Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel additives are used to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel and can be added at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, and after the fuel has left the producer. Additives are used to aid handling and distribution, improve fuel stability, protect engines and fuel systems, and influence the combustion process. They can also be used to differentiate products in the marketplace, with companies marketing “regular” or “premium” grade diesel fuels. Diesel fuel lubricity is essential for the protection of modern diesel engine components, and additives can help to reduce fuel consumption and increase fuel efficiency. In cold weather, anti-gel diesel additives are used to prevent fuel tanks and filters from clogging.
Diesel Fuel Additives Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Serve different purposes such as protecting fuel injectors from deposits, preventing corrosion, improving ignition, enhancing fuel stability, and improving cold weather performance |
| Types | Refinery additives, fuel distribution system additives, aftermarket additives (added by the end user or reseller), fuel-borne catalysts (FBC), drag-reducing additives, corrosion inhibitors, de-icers, detergents, lubricity improvers, cetane enhancers, anti-gel additives, anti-foam additives, stability improvers, cold flow improvers, biocides |
| Benefits | Improve engine performance, increase fuel lubricity, reduce emissions, prevent fuel system icing, clean fuel management systems, improve fuel stability, differentiate products in the marketplace |
| Risks | May destroy diesel fuel systems, void warranties, cause adverse interactions with other additives or fuel components, increase costs with no noticeable benefit |
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What You'll Learn
Additive use cases and timing
Additives are used in diesel fuel to improve its characteristics and performance. They can be added at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, or after the fuel has left the producer's control. The use of additives can be categorised in several ways, including aiding handling and distribution, improving fuel stability, protecting engines and fuel systems, and influencing the combustion process.
One key use case for diesel additives is to improve fuel lubricity, which is essential for protecting modern diesel engine components and maintaining peak engine performance. This is especially important for high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) engines, where increased wear and deposits can interfere with the optimum spray pattern, leading to reduced power and fuel economy. The desulfurization process, which helps diesel fuel meet ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) requirements, also strips the fuel of its natural lubricating properties. Therefore, additives are used to enhance lubricity and protect engine components.
Another important use case for diesel additives is in cold weather conditions. Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which starts to crystallize at 32°F and turns to gel at 11 to 15°F, clogging the fuel tank and filters. Anti-gel additives are used to lower the gelling point and improve engine performance in cold weather. De-icers are another type of additive that can be used to prevent fuel system icing. These additives are particularly relevant for diesel engines as diesel fuel is heavier and more prone to change over time, even in storage.
Additionally, diesel additives can help reduce fuel consumption and improve combustion by reducing the quantity of soot and particulate matter produced. They can also address specific issues such as stiction, which can affect engine performance.
The timing of additive use is important, especially in cold weather. It is recommended to use anti-gel additives when temperatures reach the freezing point and to add them before filling up the tank to ensure a proper mix. Some additives, such as de-icers and lubricity improvers, are typically added at the refinery or fuel terminal, while others are added by the end user as aftermarket additives. It is important to carefully research and follow the recommendations of the additive supplier and engine manufacturer when using additives to avoid any adverse effects on the engine or warranty issues.
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Improving engine performance
One way additives improve engine performance is by optimising combustion. By enhancing the fuel's properties, additives enable more efficient fuel combustion, reducing fuel consumption and costs. This leads to a smoother and more responsive driving experience and improved engine performance.
Another way additives improve engine performance is by reducing engine wear. Specific properties in additives, such as lubricants, minimise engine wear and extend engine life. They provide a protective barrier to reduce friction and wear on critical engine components, such as fuel injectors. By protecting these components, additives contribute to the prolonged lifespan and reliability of the engine.
Cetane boosters are a type of additive that enhances fuel combustion and power generation. By increasing the cetane number, additives improve the fuel's ignition quality, resulting in smoother engine operation and reduced emissions. Cetane boosters are particularly beneficial for cold starting, ensuring reliable ignition in low-temperature conditions.
Additives can also improve engine performance by stabilising diesel fuel and preventing degradation. They inhibit the formation of harmful deposits, maintaining fuel stability and ensuring diesel fuel remains in optimal condition, even during long-term storage. This is especially important for commercial fleet operators who require fuel availability over extended periods.
Some additives may also have multiple functions, influencing more than one category, such as handling, distribution, fuel stability, and the combustion process. It is important to select additives carefully to avoid any adverse side effects on the base fuel.
