Ameer Randolph
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winterised diesel or alpine diesel, is an enhanced version of diesel fuel that prevents it from solidifying in cold weather conditions. The fuel is usually a blend of No.1 and No.2 diesel, with the ratio varying according to the region's temperature requirements. For example, in colder regions like Canada, a higher proportion of No.1 diesel may be used, while in milder coastal areas, the blend may be predominantly No.2 diesel. The transition to winter diesel fuel typically occurs when temperatures drop below -7°C to avoid engine failure and ensure smooth vehicle operation during winter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to switch to winter diesel | When the temperature drops below -7°C |
| Winter diesel in the UK | Starts in November and ends in March |
| Winter diesel in Canada | From November to April |
| Winter diesel in the US | No fixed timeframe |
| Winter diesel in colder regions | May contain 50% No.1 diesel or be 100% No.1 diesel |
| Summer diesel | No.2 diesel |
| Winter diesel | Mix of No.1 and No.2 diesel |
| Main component of No.1 diesel | Kerosene |
| No.1 diesel | Does not contain paraffin |
| No.2 diesel | Contains paraffin |
| Cloud point for No.2 diesel | 14°F |
| Rule of thumb for switching to winter blend | 15°F above cloud point |
| Additives | Should be added when diesel temperature is higher than the cloud point |
| Winter diesel usage | Can be used all year round |
| Summer diesel usage | Should only be used during summer |
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What You'll Learn
Winter diesel fuel is a mix of grade no.1 and no.2 fuel
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winterised diesel or alpine diesel, is a blend of grade No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel. This blend is designed to prevent the fuel from gelling in cold weather. Gelling occurs when diesel solidifies into a partially crystalline state, which can clog fuel filters and injectors in engines. The main component of grade No. 1 diesel is kerosene, and it does not contain paraffin, a type of wax. These two factors lower the cloud and pour points of the mix, 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. In general, the blend is about 20% No. 1 and 80% No. 2. In colder regions, the blend may contain more No. 1 diesel, and in extremely cold conditions, pure No. 1 diesel may be used. No. 1 diesel has a natural cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of -40 °C, while No. 2 diesel has a CFPP of -7 °C.
The transition to winter-grade diesel fuel typically occurs when temperatures consistently drop below 35 °F or -7 °C. In the United Kingdom, winter biodiesel distribution starts in November and ends in March. It is recommended to transition gradually from summer to winter diesel fuel by adjusting the ratio of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel as temperatures drop.
Using additives is another way to enhance the low-temperature performance of diesel fuel. Additives can lower the pour point of the fuel, keeping it fluid and injectable into the engine, even in extremely cold conditions. Retail stores offer various additives that can improve ignition and fuel lubrication, reducing friction and preventing engine damage. However, it is important to ensure that additives are compatible with the diesel fuel to avoid deterioration in fluid characteristics.
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The UK's winter biodiesel distribution starts in November and ends in March
In the United Kingdom, diesel fuel is differentiated into summer and winter fuel grades, according to BS EN 590 and BS EN14214 (biodiesel). Winter diesel fuel, also known as winterised diesel, is a diesel fuel enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions. This is typically achieved by treatment with additives that change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel.
Winter-grade diesel can be used all year round, but it is not cost-effective to do so. This is because, when refining crude oil, much less winter-grade diesel is obtained in comparison to summer-grade diesel, which can lead to issues with availability. Additionally, the energy content of fossil winter-grade diesel is lower than that of summer-grade diesel.
To avoid issues with diesel engines in cold weather, it is recommended to switch to a winter blend when temperatures reach 15° above the cloud point of summer diesel fuel, which is approximately –7°C. This typically occurs when overnight temperatures drop to around –12°C. It is also important to ensure that no leftover summer-grade fuel is left in the tank, as it can deteriorate the cold-weather characteristics of winter fuel.
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Summer fuel can break machinery if used in winter
Summer-grade diesel fuel, also known as #2 diesel, is only suitable for use in warmer months, as it has a limited resistance to cold temperatures. Summer fuel has a higher cloud point, which means it starts to appear cloudy at temperatures as high as --7°C, and can solidify and block fuel filters and pipes if used in cold weather. This can lead to machinery failure, as the engine becomes starved of fuel.
