Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel has a tendency to foam, which can be a nuisance for drivers and cause fuel wastage. This foaming occurs due to the kerosene/naphtha properties in diesel, and is more prevalent when using high-flow pumps or nozzles. The viscosity of the fuel and airflow rate during pumping also influence the amount of foam produced, with higher viscosity and airflow leading to increased foaming. Additionally, some batches of diesel foam more than others, and factors like temperature and formula changes may also play a role. While foaming is a common issue, it can be mitigated by slowing down the flow rate of the pump or using additives in the fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel property | Prone to aeration and foaming |
| Cause of foaming | Agitation, high-flow pumps, nozzle design, fuel pressure, venting issues, weather, formula change, etc. |
| Impact | Overflow, spillage, inaccurate fuel mileage checks, inconvenience, wastage |
| Solutions | Slowing down the pump, repositioning the nozzle, maroon harpoon mod, anti-foam additives, advanced detergents |
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What You'll Learn
Nozzle design, fuel pressure, and pumping speed
Nozzle design plays a crucial role in diesel fuel foaming. Some nozzles have larger diameters, which can block the vent, causing the fuel to foam. The rubber seal around the filler nozzle, designed to prevent the escape of fumes, can also contribute to foaming. Additionally, the speed at which diesel is pumped affects foaming. High-flow pumps and nozzles tend to cause more foaming, especially when the fuel is pumped too quickly. Slowing down the pumping speed and using a lower setting can help reduce foaming.
The pressure at which diesel is dispensed through the nozzle also influences foaming. High-pressure nozzles can cause the foam to back up the tube, leading to overflow. Reducing the fuel flow rate by partially releasing the nozzle trigger can help alleviate this issue. However, some high-pressure nozzles may still cause foaming even at low flow rates. Finding a pump that delivers a clear, non-foamy stream of fuel at a higher flow rate can mitigate foaming issues.
The design of the nozzle also interacts with pumping speed to affect foaming. Partial opening of the nozzle can create foam in the delivery gun, resulting in foam in the tank. Using a full-flow bowser pump and ensuring the nozzle is fully open can help prevent foaming. Additionally, the angle at which the nozzle is positioned can impact foaming. Adjusting the angle and repositioning the nozzle in the filler hole may reduce foaming.
In summary, nozzle design, fuel pressure, and pumping speed are interconnected factors that influence diesel fuel foaming. To minimise foaming, it is recommended to use nozzles with appropriate designs and diameters, maintain optimal fuel pressure, and control the pumping speed to prevent excessive foaming during diesel refuelling.
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Kerosene/naphtha properties in diesel
Kerosene, also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, is a combustible chemical formula derived from petroleum. It is a hydrocarbon liquid that is used as a fuel for jet engines, furnaces, lamps, and heaters. Kerosene has a lower boiling point than diesel, and thus is extracted from crude oil first, followed by diesel. While diesel is almost exclusively used for vehicles, kerosene is used in a variety of engine systems.
Kerosene has a flash point of 37-38°C (99-100°F) and a freezing point of around -40°C/-40°F. It is a low-viscosity, clear liquid formed from hydrocarbons obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum between 150 and 275°C (300 and 525°F). Kerosene is cheaper than diesel and burns at a lower temperature, preventing gelling in freezing temperatures. This makes it a perfect alternative to diesel in cold climates.
However, there are several disadvantages to using kerosene in diesel engines. Kerosene has very little lubricity compared to diesel, which can cause fuel pumps to burn out. It also has less total energy than diesel, which means that burning a gallon of kerosene will produce less total heat than burning a gallon of diesel. Additionally, kerosene is considered a polluting fuel by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends against its household use due to the high levels of harmful particulate matter in kerosene smoke.
Naphtha is a clear liquid composed of carbon chains in the C5, C6, and C7 range. It is easily vaporized and is used as a solvent in products such as dry cleaning fluids, paint solvents, and other quick-drying products. Naphtha is more volatile than kerosene and diesel fuel. While kerosene is derived from fractional distillation, naphtha can be created by adulterating kerosene with cheaper, more volatile hydrocarbon mixtures.
