- Diesel fuel intended for locomotive, marine and non-road engines and equipment is required to meet the Low Sulfur Diesel fuel maximum specification of 500 ppm sulfur in 2007.
- By June 2010, the ULSD fuel standard of 15 ppm sulfur will apply to non-road diesel fuel production.
- Beginning in 2012, locomotive and marine diesel fuel must meet the ULSD fuel standard of 15 ppm sulfur
- Effective June 1, 2006, refiners and importers nationwide are now required to ensure that at least 80 percent of the volume of the highway diesel fuel they produce or import is ULSD-compliant.
- Diesel fuel classified as Low Sulfur Diesel fuel may still be sold at retail locations outside of California until December 1, 2010.
ASTM D975 sets the lubricity spec by referring to a particular test method (ASTM D6079), known as 滴igh Frequency Reciprocating Rig?HFRR). In this test,diesel fuel is used as a lubricant between two standardized materials which are rubbed back and forth against each other. At the conclusion of the test,the size of the wear scar produced by the reciprocating action is measured. Fuels producing a wear scar diameter of 520 microns or less meet the specification.
Approximately half of the states, districts, and territories in the U.S. automatically adopted the most recent revision of ASTM D975. The others adopted an earlier version of D975, maintain their own specifications or have no diesel fuel specifications at all. Clearly, this does not inspire confidence that fuel quality in the United States is guaranteed by legislation. You should consult your local state fuel quality or Weights and Measures agency for the latest information applicable in your area.
In August 2005 the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) issued a statement saying that the 520 micron wear scar specification listed in ASTM D975 was not consistent with the requirements of fuel injection equipment manufacturers. They recommended that the lubricity specification be changed from 520 microns to 460 microns.
The processing required to reduce sulfur to 15 parts per million (ppm) also reduces the aromatic content (lubricity) and density of diesel fuel, resulting in a slight reduction in energy content (BTU/gal). The expected reduction in energy content is only approximately 1-2%.
Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance Information Center - Government - Industry - Consumers
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