Katerina Swanson
Yes, there are different types of diesel fuel blends that are more suitable for different seasons. Diesel fuel is prone to gelling in cold weather, which refers to the solidification of diesel oil into a partially crystalline state. This can cause issues with the fuel injectors and filters in engines. To prevent this, winter diesel fuel is typically a mixture of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel, with a higher proportion of No. 1 diesel in colder regions. Summer diesel fuel, on the other hand, can be used all year round, but it has limited resistance to cold temperatures and can break machinery if used incorrectly during the winter.
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What You'll Learn
Summer diesel fuel
The blending of diesel fuel is adjusted to improve its performance during different seasons. Summer diesel fuel has a higher cloud point, while winter diesel fuel has a lower cloud point to prevent gelling in cold temperatures. Winter diesel fuel is a blend of grade No.1 and grade No.2 fuel, with kerosene as the main component of grade No.1 diesel. This blend helps lower the cloud and pour points, preventing gelling.
In some regions with extremely cold winter conditions, such as Canada, gas stations offer arctic winter diesel with a Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of -32°C or lower. This ensures that diesel engines can continue to operate in arctic weather. It is important for users in cooler regions to be aware of the potential issues that can arise from using the incorrect diesel blend during winter.
To summarise, summer diesel fuel is suitable for warmer months, but it should be replaced with winter diesel fuel when temperatures drop to avoid engine problems caused by gelling or solidification of the fuel.
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Winter diesel fuel
The cold filter plugging point (CFPP) 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 important because it determines the lowest possible temperature at which a given diesel fuel can still pass through a filter. In Europe, the EN 590 standard governs the characteristics of diesel fuel, including the CFPP, and defines six classes from A to F for "temperate" climatic zones. Winter diesel fuel must meet certain CFPP characteristics depending on the region and weather conditions. For example, in Denmark, winter diesel fuel must conform to the arctic Klass 1 values, while in France, it must meet the EN 590 Class F conditions during the winter months.
The blending of diesel fuel is adjusted during the winter months to improve its cold-weather performance. Summer diesel fuel, which is typically used between May and October, has a higher cloud point and is not suitable for use in winter when temperatures drop below –7 °C. Winter diesel fuel, on the other hand, is suitable for use between November and April and has a lower cloud point to prevent gelling in cold temperatures. It is a blend of grade No.1 and grade No.2 fuel, with kerosene as the main component of grade No.1 diesel.
In very cold winter conditions, gas stations may offer arctic winter diesel with a CFPP of –32 °C or lower. Some premium diesel fuels offer better CFPP characteristics, such as BP Ultimate Diesel CFPP –30 °C all-seasons and Statoil DieselGold/SupraDiesel CFPP –40 °C in winter. To improve the cold-weather performance of diesel fuel, additives such as cold flow improvers (CFIs) can be used to break up wax crystals and prevent them from clogging the fuel filter.
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Additives and anti-gelling agents
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 can cause fuel filters and injectors in engines to become clogged, leading to engine failure. To prevent this, fuel additives and anti-gelling agents are used, particularly in winter diesel blends.
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winterised diesel or alpine diesel, is a blend of grade no.1 and grade no.2 fuel. Grade no.1 diesel mainly consists of kerosene and lacks paraffin, resulting in a lower cloud point and pour point, preventing gelling in cold temperatures. Additives are used to further enhance the low-temperature characteristics of winter diesel fuel.
One such additive is Howes Diesel Treat, a popular anti-gel and fuel conditioner in North America. It prevents gelling in cold climates by removing water from the fuel. It also acts as a diesel conditioner, providing lubricity, preventing deposits, and reducing smoking and rough idling.
Another example is Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, a fuel additive that lowers the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel fuel. This additive helps prevent clogged fuel filters and fuel lines during the winter, improving engine performance. It also boosts detergency, stability, lubricity, and the fuel's cetane number.
The use of additives and anti-gelling agents in diesel fuel is essential for engine maintenance, particularly in cold climates. These products help prevent fuel gelling and improve engine performance, ensuring that vehicles operate efficiently during the winter season.
