10/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2024 07:58
As winter approaches, the chilling temperatures can wreak havoc on your fuel storage tanks, putting your operations at risk. Are you ready to ensure your fuel remains reliable during the cold months ahead? Preparing your tanks is essential not only for maintaining fuel quality, but also for preventing costly disruptions.
As temperatures drop, you may notice that your fuel undergoes significant changes, including the risk of gelling. This can lead to the frustration of your fuel system shutting down unexpectedly. In today's article, we will explore how to prevent fuel gelling and prepare your tanks for winter.
Winterizing your Fuel
Ultra-low sulfur diesel #2, or diesel, contains natural paraffin wax. These tiny wax molecules float in the fuel with carbon and other substances. While wax isn't always a problem - small wax particles can pass through filters and even help your engine run better - cold weather can cause issues. As temperatures drop, these wax molecules tend to clump together, causing the fuel to become cloudy, also known as the Cloud Point. The colder the weather, the more paraffins drop out of the fuel and gel together. Larger paraffin chunks clog filters, preventing fuel from flowing through. The point at which your filter plugs and operations cease is called the CFPP - Cold Filter Plug Point. The CFPP is the most important metric for fleet operators, since that's the point at which operations are disrupted.
Using winter additives is effective in preventing and addressing gelling incidents. These additives, also known as cold-flow improvers, are essential for stopping fuel from gelling or clogging in cold conditions. They lower the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) of diesel, ensuring smooth fuel flow through engines and filters. Click here to learn more about how to winterize your fuel based on your region.
Preparing Storage Equipment
Developing a comprehensive winterization strategy is essential to prevent winter-related failures, and you should start by establishing a preventative maintenance plan.
Have you considered testing your fuel for cold filter plugging point (CFPP)? As we mentioned before, this is one of the most important metrics for fleet operators to monitor during winter. Therefore, you should aim for pre-season and post-season fuel tests, along with monthly checks throughout the winter months.
Additionally, cold air holds less moisture, what can result in condensation inside tanks. This moisture can promote microbial growth and corrosion, leading to further complications. Actively managing the risk of water in your tanks and pumps can prevent frozen water from also damaging your system.
Best Practices for Fuel Management during winter
Pre-Treated Fuel
Switching to winterized diesel can make a significant difference in your operations during the colder months. Pre-treated fuel not only helps maintain efficient engine operation but also reduces the risk of gelling, as you will be receiving the fuel with the right treatment recommended for the forecasted region you operate in. If you haven't made the switch yet, consider how it might benefit your winter fuel management strategy. Starting in October, Mansfield Energy switch customers in applicable regions to ColdPRO winterized fuel to safeguard their fuel supply.
Mansfield's Arsenal ColdPRO is a program to improve your fuel's cold-weather performance, offering consistent and accurate treatments, minimizing kerosene cost, and performing nationwide fuel testing. Don't wait for winter to hit-take the time now to evaluate your regional needs and adjust your blending practices accordingly.
With the right strategy in place, you can keep your fleet running smoothly throughout the winter season, regardless of where you operate. Contact us today!
This article is part of Daily Market News & Insights
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