Sylvie Willis
Asphaltenes are a recent phenomenon, appearing in diesel fuel since the introduction of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) and biofuels. They are a molecular substance commonly found in crude oil and in the form of asphalt, but their presence in ULSD is more concerning as they can quickly clog fuel filters, injectors, and other critical components. Asphaltenes are often mistaken for algae or microbial growth, but they are a chemical contaminant that can cause significant issues for diesel-powered vehicles. While there are various products on the market that claim to prevent and remove asphaltenes, it is still a relatively new issue that needs further attention to fully understand its causes and impacts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are Asphaltenes | Asphalt type solid matter present in crude oil and its distillates |
| How are they formed | When sulfur is removed from ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), aromatic content is also removed, causing asphaltenes to form |
| Alternative theory | High pressure (around 37,000 psi) and fuel re-circulation at 150 °C in common rail diesel engines cause asphaltene droplets that turn filters and fuel black |
| Impact | Asphaltenes can clog fuel filters, injectors, and other critical components, leading to engine issues and costly maintenance |
| Prevention and removal | Fuel additives and detergents can prevent and remove asphaltenes, keeping fuel filters clean |
| Commercial solutions | Penray's Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner, Fuel Ox Asphaltene, and B3C Fuel Solutions' test swabs |
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What You'll Learn
- Asphaltenes are a recent phenomenon, appearing with the introduction of ULSD and biofuels
- The removal of aromatics from ULSD causes asphaltenes to appear
- High pressure and high temperatures in diesel engines can cause asphaltene droplets
- Asphaltenes are molecular substances commonly found in crude oil
- Asphaltenes can be mistaken for microbial growth, but biocides don't work on them
Asphaltenes are a recent phenomenon, appearing with the introduction of ULSD and biofuels
Asphaltenes are a contaminant found in fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. These fuels are derived from petroleum or biomass sources, with biomass-based fuels being renewable alternatives that are nearly identical to their petroleum-based counterparts. While asphaltenes are a recent phenomenon, their appearance is not solely due to the introduction of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) and biofuels but also a result of other factors related to fuel processing and storage.
ULSD, which has been widely adopted in Europe and North America since 2006, is a type of diesel fuel with significantly reduced sulfur content. The transition to ULSD was driven by the need to reduce harmful emissions from diesel combustion and enable the use of advanced emissions control technologies. However, the process of removing sulfur also reduces the fuel's lubricity and energy content by a small amount. This reduction in lubricity can lead to issues with certain engine components, and the decrease in energy content may result in slightly reduced peak power and fuel economy.
Biofuels, on the other hand, are derived from biomass sources such as plant materials, vegetable oils, and animal fats. The two most common types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is often blended with gasoline to increase octane and reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Biodiesel, named after Rudolf Diesel who experimented with vegetable oil as fuel, is produced by transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats. It meets the specifications for blending with petroleum diesel.
The introduction of ULSD and biofuels has had an impact on the formation of asphaltenes. The reduction in sulfur content and changes in fuel composition may have contributed to the emergence of asphaltenes as a contaminant. Additionally, bio-blend fuels tend to degrade more quickly and can cause gumming up of fuel system components. However, it is important to note that asphaltenes can also be mistaken for "algae" or microbial growth, which can have similar effects on fuel filters.
To address the issue of asphaltenes, preventative measures such as using fuel additives with cleaning properties and detergents can help keep fuel filters clear and prevent the buildup of asphaltenes. Products like Fuel Ox Asphaltene are specifically designed to remove and prevent the formation of asphaltenes, protecting fuel quality and engine function. Overall, while the introduction of ULSD and biofuels may have contributed to the recent phenomenon of asphaltenes, there are proactive steps that can be taken to mitigate their impact.
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The removal of aromatics from ULSD causes asphaltenes to appear
Asphaltenes are a new fuel contaminant that can cause issues for diesel engines. They are molecular substances commonly found in crude oil and in the form of asphalt. They are now also being found in ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). Asphaltenes can pass through filters and build up in the fuel system, causing the fuel to turn dark and sludgy and the filters to become clogged and black.
There are several theories about where the asphaltenes in ULSD are coming from. One theory suggests that they are the result of removing sulfur from ULSD, which also removes aromatic content. This removal of aromatics causes them to no longer be able to be dissolved and dispersed, leading to the formation of asphaltenes. Another theory points to high pressure and fuel being continuously re-circulated at high temperatures in diesel engines, resulting in asphaltene droplets that conglomerate together.
The presence of asphaltenes in ULSD has negative consequences for engine performance and requires the use of additives or treatments to combat them. One such treatment is Klenz ID, which contains thermal and oxidative stability agents and dissolving and dispersant additives that can take care of asphaltenes in the fuel tank. Other products, such as Fuel Ox Asphaltene, are also available to remove and prevent the formation of asphaltenes.
