Cold Weather and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel

Cold Weather and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel

HARRISBURG DEP is receiving reports of diesel-fueled trucks and buses experiencing difficulties starting due to diesel fuel gelling in the recent cold temperatures. US EPA has reported that the problem is more widespread than Pennsylvania, and the federal agency is investigating to determine if the problem is being specifically caused by the use of ultra low sulfur diesel, which U.S. EPA requires for use in diesel-fueled vehicles as of 2006 to improve air quality by reducing emissions of smog-forming pollutants and harmful particulates from diesel engines.

Historically, diesel engines have had problems starting in cold weather. To prevent similar problems with ULSD, the industry has developed a number of fuel-additive products for use in the cold-weather operation of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. Both fuel refinieries and terminals blend additives into ULSD supplies in anticipation of cold temperatures, and other additive products are available that drivers can add themselves into their fuel tanks in anticipation of extremely low temperatures.

In addition, EPA recommends that ULSD can be blended with Ultra Low Sulfur Kerosene (No. 1 diesel with no more than 15 ppm sulfur) to improve cold weather performance. With so many kerosene formulations on the market, care must be taken to select kerosene with a maximum of 15 ppm sulfur. Blend rates will remain the same as with Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.

DEP suggests that ULSD customers consult with their fuel suppliers or visit auto supply vendors and ask for anti-gelling diesel additive products.

In terms of dealing with a vehicle that is already stuck because of frozen or gelled fuel, the department recommends that the vehicle be towed to an indoor location where it can warm up until the fuel re-liquefies.

For more information on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel, visit EPA’s website at http://www.clean-diesel.org/