Ameer Randolph
When the temperature drops, diesel fuel contracts, affecting fuel storage, transportation, and engine combustion. In cold weather, diesel tends to thicken and gel, potentially causing engine issues. This phenomenon is called gelling. To prevent this, a winter blend of diesel is used, which is a mix of grade no.1 and grade no.2 fuel. Grade no.1 diesel, also known as winter diesel, is best suited for cold weather due to its lower viscosity and reduced pour point. It is less prone to gelling in freezing conditions. Additives are also used to prevent wax crystals from forming at low temperatures, which can block filters and pipes. Summer-grade diesel, on the other hand, has a higher cloud point and is not suitable for use in winter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonly used grade | 1D (Diesel #1) |
| Viscosity | Lower viscosity |
| Pour point | Reduced pour point |
| Gelling | Prone to gelling |
| Waxing | Prone to waxing |
| Additives | Anti-gel additives |
| Fuel supplement | PowerService Diesel Fuel Supplement, Diesel 911 |
| Fuel treatment | Winter-grade oil |
| Fuel type | Winter diesel, Alpine diesel, Winterised diesel |
| Cold filter plugging point (CFPP) | -12°C |
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What You'll Learn
Winter diesel fuel
When the temperature drops, diesel fuel contracts, affecting fuel storage, transportation, and engine combustion. This can cause significant issues for diesel engines, including filter blockages and reduced fuel flow. The best diesel grade for cold weather is Diesel #1, also known as winter diesel. This fuel grade has a lower viscosity and a reduced pour point, making it ideal for colder temperatures. It is also less prone to gelling, a phenomenon where diesel transforms into a dense, waxy substance that loses its ability to flow through filters.
To prevent diesel fuel issues in cold weather, it is recommended to use winter-grade oil and check the battery, glow plugs, and exhaust system. Adding anti-gel additives can also prevent fuel gelling. These additives lower the freezing point of diesel fuel, reducing the likelihood of crystallization and freezing. 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 lowers the cloud and pour points, preventing gelling in cold temperatures. The ratio of no.1 to no.2 diesel fuels in the winter blend can vary depending on the region, typically around 20:80. However, in extremely cold regions, pure grade no.1 diesel fuel may be necessary.
Summer-grade diesel is not suitable for winter use due to its higher cloud point, which can cause wax crystals and condensation to form and block filters and pipes. It is important to switch to winter-grade diesel when the temperature drops below -7°C to ensure optimal engine performance. Winter diesel fuel is designed to meet specific standards, such as the EN 590 standard in Europe, which defines different classes for "temperate" climatic zones. Additionally, diesel motor cars are often equipped with filter heaters to prevent fuel filters from clogging and allow safe operation in colder weather conditions.
There are various solutions to improve the performance of diesel engines in cold weather. For example, using a Low-Temperature Flow Test (ASTM D4539) can indicate the winter performance of diesel with improver additives. Some car manufacturers recommend adding lighter fuels like gasoline to extend the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) characteristics, although this may not be suitable for all engine types. Regularly testing fuel and using winter-appropriate lubricants can also help maintain engine performance during winter.
Overall, understanding the effects of cold weather on diesel fuel is crucial for maintaining diesel engine performance. By using winter diesel fuel, adding appropriate additives, and taking proactive measures, diesel equipment owners can ensure their vehicles operate efficiently and reliably during the winter season.
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Diesel #1
To prevent these issues, Diesel #1 is formulated with additives that change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel. These additives prevent the formation of wax crystals and gelling at low temperatures, ensuring that the fuel remains fluid and can flow smoothly through the fuel system. The cold filter plugging point (CFPP) test is used to determine the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a standardised filtration device at low temperatures, and Diesel #1 typically has a much lower CFPP than summer diesel. For example, Diesel #1 has a natural CFPP of -40°C, while #2 diesel fuel has a CFPP ranging from -28°C to -7°C.
In addition to using Diesel #1, there are other measures that can be taken to improve the performance of diesel engines in cold weather. These include using a filter heater, adding lighter fuels like gasoline to extend CFPP characteristics, and ensuring that the fuel storage tanks and fuel systems are properly designed to prevent wax crystal formation. Regular fuel testing is also recommended to check for the presence of paraffin crystals, which can settle and accumulate at the bottom of the tank, affecting fuel pump performance.
