Problems with Diesel Fuel

Lower diesel quality

To reduce emissions and comply with stricter environmental limits, diesel fuels have been modified:

Lower amount of sulfur (below 10 ppm):

EC directive mandates that diesel fuel contains no more than 10 ppm of sulfur.

Sulfur removal (natural lubricant) has caused two major problems, mechanical wear and chemical wear (process to remove sulfur removes corrosion inhibitors). It leads to poor fuel economy, excessive emissions and equipment breakdown. Contain a percentage of biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters or FAME): To comply with EU requirements, diesel must now contain 5-7% FAME due to environmental benefits. This can lead to poor combustion and contaminants.

Poor combustion

Measured by the cetane number it indicates the ignition ability of the fuel. Low cetane negatively affects ignition ability of the fuel. It causes higher fuel consumption, power loss, increased emissions and detonation wear.

Contaminants

Wax & Sludge and Water

Wax & sludge results in hard start & fuel gelling, clogged injectors & filters, pump breakage and excessive emissions. Water contamination lead to rust & corrosion, water freezing, bacteria growth, acid formation and injector & filter clogging. It also causes poor combustion and pump damage.