In contrast, winter diesel fuel is formulated with additives that prevent wax crystals from forming at low temperatures, allowing it to resist gelling in cold weather. Winter fuel has a lower cloud point, typically around -12°C, making it suitable for use in winter when temperatures drop below -7°C. While winter fuel can be used all year round, it is not cost-effective to do so, as it is more expensive and has a lower energy content than summer fuel.
The use of the wrong fuel type can have significant consequences for machinery and equipment. If summer fuel is used in winter, wax crystals and condensation can form in the fuel, blocking filters and pipes. This can lead to difficulty starting and stopping machinery, and even vehicle and equipment failure. In extreme cases, the build-up of pressure caused by blocked fuel filters can result in leaks and ruptures in the fuel system, requiring expensive repairs.
To avoid these issues, it is important to switch to winter fuel when temperatures drop below -7°C. Additionally, it is recommended to ensure that any leftover summer fuel is removed from the tank before filling it with winter fuel, as mixing the two can deteriorate the cold weather characteristics of the winter fuel and still lead to machinery issues. Proper storage of fuel tanks in a shed or garage can also help protect the fuel from cold weather and reduce the risk of waxing problems.
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Winter-grade diesel can be used all year round
Winter-grade diesel is more resistant to cold temperatures than summer-grade diesel. Summer-grade diesel has a limited resistance to cold and is only suitable for use during the summer months. If summer-grade diesel is used in winter, engines may experience operational issues such as difficulty starting and stopping, machinery failure, and filter blockages.
Winter-grade diesel is formulated with additives to prevent wax crystals from forming at low temperatures, which helps to resist gelling. The cold filter plugging point (CFPP) for winter-grade diesel is typically -12°C, while summer-grade diesel has a CFPP of -4°C. The cloud point is the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form and can be identified by a cloudy appearance in the fuel.
While winter-grade diesel can be used year-round, it is less cost-effective due to the lower yield of winter-grade diesel during the refining process. This can result in availability issues and higher costs. Additionally, winter-grade diesel has a lower energy content than summer-grade diesel.
To ensure optimal performance and avoid operational issues, it is recommended to use the appropriate grade of diesel for the respective season.
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Summer diesel fuel is also known as no.2 diesel fuel
Summer diesel fuel, also known as No. 2 diesel fuel, is a type of diesel fuel that is commonly used during the warmer months. It has a higher cloud point, which means it starts to thicken and turn cloudy at temperatures below -7 °C. This can lead to issues such as clogged fuel filters and difficulty starting engines. While summer diesel fuel is suitable for warmer weather, it is not appropriate for winter when temperatures drop further.
No. 2 diesel fuel is widely available at gas stations and is generally the more cost-effective option compared to premium diesel fuels. It has a higher viscosity, making it thicker, which is advantageous for engines during the summer. However, in colder months, a thinner diesel fuel like No. 1 diesel fuel is preferred as it performs better in low temperatures.
No. 1 diesel fuel, also known as "straight-up" diesel, has a much lower cloud point of -40 °C. This means it can operate in colder temperatures without thickening or turning cloudy. In winter, a blend of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels is often used to prevent gelling and ensure engine performance. The ratio of this blend can vary depending on the region, with colder areas requiring a higher proportion of No. 1 diesel fuel.
The transition from summer to winter diesel fuel typically occurs when temperatures drop below -7 °C. In the United Kingdom, the distribution of winter biodiesel usually starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it is essential to use winter diesel fuel to prevent engine issues caused by the cold weather.
While summer diesel fuel may not be suitable for extreme cold, it is important to note that it can be used year-round in moderate climates. However, the availability of summer-grade diesel may vary by region, and it is always advisable to switch to winter diesel fuel when temperatures drop to avoid operational problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Distribution of winter biodiesel in the United Kingdom starts in November and ends in March.
Winter diesel fuel is a mix of grade no.1 and grade no.2 diesel fuel. The main component of grade no.1 diesel is kerosene. Winter diesel fuel is enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions.
It is recommended to switch to a winter blend when the temperature drops below -7°C.
