Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is prone to gelling, a term used to describe the crystallization of waxes in diesel fuel in cold weather. This gelling can prevent fuel flow to the engine or clog fuel lines and filters, making it impossible for diesel engines to run. Gelling is a common issue in colder climates and can be managed with preventive measures, including heat, kerosene, and fuel additives. The gelling process starts when the fuel hits its cloud point, which gives it a cloudy appearance. As the temperature continues to drop, the fuel reaches its pour point, where it thickens and can no longer flow properly. Understanding diesel gelling and how to prevent it is crucial for vehicle maintenance and ensuring the reliable operation of diesel engines during winter.
Characteristics and Values of Diesel Fuel Gelling
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Crystallization of waxes in diesel fuel in cold weather |
| Temperature range | 10-15°F (-12°C to -9.4°C) or lower |
| Appearance | Cloudy or hazy |
| Impact | Prevents fuel flow to the engine, clogs fuel lines and filters |
| Prevention | Fuel heaters, fuel additives, kerosene, winter-blend fuel |
| Fuel types | No. 1 diesel, No. 2 diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax crystallisation in cold weather
The cloud point of diesel fuel is the temperature at which the waxes in the fuel begin to crystalise and the fuel takes on a cloudy or hazy appearance. For No. 2 diesel, the cloud point is typically around 14°Fahrenheit (-10°Celsius). As temperatures continue to drop, the wax crystals grow larger and begin to sink to the bottom of the fuel tank, forming a thick layer of dense wax. This further restricts fuel flow and can lead to operational issues.
To prevent paraffin wax crystallisation in cold weather, there are several measures that can be taken. One method is to use fuel heaters or fuel warmers, which maintain the fuel at a set temperature, preventing it from reaching the cloud point. Another approach is to use fuel additives, such as winter-blend additives like AFC 805, which lower the cloud point of the fuel. These additives contain cold flow improvers that dissolve the bonds in the paraffin wax, allowing the fuel to pass through filters more easily.
Additionally, blending diesel fuels with different cloud points can help prevent gelling. For example, mixing No. 1 diesel, which has a lower cloud point and less paraffin, with No. 2 diesel can extend the cold weather operability of the fuel. Proper maintenance, such as changing fuel filters before winter and ensuring good tank maintenance to prevent water accumulation, can also help mitigate the effects of gelling.
It is important to note that the diesel gelling temperature can vary depending on the composition and quality of the fuel. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor overnight temperatures and take preventive measures when temperatures approach the fuel's cloud point. By understanding the risks of paraffin wax crystallisation and taking appropriate actions, diesel fuel users can ensure the reliable operation of their vehicles during cold weather.
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Fuel heaters and energy consumption
Diesel fuel gelling is a common issue in colder climates, where the waxes in the fuel crystallise and cause the fuel to thicken and gel. This can prevent fuel flow to the engine and clog fuel lines and filters, impacting the vehicle's ability to start and run. To prevent this, fuel heaters are often used to maintain the temperature of the fuel in freezing conditions.
Fuel heaters, also known as fuel warmers or block heaters, are integrated into the systems that manage the fuel. They monitor the temperature of the fuel and adjust the heating element accordingly to prevent the fuel from reaching the cloud point, where the waxes begin to crystallise, and the gel point, where the fuel has completely solidified.
While fuel heaters are effective in preventing fuel gelling, they do contribute to energy consumption. The use of heaters and other electrical devices, such as light bulbs, can increase energy bills. This is especially true for climate-controlled garages, which can effectively protect vehicles at home but may not be feasible for those looking to keep energy costs low.
As an alternative to fuel heaters, there are other methods to prevent diesel fuel gelling. One common solution is to use kerosene, which has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel. By mixing kerosene with diesel fuel, the overall gelling point of the mixture is lowered. Other fuel additives, such as Hot Shot's Secret's EDT+ Winter Defence, can also be used to change the properties of the fuel so that it can withstand colder temperatures. These additives may contain cold flow improvers that dissolve the bonds in the waxes, allowing the fuel to pass through filters more easily.
Additionally, proper maintenance and preventive measures can help avoid gelling and icing issues. This includes changing fuel filters before cold weather arrives and ensuring proper tank maintenance to remove water droplets that can cause icing. Knowing the fuel's pour point and cloud point can also help prepare for extremely cold temperatures.
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Fuel additives and winterisation
Diesel fuel gelling is a common issue in colder climates, occurring when the paraffin wax in the fuel crystallises and thickens, causing the fuel to become gel-like and clog the fuel system. This can hinder the engine's operations and impact the vehicle's ability to start. To prevent this, fuel additives can be used to lower the cloud point of the fuel, improving its flow and performance.
Fuel additives, such as BOSS All Season Diesel Fuel Additive, contain cold flow improvers (CFI) and wax anti-settling agents (WASA) that work to change the shape of the paraffin structure and break the waxy bonds into smaller particles, allowing them to pass through filters more easily. This prevents the wax from clogging fuel lines and filters, improving the fuel's performance in cold weather.
