Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel can be used as an alternative to heating oil in home heating oil tanks. However, it is important to use the correct containers and ensure proper labelling. Diesel can be stored for up to six months before it becomes unstable. To extend its life, additives can be added, but these come with limitations. During refuelling, diesel tends to accumulate air, forming foam which can cause premature fuel cut-off. Anti-foam additives can help to prevent this by reducing surface tension in air bubble walls. In cold weather, diesel can crystallise and gel, clogging the fuel tank and filters. Anti-gel additives can lower the gelling point and improve engine performance. Lubricating additives can also help prevent engine wear and tear, increase lubrication, and reduce ignition delay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of diesel to be used | 5-10 gallons per day |
| Maximum amount of diesel to be used | 10 gallons per day |
| Container colour | Yellow |
| Storage time | Up to 6 months |
| Additive | Anti-gel, lubricating, anti-foam, cetane number improvers |
| Additive use | Reduce residues, improve lubrication, prevent corrosion, reduce ignition delay, increase fuel efficiency, clean fuel management system |
| Temperature | 32°F and below |
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$105.99
What You'll Learn
Anti-gel additives to prevent clogging in cold weather
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a type of hydrocarbon. As the temperature drops to 32°F (0°C), paraffin begins to crystallize. When the temperature falls further to between 11°F and 15°F (-11°C and -9°C), the paraffin turns to gel, clogging the fuel tank and filters. This can cause the engine to fail to start and may lead to costly repairs.
Anti-gel additives are a cheap and simple solution to this problem. They lower the gelling point of the diesel, improving engine performance in cold weather. Anti-gel additives are designed to lower the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), which is the lowest temperature at which fuel will still flow through a specific filter. They increase the lubricity of the wax molecules within the fuel, preventing them from sticking together and clogging lines and filters in the fuel system.
Anti-gel additives should be used whenever temperatures drop below freezing (32°F or 0°C). It is recommended to add the additive before filling up the tank to ensure proper mixing. The rule of thumb is that the lower the temperature, the more fuel additive needs to be added. Most additives can be added before or after fuelling, but it is better to add them beforehand to ensure a good mix. Anti-gel additives won't damage your engine, so it is better to use extra when in doubt.
One example of an anti-gel additive is Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, which uses three different chemicals: a wax modifier, a wax anti-settling agent, and a military-grade de-icer. This additive can be used anytime temperatures drop below 32°F and is intended for everyday cold-weather use.
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Anti-foam additives to prevent premature fuel cut-off
Diesel fuel has a natural tendency to entrain air and form temporary foam when dispensed from a filling station. Foaming is a particular problem for diesel passenger cars with irregular-shaped tanks and narrow filler pipes. With automatic cut-off dispenser systems, foaming leads to premature fuel cut-off and a partially filled tank. Anti-foam additives effectively eliminate these concerns.
Anti-foam additives are used to prevent the formation of foam or to break up foam already formed. They reduce the surface tension of the air bubble walls that constitute the foam, leading to its rapid collapse. This not only prevents premature fuel cut-off but also minimises the likelihood of fuel splashing onto the ground or clothing, avoiding stains, unpleasant odours, and reducing the risk of polluting spills.
Foaming disrupts key refinery process units, reducing run times and degrading the operation of sensitive downstream equipment. The air bubbles created by foaming make oil harder to pump to vital engine parts, reduce its lubrication effectiveness, and inhibit its ability to help keep the engine cool. By preventing foaming, anti-foam additives help maintain the lubrication and cooling functions of the oil.
Anti-foam additives also help clean the fuel management system, especially the fuel injector. They act as a film on the metal surfaces of injector nozzles, preventing the accumulation of residues. Keeping the fuel management system in good condition improves fuel economy, increases engine power output, and maintains diesel engine emissions at satisfactory levels.
While anti-foam additives are useful, it is important to note that diesel fuel additives are not a substitute for proper maintenance. Regular and proper maintenance, combined with the right additives, can significantly increase the lifespan and improve the performance of diesel vehicles and equipment.
