FS Dieselex and #2 Oil - Pour Point Depressant Change

In past years, Dieselex and #2 Oil has historically been treated with a Pour Point Depressant during November through March to ensure colder pour points. Pour point depressant additives do not affect cloud point and filter plugging during cold weather operability. Not all fuel loading terminals offered pour point additives. Due to the added expense of up to $.004 per gallon, a decision had to be made. With fuel handling technology and equipment changes today, Dieselex and #2 Oil will no longer be treated with the Pour Point Depressant additive.

In the past few years the following practices have been discovered to work well in colder temperature operations:

1. Distillate fuels are handled differently with underground storage becoming more popular.
2. Midwest winters have smaller effect on distillate pour point than once thought.
3. Wax crystal modification using CFPP additives and SURE-FLO are more important to keep engines running than pour point depressants.
4. Continued use of #1 Diesel Fuel/Fuel Oil is used to lower cloud and pour points where needed.
5. Newer engine designs are returning heated fuel to unit storage tanks at warmer temperatures.
6. Auxiliary on-board fuel heating accessories are being utilized to ensure cold weather operation.

The above does not replace a good storage and power unit fuel tank maintenance program. It is important all moisture and free water be removed from storage tanks before colder temperatures. The slightest amount of moisture absorbed by distillate fuels will be squeezed out to form ice crystals when the fuel molecules contract in colder temperatures.

It is still recommended to use a CFPP, Sure-Flo, or #1 Diesel Fuel or #1 Burner Fuel for cold weather operation. Refer to the Energy Manual for temperature charts and blending rates.

If additional information is required, I may be reached at ex: 6365.

Charles Brashear, Manager Technical Services, Training and Safety

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