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Additives
Diesel fuel is prone to solidifying into a waxy, gel-like substance in cold weather. This process is known as "gelling" or "waxing". To prevent this, additives are used to change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel. These additives, known as Middle Distillate Flow Improvers, work by modifying the crystal structure of the wax, reducing the size of the crystals and preventing them from amalgamating into larger crystals that can block filters.
Retail stores offer a variety of additives that can lower the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel oil. The CFPP is a standardised test that indicates the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a filtration device when cooled under certain conditions. The use of additives can lower the CFPP, improving the fluidity of the fuel at lower temperatures. However, it is important to note that additives must be added when the fuel temperature is above the cloud point, as they cannot alter the crystal structure once the wax has started to solidify.
There are several well-known brands of diesel additives, including PowerService, Diesel 911, Howes, Lucas, and OptiLube. These additives can be mixed with diesel fuel to improve its performance in cold weather. Some car makers have also recommended adding small amounts of lighter fuels like gasoline to extend the CFPP characteristics, although this practice is not without its risks and is not suitable for all engines.
In addition to commercial additives, there are also some preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of cold weather on diesel fuel. These include storing fuel tanks in a shed or garage, using winter-appropriate lubricants, and ensuring that any leftover summer-grade fuel is removed from the tank before refilling with winter-grade diesel. Regular fuel testing can also help identify the presence of wax crystals, which can be treated with additives to prevent blockages.
By using a combination of high-quality winter-grade diesel, effective additives, and preventative measures, diesel engines can be optimised for improved performance and longevity in cold weather conditions.
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$84.96
Cold flow improvers
All diesel fuel contains paraffin wax molecules. When the temperature drops, these paraffins become less soluble and can form crystals that coagulate into a gel. This gel blocks the fuel filter, cutting off the fuel supply and causing the engine to shut down. Cold flow improvers work by keeping the paraffin wax content from sticking together and getting caught in the fuel filter.
Wax dispersants, also known as Wax Anti-Settling Agents (WASA), are a key component of cold flow improvers. They work by keeping the paraffin crystals separate from each other so they can pass through the fuel filter without causing blockages. Other ingredients in cold flow improvers include vinyl ester co-polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), olefin-ester copolymers, and polymethyl acrylate (PMA).
In addition to cold flow improvers, there are other ways to prevent diesel fuel gelling in cold weather. One method is to use winter-grade oil, which has a lower viscosity and is less prone to gelling. Another approach is to add lighter fuels like gasoline to extend the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) characteristics, although this may not be suitable for all engine types.
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Summer diesel
Diesel fuel has different seasonal requirements, with specific blends tailored for summer and winter. Summer grade diesel is optimised for warmer months due to its slightly higher viscosity. It has a limited resistance to cold temperatures, with a minimum Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of -4°C.
Summer grade diesel is sometimes referred to as #2 diesel. It is not suitable for winter use, as it has a higher cloud point, which means it is more prone to the formation of wax crystals at lower temperatures. This can cause blockages in filters and pipes, leading to engine issues.
The cloud point is the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form and become visible in the fuel. When the temperature drops below the cloud point, the fuel's performance is affected, and it may struggle to flow through filters. This phenomenon is known as "gelling". Summer diesel, therefore, should not be left in engines as the weather turns colder, and winter-grade diesel should be used instead during this period.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel #1, also known as winter diesel, is best suited for cold weather. It has a lower viscosity and a reduced pour point, making it ideal for colder temperatures.
When diesel fuel gets extremely cold, it transforms into a dense, waxy substance that loses its ability to flow through filters, a phenomenon known as "gelling". Diesel #1 has a lower viscosity and a higher resistance to gelling, making it better suited for cold weather.
Using summer-grade diesel in winter can cause issues such as difficulty starting engines and machinery failure. This is because wax crystals and condensation form in the fuel, blocking filters and pipes. Summer diesel has a higher cloud point, which is the temperature at which wax begins to crystallise.
To prevent diesel fuel issues in cold weather, use winter-grade diesel fuel and ensure there is no leftover summer-grade fuel in your tank. You can also add anti-gel additives to lower the freezing point of the diesel fuel and prevent gelling. Additionally, store your fuel tank in a shed or garage to protect it from the cold and get your fuel tested regularly to check for wax crystal build-up.
