Confused - Sulfur as a natural lubricant in diesel

[penokee]

I may be in error, but seem to recall some past posts that stated something to the effect that sulfur wasn't needed in diesel because it wasn't a lubricant.

The attached, from the Modern Bulk Transportation (Publication ?), states that sulfur acts as a natural lubricant in diesel. Not the first time (or last) that I'll be confused concerning diesel.

penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Lubricity additives are needed in ULSD fuel to compensate for the low amount of sulfur, which acts as a natural lubricant in diesel. Poor lubricity means higher wear in truck engine components.

 

[penokee]

Attaching the entire article on ultra low sulfur diesel in case anyone interested.

Thread not meant to be political, economic, etc - just info for us tractor owners that burn diesel and will be affected by future developments in clean diesel.

If this post is off base - just delete.

penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://ragingbull.lycos.com/mboard/boards.cgi?board=RTK&read=50900

 

[SkyPup]

Sulfur is not a lubricant, it is simply a toxic contaminant of crudes and the hydroprocessing utilized most often by refineries to remove it (it is a water soluable molecule) also removes portions of other polar hydrocarbons that are lubricants.

The article is 100% completely wrong.

BTW, Europe, California, and Texas have been using ULSD without any problems and all of Canada and the US will be too this time next year! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[HGM]

SkyPup,
I havent had the oportunity to completely read the link, however, I would shy away from the 100% false statement for myself. Please dont missunderstand me, I can only relay information I have been presented since I'm not a chemist. To my understanding, sulfer is a natural lubricant, as well as a poloutant,similar to lead. Without knowing the exact makeup of the ULSD I cannot make the assumption as to what was added to supplement the missing sulfer though. I also agree, that the fuel has been used on the west coast for a while in current manufactured vehicles and there has been no negative feedback that I know of. One thing for sure is that part of the reason for the popularity of diesel in Europe is the fact that thier fuel is much cleaner and causes less coking and carbon build up inside the engines, allowing for more reliability. Please feel free to correct my comments and fill in any blanks I may have left, I can always stand to learn something new.

 

[JerryG]

Here is another TBN discussion about sulfur. Sulfur on TBN

 

[Egon]

There are different forms of sulphur. Some will lubricate under the proper conditions.

Egon

 

[Dargo]

Thanks for the post and link Jerry. I participated in the last debate on this issue. I'll just watch and read this one. I like a good debate as well as the next guy, but from the last thread I think you can see that there isn't any clear agreement. There is a lot of information available on the subject. Who is a guy to believe? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[SkyPup]

BTW, the sulfur atom is the central atom in a soot molecule surrounded by carbon atoms. Soot is not a lubricant, it is an extreme abrasive and the less sulfur the less soot. High sulfur fuel causes allot of carbon-soot buildup on the valves, cylinder head, rings, etc. .Also, SOx is extremely corrosive.

Bye Bye dirty toxic nonlubricating sulfur. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Remember, all of the USA and all of Canada will lose 95% of all sulfur in diesel fuel and gasoline by this time next year! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Of course, you can always purchase raw sulfur and add it to your fuel for that good ole dirty diesel nostalgic effect.......it sure does stink rank though. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Dargo]

Hey Skypup, do you think that the new low sulfur fuel will allow more diesel vehicles to be imported to the U.S.? I've read so many good things about the Toyota diesel pickups runing all over the world except here. They have been one of the most reliable and durable vehicles produced from what I've read. Think they may import them here now?

 

[SkyPup]

You bet, in fact, it is the only thing holding back a diesel revolution in North America! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

"On Friday, July 29, 2005 Congress passed much-awaited energy legislation that will provide up to $3,400 in tax incentives for clean diesel cars, trucks and SUVs. American drivers who purchase newer, cleaner-burning diesels will soon be eligible for tax incentives similar to those for gasoline-hybrid electric vehicles under a new national energy plan expected to be signed into law by President George W. Bush."

Beginning January 1, 2006, the new law allows consumers who purchase some new diesel-powered cars, light trucks and SUVs to be eligible for up to $3,400 in tax credits based on the weight, fuel efficiency rating and emissions level of the vehicle, as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The credit is available through December 31, 2010."

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

None of these modern powerful turbocharged Clean Diesels will work with the old rotgut high sulfur fuels either..... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif