Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is vulnerable to gelling and freezing in cold weather. This is due to the paraffin wax found in diesel, which thickens and crystallizes as temperatures drop, causing the fuel to become cloudy and gel-like. This can block filters and prevent fuel flow. While the precise freezing temperature varies depending on the specific hydrocarbon composition, diesel typically begins to gel at around 32°F (-0.5°C) and freezes solid at 15°F (-9.5°C). To prevent fuel issues in cold weather, it is recommended to use fuel additives that can remove water and lower the pour point, such as anti-gels, or to select blends with lower wax content, like winter diesel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature at which diesel freezes | -40°F/-40°C to -200°F |
| Temperature at which gelling starts | 34°F |
| Temperature at which full gelling occurs | 15°F |
| Temperature at which anti-gel should be added | 30°F |
| Temperature at which clouding occurs | 32°F |
| Temperature at which wax crystals begin to stick together | 32°F |
| Temperature at which wax begins to stiffen | 32°F |
| Temperature at which idling is not recommended | 0°F |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel freezing is caused by paraffin wax thickening
Diesel fuel freezing is a common issue in cold climates. Diesel begins to freeze at a higher temperature than gasoline, typically when the temperature drops below 32°Fahrenheit (0°Celsius). This process is known as "gelling" and can cause significant disruptions to fuel flow and engine performance.
Diesel fuel contains a small percentage of paraffin wax, which is a naturally occurring substance. Paraffin wax helps with lubrication and enhances engine power and fuel efficiency in mild to high temperatures. However, in freezing temperatures, the wax thickens and undergoes crystallization, forming tiny crystals that settle at the bottom of the storage tank or fuel system. This wax settling leads to several problems, including filter blockages, reduced fuel flow, and engine damage.
The temperature at which paraffin wax begins to solidify in diesel fuel is typically between -4°C and 15°C, which is known as the "cloud point." As the temperature drops further below the pour point, which is usually between -9°C and -18°C, the wax solidifies even more, resulting in a dense, waxy substance that loses its ability to flow through filters. This can cause the engine to run unevenly, lose power, or consume more fuel than usual, leading to increased wear and tear on crucial engine components.
To prevent diesel fuel freezing caused by paraffin wax thickening, there are several measures that can be taken. One option is to use anti-gel fuel additives or anti-waxing additives, which boost fuel resistance and prevent wax crystallization. These additives keep the diesel flowing smoothly, even in cold temperatures. Another option is to switch to No. 1 fuel diesel, which does not contain paraffin wax and therefore does not gel at any temperature. Additionally, proper storage and handling of diesel fuel are important, as improper conditions can worsen the problem and lead to more wax formation.
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Water in the fuel will freeze at 32°F
Diesel fuel itself does not have a single freezing point. It is a mixture of thousands of potential compounds, each with different chemical and physical properties. The precise freezing temperature varies widely from one compound to another. The temperature at which diesel freezes is called its pour point. At this temperature, the fuel will freeze solid in lines. However, the pour point is irrelevant in terms of predicting cold weather operability because it is lower than the cold filter plugging point.
The gelling of diesel fuel, which can occur at temperatures as high as 34°F, is a more common issue. This happens due to the paraffin wax found in diesel thickening as the temperatures begin to drop. As a result, the fuel becomes cloudy and gel-like, causing the diesel to not be combustible while also plugging filters. Anti-gel fuel additives can be used to prevent this.
In extremely cold conditions, diesel fuel can freeze altogether and no longer flow, becoming unusable until the fuel re-liquefies. This can occur at temperatures below 15°F. To prevent diesel fuel from freezing, it is recommended to use a block heater, keep the vehicle garaged, or add kerosene or anti-gel additives to the fuel.
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Anti-gel additives can prevent diesel fuel from freezing
Diesel fuel is a refined crude oil byproduct used in trains, trucks, cars, and more. However, it tends to gel or solidify in cold weather, forming waxy crystals that clog fuel lines and filters, leading to engine issues and costly repairs. This typically occurs at temperatures below 32°F, with full gelling happening at 15°F.
To prevent these issues, anti-gel additives are available. These additives, also known as anti-gel fuel supplements, are added directly to the fuel tank and lower the freezing point of diesel fuel, making it less likely to gel or freeze. They achieve this by reducing the temperature at which wax in the diesel solidifies and by dispersing moisture, preventing it from freezing and clogging fuel filters.
Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, for example, improves winter operability using a wax modifier, a wax anti-settling agent, and a de-icer. It is recommended for everyday cold weather protection and can be used with diesel fuel to protect down to temperatures as low as -65°F. It is important to note that anti-gel additives are not the same as diesel fuel conditioners or supplements, which do not prevent freezing.
The amount of anti-gel additive required depends on the temperature, with more additive needed in colder conditions. It is also suggested to use anti-gel additives consistently during the winter and to add them before refueling to ensure proper blending.
In addition to anti-gel additives, other methods to prevent diesel fuel issues in cold weather include using block heaters, mixing different types of diesel fuel or adding kerosene, and keeping vehicles garaged.
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Winter diesel has a lower freezing point than summer diesel
Diesel fuel is a crucial energy source for various machines, from vehicles to industrial machinery. However, the cold winter months can pose significant challenges to the operability of diesel-powered engines. Understanding the differences between winter and summer diesel fuels is essential for maintaining the reliability of diesel-powered equipment during the colder season.
The key distinction between winter and summer diesel lies in their composition. Winter diesel contains additives, such as cold flow improvers, that enhance its performance in cold weather. These additives prevent the formation of wax crystals, which can clog fuel filters and lead to engine stalling. Summer diesel, on the other hand, has a higher cloud point, making it unsuitable for use during winter when temperatures drop below the cloud point, resulting in functional difficulties.
The precise freezing temperature of diesel fuel varies depending on its specific composition. Regular diesel typically freezes around −9 to −12 degrees Celsius (15.8 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit). However, winter diesel, with its additives, can achieve a lower freezing point of approximately -22 degrees Celsius (-7.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This lower freezing point provides much-needed protection against cold weather-related issues, such as fuel gelling and filter clogging.
The inclusion of kerosene in winter diesel blends is also noteworthy. Kerosene, a common household fuel, shares similarities with diesel but has a lower cloud point and pour point, making it more suitable for extremely cold temperatures. By blending kerosene with diesel, the winter blend achieves a lower freezing point while maintaining the energy density required for efficient diesel engine operation.
In summary, winter diesel's lower freezing point compared to summer diesel is a result of its unique composition, including the use of additives and kerosene blending. This distinction is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of diesel-powered vehicles and machinery during the winter season, preventing breakdowns and maintaining reliability in cold conditions.
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Gelled fuel can be re-liquefied with Power Service Diesel 911
Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of thousands of compounds, each with unique chemical and physical properties. The precise freezing temperature varies across these compounds, but diesel generally starts to gel at 34°F and is fully gelled by 15°F. This process can block filters and stop engines.
Power Service Diesel 911 is a specialised formula that can be used to re-liquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters. It is designed for emergency use and is not a substitute for a premium winter fuel anti-gel. Diesel 911 is compatible with other Power Service products, such as Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, which can be used preventatively to keep fuel from gelling.
To re-liquefy gelled fuel, add 16 ounces of Diesel 911 to every 20 gallons of fuel in the tank. Remove the fuel filters and fill them with a 50/50 mixture of Diesel 911 and diesel fuel. Reinstall the filters, start the engine, and let it idle to warm up the fuel system.
In addition to re-liquefying gelled fuel, Diesel 911 can also be used to prevent fuel-filter icing, remove water from the fuel system, and extend the life of fuel filters. It is effective in all diesel fuels, including Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel blends containing up to 20% biodiesel.
Diesel 911 is a trusted product used by various industries, including large fleets in North America, construction, and mining operations. It is also used by individuals for their vehicles and home heating systems to prevent fuel from freezing in cold weather.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel starts to freeze at 32°F, when the paraffin in the fuel begins to stiffen.
The process of diesel fuel freezing is called "gelling". This occurs due to the paraffin wax found in diesel thickening as temperatures begin to drop.
When diesel fuel freezes, it becomes cloudy and gel-like, and cannot be combusted. It can also plug filters and block fuel lines.
To prevent diesel fuel from freezing, you can use an anti-gel fuel additive, which lowers the cloud/freezing point of diesel fuel. Keeping your vehicle garaged and using block heaters can also help.