Winter-blend fuel additives, such as AFC 805, are specifically designed for diesel winterisation and contain chemical compounds that significantly lower the cloud point of diesel fuel. These additives can be used to treat large volumes of fuel and improve operability in extreme low-temperature conditions.
In addition to fuel additives, fuel heaters or warmers can be integrated into fuel management systems to maintain a set temperature for the fuel in freezing conditions. This is an effective way to monitor and adjust the fuel temperature, preventing it from reaching the cloud point and gelling.
It is important to note that diesel fuel gelling can occur at different temperatures depending on the fuel's composition and quality. The cloud point, or the temperature at which the fuel becomes cloudy due to wax crystallisation, can vary, and the fuel's pour point, or the temperature at which it loses its flow characteristics, is typically a few degrees lower. Therefore, it is essential to know the lowest temperature your engine can operate at and to use the appropriate fuel additive or heater to prevent gelling during winter.
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Icing vs gelling
Gelling and icing are common issues with diesel fuel during winter. Gelling occurs when paraffin wax, a naturally occurring substance in diesel fuel, solidifies and bonds together at extremely low temperatures, typically around 14°F for No. 2 diesel. This solidification can prevent fuel flow to the engine and clog fuel lines and filters, causing significant operational issues. Gelling is more likely to occur in extremely cold environments, and fuel heaters or winter-blend fuel additives are effective ways to prevent it.
On the other hand, icing in diesel fuel is caused by the presence of water, which can enter the fuel system through condensation or other means. When temperatures drop, this water freezes and can cause issues with fuel flow and filters. Icing is the most common diesel fuel issue in winter, and it typically occurs at temperatures near 20 to 30 degrees. Proper tank maintenance and regular checks for water can help prevent icing.
It is important to differentiate between gelling and icing to address the issue effectively. Gelling can be prevented or resolved using fuel additives or heaters, while icing requires different measures, such as proper tank maintenance and addressing water accumulation.
In some cases, the two issues may be confused due to their similar effects on fuel flow and engine performance. However, a visual inspection of the fuel filter can help identify the problem, as gelling results in wax crystal formation, while icing manifests as ice crystals. Seeking professional help from a mechanic is advisable to accurately diagnose and address diesel gelling or icing issues.
Additionally, it is worth noting that diesel fuel purchased in different regions may have varying treatments, affecting their susceptibility to gelling or icing. For example, diesel fuel sold in colder regions like North Dakota during winter will likely have different treatments than fuel sold in milder climates.
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Diesel gelling temperature
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when the temperature drops, causing the paraffin wax in the fuel to crystallize and thicken, resulting in a gel-like consistency. This can obstruct the fuel system as the fuel solidifies and loses its ability to flow. The gelling process typically begins when the fuel reaches its ""cloud point", which is the temperature at which the waxes in the fuel crystallize enough to make the fuel appear cloudy. For No. 2 diesel, the cloud point is typically around 14°F (-10°C). However, the cloud point can vary depending on the quality of the fuel, ranging from as low as 10°F (-12°C) to as high as 40°F (4°C).
As the temperature continues to drop, the wax crystals grow larger and begin to restrict fuel flow. At temperatures between 10°F and 15°F (-12°C and -9°C), the waxes will cause the fuel to gel and clog fuel supply and filters. This temperature range is known as the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), which indicates the lowest possible temperature at which diesel fuel can pass through a 45-micron filter.
The "pour point" of diesel fuel is the temperature at which it loses its flow characteristics. It is typically 6°F to 10°F (-14°C to -12°C) lower than the cloud point. Below the pour point, diesel fuel can gel to the extent that it cannot flow through piping and filters, rendering it useless.
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, fuel heaters or fuel additives can be used. Fuel heaters maintain the fuel at a set temperature, preventing it from reaching the gelling temperature. Fuel additives, such as anti-gel supplements, cold flow improvers, and wax anti-settling agents, can be added to the fuel to lower the cloud point and prevent wax formation. These additives allow diesel fuel to pass through filters at lower temperatures and extend the operable temperature range down to around 0°F (-18°C).
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which crystallises in cold temperatures, thickening the fuel so it can no longer flow properly.
Diesel fuel gels at different temperatures depending on the supplier and their treatment. Diesel with no additives can gel at temperatures as high as 14°F, but diesel treated for colder climates can withstand temperatures as low as 45°F.
To prevent diesel fuel from gelling, you can use fuel heaters, store your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage, or use fuel additives such as kerosene, BOSS All Season Diesel Fuel Additive, or Hot Shot’s Secret’s EDT+ Winter Defense.
There are several signs that your diesel fuel has gelled, including a cloudy fuel appearance, white smoke from the exhaust when trying to accelerate, and the engine stopping when you’re sitting idle.
If your diesel fuel has gelled, you can use an additive such as Diesel 911 or Howes Life Line to turn it back into a liquid. You may also need to replace your fuel filters.
