Mercedes Mullins
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. To prevent this, there are a few different types of additives that can be used to deal with water in diesel. Demulsifiers and emulsifiers are two types of additives that deal with water in diesel. Demulsifiers cause water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to be caught and prevented from reaching the engine. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, mix water with the fuel, which can make it harder to separate through filtration. Other types of additives include dispersants, which allow water to burn off or be filtered out, and solubilizers, which mix water with the fuel without affecting its clarity. While some people recommend using additives, others suggest that proper filtration and clean diesel fuel are more important in preventing water issues.
Characteristics and Values of Additives that Remove Water from Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Demulsifier, Emulsifier, Solubilizer |
| Function | Demulsifier separates water from diesel, Emulsifier mixes water with diesel, Solubilizer mixes water with diesel without clouding it |
| Examples | Diesel 911, Power Service, Opti-Lube, Diesel Kleen, Hot Shot's Secret EDT |
| Usage | Add to diesel fuel, follow manufacturer's recommended additive-to-fuel ratio |
| Benefits | Prevents water damage to engine and fuel system, improves fuel quality, removes condensation |
| Considerations | May not be necessary with modern fuel filters, check owner's manual, avoid emulsifiers if using a fuel/water separator |
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What You'll Learn
Demulsifiers separate water from diesel
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. This can happen all year round, and cold weather brings new challenges, including amplifications of existing problems. When diesel fuel is exposed to water, hydrolysis reactions occur, causing chain reactions in the fuel. The result is darkened fuel containing gums, varnishes, and sludge.
Demulsifiers are a type of additive that can be used to separate water from diesel. They work by causing the water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to collect at the bottom of the tank. From there, the water can be removed by mechanical means, such as a fuel filter with a water separator. This is in contrast to emulsifiers, which cause the water and fuel to mix, making it harder to separate them.
Some specific demulsifier products include Opti-Lube and Optilube's "Summer", which is recommended for use all year round. Other recommended products include Power Service, Diesel Kleen, and Stanadyne.
It is important to note that while demulsifiers can help separate water from diesel, proper filtration and clean fuel sources are also crucial in maintaining fuel quality and engine performance.
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Emulsifiers combine water and diesel
Water in diesel fuel is a serious problem for diesel equipment owners and operators. One method to eliminate the negative effects of water in diesel fuel is to use emulsifiers. Emulsifiers combine water and diesel by encapsulating water droplets and passing them through the fuel system to be vaporized and expelled during the combustion cycle. This process, known as emulsification, results in a mixture of water and fuel with the water dispersed uniformly throughout the fuel.
Emulsifiers, such as E-ZOIL's Diesel Aid, rely on hydrogen bonding to keep the water in emulsion. Diesel fuel consists almost entirely of non-polar molecules, meaning they have no electrical charge. In contrast, water molecules have both a positive and negative charge. When mixed with diesel fuel and water, the chemical formula in Diesel Aid acts as a coupling agent, bonding the three components into a homogeneous mixture.
Additionally, emulsifiers have surfactant properties, which further enhance the homogeneity of the mixture. This is achieved by reducing the surface tension between the unlike molecules of oil and water. By using emulsifiers, the water passes harmlessly through the fuel delivery system, where it is vaporized in the diesel engine's combustion chambers and released as steam.
It is important to note that emulsifiers are not the only method for dealing with water in diesel fuel. Demulsifiers, for example, cause water to separate from the fuel, allowing it to be mechanically removed through water separators or other means. While emulsifiers combine water and diesel, creating a homogeneous mixture, demulsifiers work to keep the two components separate. The choice between using emulsifiers or demulsifiers depends on various factors, including the specific application, equipment, and user preferences.
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Solubilizers mix water with diesel
Water in diesel fuel is a common issue due to diesel's hygroscopic properties, which cause it to attract and hold water. Water can enter the fuel through condensation, poor storage, or faulty fill pipes and vents. This can lead to several problems, including corrosion, increased wear on components, and microbial growth.
To address this issue, various fuel additives are available that can either separate or mix water with diesel. One type of additive is a demulsifier, which separates water from diesel, causing the water to collect at the bottom of the tank, where it can be drained using a fuel filter with a water separator. Demulsifiers are particularly useful when fuel is not subjected to mechanical vibration or agitation, as this helps keep the water separated from the diesel.
