Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is a mixture of diesel and kerosene, which comes in two blends: summer and winter. Summer blend diesel is non-treated diesel, while winter blend diesel is treated with kerosene to lower its gelling point. In Utah, where temperatures can drop to as low as −30 degrees Fahrenheit, it is essential to ensure that diesel fuel is winterized to prevent it from turning into a gel-like substance that can clog fuel systems, fuel lines, and fuel filters. This process of winterizing diesel fuel is known as diesel winterization and is a priority for vehicle owners in colder regions of the United States, such as Utah, to ensure their vehicles remain operational during the cold season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel winterization in Utah | Yes, diesel fuel is winterized in Utah. |
| Why winterize diesel? | To prevent the fuel from turning into a gel-like substance that cannot flow through the fuel system. |
| Diesel blends | Summer and winter. Summer blend diesel is non-treated diesel, while winter blend diesel is a mixture of No. 2 ULSD and No. 1 diesel/kerosene, which lowers the gel point. |
| Gelling temperature | The gelling temperature of diesel depends on the specific mixture. Some areas may winterize down to -20F. |
| Preventing gelling | Use insulated fuel tank blankets, add winter fuel additives, or use a block heater. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel comes in two blends: summer and winter
Diesel fuel generally comes in two blends or grades: summer and winter. Both blends have unique properties that make them suitable for use in varying applications. However, they differ in how they perform in extremely low temperatures.
Summer diesel has a higher viscosity and a lower resistance to cold temperatures, with a cloud point of -4°C. This blend is suitable for use in warmer months. As the temperature drops, summer diesel starts to thicken and gel, which can cause engine failure if left unchecked.
Winter diesel, on the other hand, has a lower viscosity and is better able to resist gelling in low temperatures (-12°C CFPP min). This blend is designed to prevent wax crystals from forming at low temperatures, ensuring smoother engine performance during the cold winter months.
It is important to switch to winter diesel when the temperature drops below -7°C to avoid engine issues. Additionally, using the correct lubricants and greases is crucial, especially during winter, to minimise the risk of high friction and corrosion in engines and machinery.
While winter diesel can be used year-round, it is not cost-effective to do so due to the lower yield of winter-grade diesel during the refining process. Therefore, it is recommended to switch between the two blends depending on the season to optimise performance and cost-efficiency.
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At certain temperatures, diesel turns into a gel
Diesel fuel is a mixture that contains paraffin wax. When temperatures drop, the wax in diesel fuel crystallizes and thickens, causing the fuel to gel. This typically occurs when temperatures fall below 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or -12 degrees Celsius. The gelling process begins at what is known as the cloud point, which gives the fuel a cloudy appearance. As the temperature continues to drop, the fuel will reach the pour point, where it thickens and can no longer flow properly. Finally, when the fuel has completely solidified and no longer flows, it has reached the gel point, usually around 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rate of gelling and the temperature at which it occurs depend on the fuel source and quality. For example, biodiesel fuel tends to gel at higher temperatures compared to traditional diesel. Gelling can occur while the engine is on or off, as the fuel tank is often distant from the engine, and the engine's warmth may not reach it.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, there are several measures that can be taken:
- Use a winter fuel additive or anti-gel in your diesel fuel tank. Anti-gel treatments alter the temperature at which gelling occurs, requiring much colder temperatures for gelling to take effect.
- Store your vehicle or engine in a heated area during the winter months. Gelling typically occurs when a fuel tank has been sitting dormant for some time, so storing it in a heated garage or warehouse can prevent gelling.
- Use kerosene, which dilutes the paraffin wax, lowering the temperature at which the diesel fuel gels.
- Maintain a full or half-full fuel tank to reduce the risk of water or condensation collecting and causing diesel fuel to gel.
- Check with your local gas station to see if they offer winterized diesel, which has a lower gelling temperature.
- Use an engine block heater to keep the engine warm even when the vehicle is not in use.
Gelled diesel can cause significant issues for engines, impacting their operations and even preventing them from starting. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid gelling during the winter months.
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Biodiesel gels at a higher temperature than petrodiesel
In the northern parts of the United States and other cold regions, biodiesel users often face challenges due to the fuel's unfavourable cold flow properties. Biodiesel tends to gel or freeze at higher temperatures compared to conventional diesel or petrodiesel. This occurs when the temperature drops, and the paraffin wax in the diesel starts to precipitate, causing the fuel to thicken and gel up. The gel point, also known as the pour point, is the temperature at which the wax precipitates so much that the fuel can no longer flow.
