Diesel Fuel Additives to Meet Worldwide Performance and Emissions Requirements

A number of factors have contributed to a growing awareness of diesel fuel quality. Recent regulations promulgated by the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have emphasized the importance of diesel fuel properties on vehicle performance and emissions. This has created an interest in premium diesel fuel in the United States. Premium diesel has long been used in Europe to address the performance needs of the passenger car diesel market.

Studies show that additives can improve the quality of diesel fuel. A new application of cetane improvers is to reduce emissions from diesel engines. Other combustion improvers may also be employed. Diesel detergents are used to insure that these low emission levels can be maintained over extended periods. Engine tests recently developed by OEMs are being used to quantify the performance benefits of these additives.

Through the use of a properly formulated diesel additive package, it is possible to effect desirable changes in emissions and performance without the need for expensive modifications to engine hardware or refinery processes. As fuels are reformulated and engines become more sophisticated, diesel additives can make a major contribution towards compliance with future regulations.