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Fuel stability
Diesel fuel additives are essential for modern engines, especially those with high-pressure fuel systems. They are particularly crucial for addressing issues related to fuel stability and lubricity.
To combat fuel stability issues, stability improvers are added as diesel fuel additives. These additives, also known as oxidation stabilizers or thermal stabilizers, are designed to prevent the breakdown of diesel fuel under high-temperature conditions. They inhibit the formation of sludge, sediments, and deposits, ensuring that the fuel remains stable and minimizing the risk of operational problems.
One example of a diesel fuel additive that enhances fuel stability is Dee-Zol Life. This additive is specifically formulated to prevent issues associated with fuel aging and breakdown during long-term storage. By reducing the formation of sludge and deposits, Dee-Zol Life helps diesel fuel meet and exceed storage standards, including U.S. Military and ASTM Storage Standards.
In addition to stability improvers, other types of additives also contribute to enhancing fuel stability indirectly. For instance, detergents and dispersants within the additive packages help keep fuel systems clean by preventing deposit formation. This, in turn, maintains efficient combustion patterns and optimal engine performance, reducing the likelihood of fuel stability-related issues.
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Controlling contaminants
Diesel fuel contamination can cause serious harm to engines and tanks, and even result in leaks and environmental damage. Microbial contamination, or "diesel bug", is almost always present in fuels to some degree. Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation, rainwater, or absorption from the air, and this encourages microbial growth. This can lead to the need to replace fuel filters and fuel injectors more frequently, and the premature wearing of rings and cylinder liners, resulting in higher oil consumption.
To prevent microbial diesel fuel contamination, it is important to control tank water buildup. Products such as Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus are formulated to do this. However, even the best housekeeping methods can fail, especially if not everyone in the supply chain is doing the same thing. Once a microbial problem has occurred, it must be treated with a biocide.
It is also important to test for microbial contamination. Testing is the third arm of the Hybrid Approach to Fuel Care, alongside chemical and mechanical methods, and is considered best practice for taking care of stored fuel.
In addition, fuel additives can be used to increase fuel lubricity and reduce fuel pump and injector wear. However, it is important to note that inappropriate use of additives may have adverse effects on the engine and may affect engine warranties. Additives should be chosen based on careful research and used in accordance with the recommendations of the additive supplier and the engine manufacturer.
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Cold weather considerations
Cold weather can put a strain on diesel engines, and diesel fuel does not perform well in cold weather. When temperatures drop, diesel forms crystals that clog fuel filters and fuel lines, and cause issues such as difficulty starting the engine or power loss. This is due to the paraffin in diesel fuel, which tends to gel and form clumps in cold weather.
To prevent these issues, a diesel additive for winter can be used. This additive lowers the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of the fuel, as well as the overall pour point of the fuel. The CFPP is the point at which the fuel can still pass through a 45-micron screen, and the pour point is when the paraffin forms wax crystals and prevents the fuel from flowing. By lowering these points, the additive helps to prevent clogged fuel filters and fuel lines, and improves the engine's cold-weather performance.
There are several diesel additives available on the market, such as Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, Fuel Ox Star Plus Bio, and Power Service. These additives can be added to the fuel tank each time before refuelling, and the amount added should be based on the instructions on the bottle and the temperature. It is important to note that anti-gel additives will not harm your engine, so it is better to use more if you are unsure.
In addition to using a diesel additive, there are other steps you can take to protect your diesel engine in cold weather. For example, it is recommended to replace your fuel filter if it has been in use for a while, and to use a lubricating diesel additive to prevent engine wear and tear. It is also important to treat your fuel with a year-round additive to keep water out, as water can freeze and cause issues in cold weather.
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Frequently asked questions
Additives are used to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel. They can aid handling and distribution, improve fuel stability, protect engines and fuel systems, and influence the combustion process.
Additives can improve the performance of diesel engines, increase fuel economy, and prolong engine life. They can also help meet government mandates for reduced emissions.
Additives can be added to diesel fuel at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, and after the fuel has left the producer. Most diesel additives are intended for daily use with every fill-up unless stated otherwise.
Some common diesel fuel additives include lubricity additives, ignition improvers, stability improvers, and cold flow improvers. Specific product examples include Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean, Sea Foam, and AMSOIL Diesel 4-in-1.
