Designing Diesel Fuels and Fuel Systems for Low Temperatures

A new technology in the auto diesel fuel field is benefiting both refiners and diesel equipment users. It is based on the development of an additive which improves low temperature flow properties of middle distillate fuels. The additive is being used successfully in commercial diesel fuel applications and has been studied in field tests. Results demonstrate that additive treated fuels give excellent results in a variety of diesel equipment. However, fuel systems designed for good low temperature operation are an integral part of this new technology. This paper discusses what we have learned in laboratory and field testing about the design of fuels and fuel systems for low temperatures.