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Lubricating additives to prevent engine wear and tear
Lubricating additives are essential in preventing engine wear and tear in diesel engines. They enhance lubricity, which is a measure of how well diesel fuel can lubricate engine components, reducing friction between surfaces. This is crucial as most diesel fuel does not meet vehicle manufacturers' lubricity requirements, leading to increased wear and tear on engine components.
Lubricity-enhancing additives, such as Archoil's AR6500 Diesel Treatment, form a film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and protecting engine components. This results in smoother engine operation, improved performance, and increased fuel efficiency. Additionally, these additives help dissipate heat, preventing engine overheating and ensuring optimal engine temperatures.
The use of lubricating additives is especially important for newer vehicles with tighter tolerances and precision engineering. By reducing friction and enhancing lubrication, these additives prevent metal-to-metal contact, ensuring optimal engine performance and extending engine life.
Furthermore, lubricating additives play a vital role in engine maintenance by preventing the formation of deposits and residues. This ensures clean and efficient fuel combustion, reducing the quantity of soot and particulate matter produced during combustion, and maintaining satisfactory emission levels.
By using lubricating additives, diesel vehicle owners can prevent premature engine wear and tear, increase lubrication, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs associated with corrosion and mechanical repairs. These additives are a cost-effective way to maintain and enhance the performance of diesel engines.
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Cetane number improvers to increase cetane quality
Cetane number improvers (CNIs) are chemical additives commonly added to diesel fuel to enhance ignition quality and combustion efficiency. The cetane number is a measure of a diesel fuel's ignition quality, indicating how easily the fuel will ignite when injected into the combustion chamber of a diesel engine. A higher cetane number results in fuel igniting more easily and quickly, leading to better engine performance.
CNIs work by increasing the cetane number of diesel fuel, often by reducing the ignition delay time—the time between fuel injection and the start of combustion. This can be achieved by changing the fuel's chemical composition, altering its physical properties, or modifying the combustion process. Using CNIs in diesel fuel improves engine performance, increases fuel efficiency, enhances cold-start performance, and reduces emissions.
Innospec, for example, offers a 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) Cetane Number Improver, which can be used by refiners, distributors, and fuel users in all types of diesel fuel. The typical treatment rate for this product ranges from 0.025% to 0.40% by volume. Innospec also provides a nitrogen-free Cetane Number Improver.
WRT BV is another company that offers an extensive range of additives, including cetane number improvers, to enhance the performance of fuels. Higher cetane numbers can also allow the use of lower-quality diesel fuels, which may be more affordable and accessible.
In summary, cetane number improvers are effective additives for diesel fuel that offer significant benefits in terms of engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. They are a simple and economical way to upgrade diesel fuel performance and improve ignition quality.
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Additives to extend the life of diesel
Diesel fuel generally expires within a month if left untreated. However, with proper storage and the use of additives, its lifespan can be extended to over a year.
Biocides
Biocides are essential for effectively preserving fuel and fuel systems. Biobor JF is an example of a biocide that can preserve diesel fuel by killing microbial contaminants.
Fuel Stabilizers
Fuel stabilizers can be used to lengthen the shelf life of diesel by actively fighting against bacteria growth, mitigating fuel breakdowns, and preventing other damaging processes.
Fuel Polishing
In the event of microbial growth, fuel polishing can be used to clean the fuel and remove contaminants.
Solvents
Solvents can be used to remove oil residue from fuel containers before storing new fuel. This helps to ensure that the container is clean and reduces the chances of contamination.
Temperature Regulation
Storing diesel fuel in a cool, dry location can help to extend its shelf life. Regulating the temperature can be achieved by storing the fuel underground or with a roof to keep the sun off, and by introducing ventilation to prevent the tank from overheating.
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Frequently asked questions
You should not need more than 10 gallons per day.
Diesel can be stored for up to six months before it becomes unstable and unusable.
You may need to bleed the lines to remove the air and ensure that the nozzle, oil pump, and filter are free of sludge.
Leave the tank to sit for about 10 minutes so that the impurities and sediment can settle at the bottom.
Anti-gel additives can be added to lower the gelling point and improve your engine's performance in cold weather. Anti-foam additives can also be used to prevent premature fuel cut-off and keep emissions at satisfactory levels.
