for diesel engines in cold regions, as it ensures the fuel can flow freely and prevents blockages in the fuel system.
The test is performed using specialised equipment, such as the NewLab 226 LTFT analyser, which includes features such as programmable test temperatures, acoustic signal alarms, calibration and diagnostic menus, data export capabilities, and various sensors and compressors for precise temperature control.
By conducting the LTFT, operators can ensure that their diesel fuel will perform effectively during winter. This test is an essential tool for maintaining the functionality and operability of diesel engines in cold weather conditions.
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Summer vs winter diesel blends
Diesel fuel has different seasonal requirements for summer and winter. There are two grades of diesel, known as winter grade diesel and summer grade diesel.
Summer-blend diesel has a higher viscosity and is therefore less resistant to gelling in cold temperatures. It is optimised for summer use and offers a slight boost in fuel economy. Summer-blend diesel is available from 15 March to 14 November.
Winter-blend diesel, on the other hand, has a lower viscosity and greater resistance to gelling in low temperatures. It is formulated with an additive that prevents wax crystals from forming at low temperatures. This makes it better suited for use in the winter months. Winter-blend diesel is available from 15 November to 15 March.
It is important to be aware of the diesel grade in your tank, especially during seasonal transitions. While winter-blend diesel can be used all year round, it is not cost-effective to do so as it is more expensive and less energy-efficient. Mixing summer and winter-grade fuels will also not provide the best of both blends, as the cold resistance of the winter fuel will be compromised.
In regions with cold climates, standard diesel fuel is required to meet certain Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) characteristics. This is a standardised test that indicates the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a standardised filtration device when cooled under certain conditions. The CFPP is based on a progressive cool-down procedure, specific pumping conditions, and a filter mesh size of 45 microns.
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Frequently asked questions
Winter diesel fuel is a blend of grade No.1 and grade No.2 fuel. It is enhanced with additives to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions.
Diesel gelling occurs when the fuel solidifies into a partially crystalline state. This is caused by the formation of wax crystals at low temperatures. Gelled fuel cannot flow through the fuel system and clogs fuel filters and injectors.
In regions with cold climates, gas stations typically offer winter-grade diesel fuel during the colder months. This fuel is enhanced with additives to prevent gelling. You can also purchase additives separately and add them to your fuel tank before refueling.
