Frozen diesel – how modern diesel gels

The formulation of diesel has changed dramatically in recent years. Regulations introduced mean that the levels of sulphur in diesel must be reduced. Biofuel and FAME (Fatty Acid, Methyl, Ester) are added to diesel up to seven per cent.

Although this reduced the sulphur content, FAME tends to form sludge and engine deposits with the diesel becoming more susceptible to clogged filters and most importantly diesel degradation. This degradation then allows water to get into diesel. It is this water that has now contaminated your diesel becoming frozen during cold spells. The result is damage to your filter and fuel systems.

Stages of Frozen Diesel
ICE – As there is now an increased amount of water present in your diesel no matter where it comes from your diesel is at risk once temperatures begin to drop as water freezes at 0°C and this free water in your diesel will turn to ice crystals which can damage filters and fuel systems and in large quantity can completely block filters or pipes.

Cloud Point – Like water, the hydrocarbons that are made from turn solid when they reach their freezing point. However, before they reach their freezing point as they start to cool down, they will begin to form smaller crystals. These crystals are not ice crystals like you get from frozen water as hydrocarbons turn into a waxy substance as they freeze. As these waxy crystals begin to form, the diesel takes on a white hazy/cloudy appearance. This waxy substance begins to block filters causing issues to the flow of the fuel. This cloud point can start to appear at temperatures below 4°C.

Gelling – As temperatures drop below 4°C and again below 0°C the diesel starts to turn cloudy from the wax crystals forming and then ice crystals from the frozen water and as the diesel falls below -15°C the wax crystals will become larger as the waxy substance becomes thicker and begins to make your diesel look like a gel, it is impossible for this diesel to then flow thus you are unable to start your engine until you warm the diesel up.

Actioil Diesel Treatment
Additives are the best way to combat the problems associated with modern diesel and to help with diesel gelling, however, most additives must be added every time you fill the tank either the storage or the machine/vehicle tank. Actioil Diesel System treatment only has to be used once a year in the vehicle/machine tank or once every three years in a storage tank to eradicate any bacteria and lubricity issues and to extend the lifespan of your diesel.

Actioil will also eradicate any water in your diesel preventing ice crystals from ever forming, and when used with each fill of your storage tank it can also reduce the cloud and gelling points of your fuel further. Simply using 1 Litre of Actioil per 1,000L of fuel in your tank will bring the freezing point of your diesel down from -15°C to -21°C. The table below shows the amount of Actioil you require to reach -24°C & -28°C.

Other Functions of Actioil
Actioil is a complete diesel fuel system treatment that both prevents & solves the prominent problems that are associated with modern diesel. Actioil is a treatment with Biocide, used worldwide & approved by some of the largest fuel suppliers and leading vehicle manufacturers.

It is extremely easy to use and provides long-lasting action restoring your fuel and improving its performance whilst also preventing further contamination. Actioil can be used in your vehicle/machine and your storage tank. Protection from the treatment of your storage tank can last for up to three years and up to 1 year in your vehicle/machine. The cleanliness of your tank & fuel system is the guarantee of healthy fuel

The Results
Actiol provides several key benefits to both your tank and diesel. These include:

• Eliminates & prevents the reappearance of bacteria.
• Improves the lubricity of the fuel.
• Forms a protective Nano-film that prevents corrosion of the tanks & diesel systems.
• Atomises water particles & encompass them, so they are eliminated together with the fuel.
• Protects the pumps & injectors.
• Restores the performance of diesel engines.
• Increases the effective life of the fuel from 30 days to nine months.
• Prevents the formation of paraffin & the crystallization of the fuel.
• Transforms the sludge in the base of your tank back into fuel.

This essential diesel treatment is available today from Finol oils, the official distributor of Actioil in Ireland. Contact the Finol technical team at 01-4555484 or go to www.finol.ie/actioil/ for further information.