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Fuel efficiency and power
Diesel fuel suppliers provide blends that are suited to the season. Summer diesel has a higher cloud point, while winter diesel has a lower cloud point, similar to an antifreeze additive to water cooling systems. Summer diesel can cause issues in colder climates, as the formation of wax crystals can block fuel filters and lines. Winter diesel, on the other hand, has a lower energy value, resulting in fewer miles travelled per gallon.
The choice between summer and winter diesel fuel grades impacts fuel efficiency and power. Summer diesel, also known as Grade No.2 diesel fuel, has a higher energy content and a slower burn rate, making it suitable for most diesel engines and warm climates. Winter diesel, on the other hand, may have additional products mixed in to reduce its gelling temperature, which can result in lower energy value and mileage.
The correct diesel fuel grade ensures efficient combustion, maximising power and torque while optimising power output and reducing fuel consumption. Diesel #1, for example, is used in cold climates to ensure reliable starts and prevent fuel issues in commercial trucks and diesel vehicles. Diesel #2, the most common fuel for on-road vehicles, offers good overall performance and fuel efficiency and is suitable for warm climates. Diesel #4 is ideal for low-speed, high-load applications, delivering good power output and fuel efficiency due to its lower volatility and slower burn rate.
It is important to consider factors such as climate, engine type, and usage when choosing the right diesel fuel grade. Using the wrong fuel grade can lead to higher fuel consumption, reduced engine power, and increased operating costs. Additionally, the right diesel fuel treatment can improve efficiency and equipment condition, while regular maintenance can enhance engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Overall, diesel engines offer improved efficiency over gas engines, particularly on highways. Diesel fuel has more energy per gallon, resulting in better fuel economy and higher torque. However, city driving may reduce the efficiency advantage of diesel engines. Additionally, driving at higher speeds can decrease fuel mileage and increase tyre wear, impacting fuel efficiency.
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Wax crystals and gelling
Wax crystal formation in diesel fuel is a common issue in cold weather. Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which helps the engine generate more power and efficiency under mild to high temperatures. However, in cold weather, the wax crystallizes and thickens the fuel. This thickened fuel clogs the fuel filters and injectors in engines, causing the engine to stop running. This process of solidification of diesel oil into a partially crystalline state is called gelling.
The cloud point is the temperature at which the wax starts to harden and turn into crystals, typically around 32ºF to 40ºF. The fuel becomes cloudy due to the wax hardening, and this can be observed as white or yellow cloudiness in the fuel. Once the temperature drops further, the wax and wax crystals form a gel-like consistency, which is the pour point, usually around 32ºF. At this point, the gel can clog the fuel lines and filters, causing the engine to experience hard starts, loss of power, and no starts.
To prevent wax crystal formation and gelling, there are several solutions. One method is to use winter diesel fuel, which is a blend of grade no.1 and grade no.2 fuel. Grade no.1 diesel contains kerosene, which lowers the cloud and pour points, preventing gelling in cold temperatures. Additionally, diesel flow improver additives can be added to lower the cold flow point and prevent wax crystallization. These additives also change the shape and structure of the crystals, preventing them from combining and clogging the fuel filter. Another preventative measure is to store vehicles in a heated garage or climate-controlled building during the winter months.
Taking proactive measures, such as using the appropriate seasonal diesel blend and adding additives, is essential to avoid the issues associated with wax crystal formation and gelling. These problems can lead to engine performance issues and even cause the engine to stop running altogether.
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Frequently asked questions
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel, is a blend of diesel fuel enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions. It is typically used between November and April.
Summer diesel fuel, also known as Diesel No.2, is suitable for use during the warmer months, typically between May and October. It starts to cloud and thicken when temperatures drop below –7 °C.
Using summer diesel fuel during winter can cause issues with your engine due to the formation of wax crystals, which block fuel filters and lines. Summer diesel fuel is only certified for use during the summer and can break machinery if used incorrectly in winter.
Yes, there are fuel additives like Stanadyne Performance Formula that can be used with winter diesel fuel to address the lower power issue and provide anti-gelling properties. However, these additives can also dilute the diesel fuel and wash away its lubricating properties.
