Cold Diesel Fuel
When diesel fuel and heating oils are cooled to temperatures below their cloud points, paraffinic wax crystals form within the fuel. The now widespread practice of introducing fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) into diesel fuel can lead to additional wax crystal formation from saturated FAME. In addition, some oil companies are considering hydrogenated vegetable oils as biofuel components, which could introduce additional paraffinic waxes into diesel fuel. Without the addition of appropriate cold flow additives, these wax crystals can cause a number of problems:
At temperatures close to the cloud point, fuel system filters in both vehicle and static installations rapidly become blocked
At only slightly lower temperatures, an interlocking wax crystal structure forms that prevents flow within the fuel system (i.e. the pour point is reached)
The originator of middle distillate flow improvers (MDFI), Infineum’s predecessor also developed the first cold filter plugging point (CFPP) test in the 1960’s. In the 1970’s we created the low temperature flow test (LTFT) for North America. Infineum has formulated a broad range of specifically designed products to provide robust cold flow performance across a wide spectrum of middle-distillate fuels and their blends with FAME. The products, our highly professional technical service personnel and our global presence have enabled refiners to achieve trouble-free operations with attractive economics for more than four decades.
By modifying the size and shape of wax crystals, Infineum’s cold flow improvers can cost-effectively:
Reduce the tendency to block fuel filters and lines
Extend the temperature range over which a vehicle can operate (as measured by CFPP and other cold flow performance tests)
Further improve operability in fuels that presents a difference between cloud point (CP) and CFPP greater than 10 to 12° C as well as reduce wax settling when used with a Wax Anti-Settling Additive (WASA) (invented by Infineum’s predecessor in the late 1980’s)
Significantly lower the fuel pour point and improve fuel handling
Offer improved refining economics through upgrading of heavier products to the diesel pool (or kerosene upgrading to jet) and by maximising lower-cost feedstocks