The kerosene and naphtha properties in diesel contribute to the foaming of diesel fuel, especially when using high-flow nozzles.
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Diesel quality issues
Diesel foaming is a common issue for diesel drivers and operators, especially in the United States. It occurs when air is forced into the fuel during the pumping process, causing it to become aerated and frothy. This can lead to overflow, with foam spilling out of the tank before the pump trigger shuts off the fuel flow. While this may be considered a mere annoyance by some, it can result in fuel waste, especially when it happens repeatedly.
Several factors can contribute to diesel foaming. One key factor is the design of the nozzle and pump setup. High-flow pumps, large-diameter filler nozzles, and partial openings of the nozzle can all increase the likelihood of foaming. Additionally, the speed at which the fuel is pumped can play a role, with faster flow rates often resulting in more foaming. In some cases, the position of the nozzle in the filler neck may need to be adjusted to reduce foaming.
The composition of the diesel fuel itself can also be a factor. Some batches of diesel tend to foam more than others, possibly due to the presence of certain additives or the inclusion of bio-fuel. It has also been suggested that formula changes or seasonal variations in the fuel blend could influence its tendency to foam. For example, some users have reported increased foaming during the winter or with the winter blend of diesel.
To mitigate diesel foaming, various strategies can be employed. One approach is to use a low or slow flow rate when pumping diesel, as higher flow rates tend to increase foaming. Repositioning the nozzle within the filler neck or using a pump that delivers a clear stream of fuel, rather than a foamy one, can also help. In some cases, modifications to the vent tube or the use of fuel additives specifically designed to reduce foaming may be recommended.
While foaming may be a common issue with diesel fuel, it is important to recognize that it is symptomatic of broader diesel quality issues, particularly in the American diesel market. Addressing these quality concerns through advocacy, education, and the adoption of advanced additive technologies can help improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of diesel fuels and vehicles.
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Fuel tank venting
Diesel fuel tends to froth and foam, especially when using high-flow pumps. This is due to the aeration of the diesel, which is a common trait of the fuel. The faster the pump, the more foam is produced. This is not a problem with the fuel but rather a characteristic of diesel when filling up a tank.
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Fuel additives
Foaming is a common issue with diesel fuel, especially when using high-flow pumps. This foaming is due to the aeration of the fuel, which can cause it to overflow and spill onto the ground, the vehicle, or even the pump operator. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can result in significant fuel waste, especially when it occurs frequently.
One way to address this problem is by using fuel additives, which can reduce or eliminate foaming. Lubrizol, for example, offers fuel additive technology that not only reduces foaming but also improves the long-term performance, cleanliness, efficiency, and reliability of diesel engines.
There are several types of fuel additives available for diesel engines, each serving a specific purpose:
- Anti-gel additives: In cold conditions, diesel fuel can turn into a waxy, gel-like substance, restricting fuel flow and potentially damaging the engine. Anti-gel additives prevent this gelling and can also help clear built-up gel from lines and filters.
- Stabilizers: Diesel fuel can break down over time, especially when exposed to varying temperature cycles. Stabilizers help prevent fuel degradation, ensuring it remains usable.
- Cetane boosters: Diesel fuel receives a cetane rating during the refining process, which indicates its combustion speed and necessary compression for ignition. Higher cetane ratings indicate better fuel quality. Cetane boosters raise the cetane rating of the fuel, improving ignition speed and acting as a lubricant to protect fuel system components.
It is important to note that while fuel additives can provide significant benefits, they are not widely utilized in the American diesel market, indicating a larger issue within the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel has a tendency to foam due to its chemical composition. The kerosene/naphtha properties in diesel are what cause this foaming effect.
To prevent foaming, try using a pump that puts out a clear stream of fuel at a high volume flow. You can also try pumping at a slower rate, or using a different nozzle.
Foaming diesel fuel can be a simple annoyance, but it can also result in fuel waste and spillage. This can impact the accuracy of fuel mileage checks and calculations.
