Carboxylate Deposits
Waxy soaps in ULSD fuel can clog high-pressure common rail injectors in newer engines.
Wax
Wax can be found in diesel fuel and gels at low temperatures. The wax can cause filter plugging and starting problems. Our fuel treatment solutions work to prevent the crystallization of wax and disperse crystals evenly through fuel to prevent blockages.
Acids
Some contaminants in diesel fuel form acids in the combustion process. Acids forming can result in ring deterioration, corrosive wear, loss of compression, and blow-by. Our corrosion inhibitors help to neutralize acidic compounds to inhibit corrosion in fuel systems and engine components to extend component longevity.
Water Contamination and Biological Growth
Water
Natural moisture, such as rainwater, condensation, and seepage cause water contamination in fuel.
Water causes:
- Clogged filters
- Rust
- Corrosion
- Poor combustion
- Fuel line freeze ups
- Bacterial growth
- Fungal growth
Biological Growth
Fungus and bacteria enter fuel through air vents or water contamination, and biodiesel is particularly susceptible to biological growth.
Biological growth causes:
- Formation of corrosive acids (which can cause worn injectors and leaking storage tanks)
- Slime formation
- Bacteria feces (which clog filters and injector tips)
Storage Stability
According to studies, after 28 days of storage, diesel fuel degrades as much as 26%.
Oxidation
Diesel darkens as it degrades, and develops sediment and sludge. This development leads to starting problems, plugged filters, poor engine performance, reduced engine life and lower fuel economy.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel presents many problems, but one of the major problems is its poor oxidation resistance, microbial growth and susceptibility to water degradation, resulting in limited storage stability.
Contaminants, Light and Heat
The below factors all influence the speed of diesel fuel degradation:
- Corrosion
- Sunlight
- Water
- Microbial growth
- High temperatures
Exhaust Emissions
New engine technology has been developed to meet the reduced EURO emission standards, and meeting reduced emissions standards, while maximizing performance and fuel economy has resulted in new fuel related problems.
Sticking HPCR Fuel Injectors
To help reduce emissions and to produce a complete fuel burn, new high-pressure common rail injectors work at 1,800 bars and inject up to 3 times per stroke. Even microscopic deposits from poor fuel quality on HPCR injectors will reduce engine efficiency.
Clogged EGR Valves
EGR valves re-circulate up to 80% of exhaust back into the combustion chamber to burn:
- unburned fuel
- hydrocarbons
- residual nitrous oxide
Poor fuel quality clogs EGR valves with soot, and the result is:
- overboosting turbo chargers
- high coolant temperatures
- poor engine efficiency
At NCH, we believe that the best solution to enhanced diesel engine performance is to consistently improve fuel quality. Book a free consultation to discover how we can improve the quality and performance of your diesel fuel.