It is important to note that asphaltenes can be mistaken for other contaminants, such as "algae" or microbial growth, which can also cause issues in fuel systems. Proper identification of the contaminant is crucial to effectively address the problem. Preventative measures, such as using diesel fuel with cleaning additives, can help keep asphaltenes from building up and causing issues in diesel engines.
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High pressure and high temperatures in diesel engines can cause asphaltene droplets
Asphaltenes are a relatively new contaminant in diesel fuel, which can cause significant issues for diesel engines. Asphaltenes are molecular substances commonly found in crude oil and its distillates, in the form of asphalt. They are extremely small and can pass through fuel filters, but under certain conditions, they can clump together and form sludge at the bottom of the fuel tank, eventually clogging the fuel filter.
One of the causes of asphaltene formation is the removal of sulfur from ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). This process also removes aromatic content, which previously helped to dissolve and disperse the asphaltene molecules. The result is that the molecules are no longer dissolved and can form clumps.
Another factor contributing to the presence of asphaltenes in diesel fuel is high pressure and high temperatures in diesel engines. The combination of high pressure, sometimes around 37,000 psi, and high temperatures of approximately 150 °C, can lead to the formation of asphaltene droplets. These droplets then conglomerate, turning filters and diesel fuel black. The high temperatures inside engine injectors, reaching around 300 °C, further contribute to the issue.
The growth of asphaltenes is exacerbated by newer, hotter-running engines, and operation in warmer climates. This is a significant concern for diesel-powered vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, where downtime can result in financial losses and customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue of asphaltene formation and take preventive measures to avoid costly engine problems and maintain optimal engine performance.
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Asphaltenes are molecular substances commonly found in crude oil
Asphaltenes are asphalt-type solid matter, appearing as a black, tar-like substance in diesel fuel. They can pass through fuel filters and accumulate at the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge buildup. This sludge can quickly clog fuel filters, injectors, and other critical components of diesel fuel systems, causing engine issues.
The growth of asphaltenes is exacerbated by newer, hotter-running engines and operation in warmer climates. Additionally, the presence of water and sludge in diesel fuel can contribute to the formation of asphaltenes. Under certain conditions, asphaltene droplets conglomerate, turning filters and diesel fuel black.
To combat asphaltene contamination, products like Fuel Ox Asphaltene and Penray's Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner have been developed. These products aim to dissolve and prevent the formation of asphaltenes, protecting fuel systems and improving engine performance. Preventative measures, such as using diesel fuel with cleaning additives and regularly cleaning fuel filters, can also help keep asphaltenes from building up.
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Asphaltenes can be mistaken for microbial growth, but biocides don't work on them
Asphaltenes are a new fuel contaminant that can be mistaken for microbial growth. They are formed during the process of turning oil into fuel for vehicles and machinery. Over 500 refineries worldwide are engaged in this process, and the risk of asphaltene contamination is often overlooked.
Asphaltenes can be mistaken for microbial growth, which is often referred to as the "diesel bug". This is because asphaltenes can clog fuel filters, a problem also associated with microbial growth. However, unlike microbial growth, asphaltenes are not biological but chemical in nature. They are tiny particles that can pass through filters and are present in crude oil and its distillates. Under certain conditions, they can clump together, creating a sludge that builds up at the bottom of the tank and clogs the fuel filter.
Due to this misunderstanding, people often use biocides to treat asphaltene contamination, which is ineffective. Biocides, also known as antimicrobials or antimicrobial pesticides, are substances that prevent or kill microbial growth. They are commonly used in healthcare, consumer products, water treatment, and various industries, including food production, manufacturing, and oil and gas. While biocides are effective in controlling biological contamination, they do not work on asphaltenes, which are chemical in nature.
To address asphaltene contamination, specific measures are required, such as using a diesel fuel additive with cleaning properties to keep fuel filters clear and prevent asphaltene buildup. Products like Fuel Ox Asphaltene are designed to remove and prevent asphaltenes, improving fuel quality and engine function.
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Frequently asked questions
Asphaltenes are solid asphalt-type matter commonly found in crude oil and its distillates. They are a contaminant in diesel fuel.
Asphaltenes have been observed in ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) and biofuels, which lack aromatic solvents. One theory suggests that removing sulfur from ULSD also removes aromatics, causing asphaltenes to no longer be dissolvable. Another theory cites high pressure and temperatures in diesel engines, resulting in asphaltene droplets that conglomerate and turn filters and diesel fuel black.
Asphaltenes can clog fuel filters, injectors, and other critical components of the fuel system, leading to a non-running engine.
Asphaltenes appear as a black, tar-like substance in fuel tanks, especially noticeable in vehicles with clear fuel filter housings. B3C Fuel Solutions has developed 4-in-1 Diesel Test Swabs to test for asphaltenes and other issues.
To prevent asphaltenes, diesel fuel with cleaning additives or detergents can be used to keep fuel filters clear. Products like Fuel Ox Asphaltene and Penray's Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner are designed to remove and prevent asphaltenes, improving fuel quality and engine function.