Another type of additive is an emulsifier, which suspends water droplets in the diesel, creating a cloudy appearance. Emulsifiers are designed to keep water particles small enough to pass harmlessly through the fuel delivery system, where they are vaporized in the combustion chambers and released as steam. This prevents water from accumulating and causing damage to the system.
A third type of additive is a solubilizer, which mixes water with diesel, resulting in a clear fuel appearance. Solubilizers, such as PowerService and Diesel 911, are effective in ensuring that water is combined with the fuel, reducing the risk of water accumulation and the associated issues.
It is important to note that while additives can help manage water in diesel fuel, proper fuel filtration and clean fuel sources are also crucial in maintaining fuel quality and preventing water-related issues. Additionally, some sources suggest that the use of certain additives may not be necessary if proper filtration systems are in place.
Solubilizers, in particular, offer a unique approach to addressing water in diesel fuel by mixing the two together. This process not only ensures a clear fuel appearance but also helps prevent the formation of large water droplets that could potentially cause damage to the fuel system. By using solubilizers, diesel fuel can maintain its performance and reduce the risk of water-related issues, such as corrosion and microbial growth.
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Diesel 911 additive
Diesel 911 is a fuel additive that is used to remove water from the fuel system and to prevent fuel-filter icing. It is a specialised formula that contains Slickdiesel Lubricator, which lubricates fuel-injection pumps and fuel injectors, protecting them from accelerated wear. Diesel 911 is particularly useful in cold weather, as it can de-ice frozen fuel filters and re-liquefy gelled fuel.
Diesel 911 is a product of Power Service, a company that provides diesel additives to improve diesel engine performance and winter operability. Power Service offers a range of products, including Diesel 911, Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, and Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost. Diesel 911 is a winter emergency product and should not be used as a substitute for a premium winter fuel anti-gel. It is compatible with Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost and the two can be used simultaneously.
To use Diesel 911 to de-ice frozen fuel filters, remove the fuel filters and fill them with a mixture of 50% Diesel 911 and 50% diesel fuel. Reinstall the fuel filters, start the engine, and then add Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost to prevent future fuel gelling. To re-liquefy gelled fuel, add 16 ounces of Diesel 911 to each 20 gallons of fuel in the tanks. For biodiesel blends containing up to 20% biodiesel, add the entire contents (26 ounces) to 50 gallons of diesel fuel.
Diesel 911 has received positive reviews from customers, who have found it to be effective in extreme cold weather conditions. It is recommended by mechanics and furnace maintenance technicians for its ability to prevent line freezing, particularly in outdoor oil tanks.
Overall, Diesel 911 is a reliable additive for removing water from diesel fuel systems and preventing fuel-filter icing, especially in cold climates. It is important to follow the instructions for use and combine it with other products as recommended for optimal results.
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Opti-Lube additive
Opti-Lube is a popular additive used to remove water from diesel fuel. It is available in a range of formulations, including:
- XPD All-Season
- XL Xtreme Lubricity
- Winter Cold Flow Anti-Gel
- Boost! Maximum Cetane
- Summer
- Marine Formula
- Gel Melt Emergency
- Preserve Diesel Fuel
- Single Clean Diesel Fuel
- Injector Cleaner
Opti-Lube's Summer formula is a popular choice, even among those who use it year-round. While it does not explicitly claim to have water separation properties, it has excellent lubrication, cleaning, and cetane improvement qualities. The recommended dosage is 1 ounce per 20 gallons of diesel fuel for the minimum treatment and 1 ounce per 10 gallons for a premium treatment.
Opti-Lube's XPD All-Season formula is also widely used and comes in a variety of packaging options, including bottles, pails, and cases, with or without accessories like pumps and empty bottles.
In addition to Opti-Lube, other additives that can be used to remove water from diesel fuel include Diesel 911, Power Service, and Diesel Kleen. However, it is important to note that proper filtration and sourcing clean diesel fuel are also crucial in preventing water-related issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel 911 is a popular additive that absorbs water back into the fuel. It is available in most automotive stores.
Diesel 911 is a demulsifier, which separates water from diesel. This ensures that water collects at the bottom of the tank and can be drained using a fuel filter with a water separator.
Yes, there are two main types of additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. Demulsifiers cause water and fuel to separate, while emulsifiers mix them together. Power Service, Opti-Lube, and Diesel Kleen are some other popular additives.
If you are using low-quality diesel or non-Top Tier diesel, it is recommended to add a fuel treatment. Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance, so it is important to address this issue.