The specific gel point of biodiesel depends on the type of oil or fat used in its production. For example, biodiesel derived from canola oil has a lower gel temperature than other types. Additionally, the cloud point, cold filter plugging point, and pour point are important factors in understanding the cold-weather characteristics of diesel fuel. The cloud point is the temperature at which small solid crystals form as the fuel cools, while the cold filter plugging point is the temperature at which the fuel filter becomes plugged due to crystallised or gelled fuel components.
The differences in gel points between biodiesel and petrodiesel can be significant. For instance, the cloud point of soybean biodiesel is approximately 34°F (1°C), while for No. 1 diesel, it is around -40°F (-40°C). This means that biodiesel is more likely to gel at higher temperatures, which can be a concern for users in cold regions. To address this issue, cold-flow improvers can be added to biodiesel to enhance its cold-weather performance by reducing its tendency to gel.
The variability in gel points between biodiesel and petrodiesel is also influenced by the way cloud points and pour points are reported. The cloud point is reported in intervals of 1°C, while the pour point is reported in intervals of 3°C. This means that even if the cloud point is higher, it is possible for the pour point to be higher as well due to the larger interval. For example, a fuel with a cloud point of -1°C and a gel point of -2°C would be reported as having a cloud point of -1°C and a pour point of 0°C.
In summary, biodiesel users in cold regions like the northern United States need to be aware of the fuel's cold flow properties and its tendency to gel at higher temperatures than petrodiesel. This can impact the performance of their vehicles, especially in cold climates. By understanding the cloud point, cold filter plugging point, and pour point, users can make informed decisions about fuel choices and the potential need for additives or blends to improve cold-weather performance.
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Prevent diesel gelling with fuel tank blankets or additives
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax particles, which solidify as temperatures drop, causing the fuel to gel. This can lead to clogged fuel filters and reduced engine performance, or even cause the engine to stop running altogether.
Fuel Tank Blankets
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, you can use a fuel tank blanket, such as the Universal Diesel Fuel Filter Preheater. This is an electric blanket that wraps around the filter housing to transmit heat and keep the fuel flowing.
Fuel Additives
Another way to prevent gelling is to use fuel additives. These can be added to your fuel tank to lower the pour and gel points, allowing your engine to perform better at lower temperatures. The colder the temperature, the more anti-gelling additive you should use. Some additives can even help to melt frozen fuel filters.
In some locations, your fuel provider may have already added anti-gelling treatments to your fuel. However, in places with extremely cold winters, you may need to purchase additives separately and add them to your tank.
Other Methods
Other methods to prevent diesel gelling include keeping your fuel tank full, parking your vehicle indoors, and using a block heater. If you live in a particularly cold area, you may also be able to find gas stations that sell winterized diesel fuel, which contains additives to prevent gelling.
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Block heaters are useful for diesel trucks in cold climates
Diesel trucks have long been known to be difficult to start in cold weather. This is due to diesel engines requiring higher temperatures to ignite fuel compared to gasoline engines, which have spark plugs. As such, diesel engines often require an engine block heater in cold climates to aid ignition.
Block heaters are devices that warm parts of the engine when the vehicle is not running, making it easier to start. They are typically plugged into a regular 110-volt outlet, and the heater then warms the engine block and important internal fluids like the engine oil and coolant. This warming process is known as a "hot start" and significantly reduces the likelihood of winter-related engine troubles and lowers emissions of pollutants from your car.
Most modern diesel trucks come with block heaters already installed, though they may not come with the cord. Block heaters are also standard equipment on most vehicles sold in Canada. For those trucks that do not have a built-in block heater, one can be purchased and installed.
In terms of when to use a block heater, most manufacturers recommend using one whenever you intend to start the engine in temperatures at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some sources suggest that using a block heater whenever the temperature falls below 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) can help to reduce wear and tear on the engine. In extremely cold climates, it is recommended to plug in the block heater two to four hours before starting the engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel is winterized in Utah. Diesel fuel comes in two blends: summer and winter. Summer blend diesel is non-treated diesel, while winter blend diesel is a mixture of diesel and kerosene, which lowers the gel point.
In cold weather, diesel can turn into a gel-like substance, blocking your fuel system, fuel lines, and fuel filter. This can prevent you from starting your vehicle and generating heat, creating a safety hazard.
The temperature at which diesel gels depends on its specific mixture. Typically, this information requires some research as it is not usually published near the pump.
There are several ways to winterize diesel fuel, including insulated fuel tank blankets and adding a winter fuel additive. Check with your engine manufacturer for recommendations on fuel treatments.
Diesel fuel in Texas is not usually winterized as the state does not experience extremely cold temperatures.
