ULSD clogging filters at 0-10 degrees

[DieselPower]

All of the fuel at the distribution point in my area (MD and PA) is treated. ULSD has to be treated with lubricity additives and most suppliers also add pour point depressants in the winter along with blending while even others add cetane improvers and biocides. I know alot of fuel tanker drivers and every one of them has told me they put additives into the tanks while they are filling up. They pull up to the bulk distribution points for ULSD, hit the button for additives and it automatically dispenses the correct amount of additives into the fuel as it is being dispensed. In my area the drivers I know drive for or deliver for Southern States, Tevco, Carroll Independant Fuel (CIF), Donaldson Distribution, Sheetz and BP are ones that come to mind.

Don't forget the process that removes the sulfur from the ULSD also removes other properties that add to lubricity. When it is pumped through the pipe lines it is sent from the refineries untreated and has to be treated at the distribution points.

 

[cp1969]

Again, in different parts of the country, things may vary.

Take a look at this link. It is one of the distributors we hauled from. In fact, we hauled the additives to to distribution terminals.

http://www.magellanlp.com/docs/MIDCON-Product Availability by Location.pdf

Notice in the right hand columns that there are only three additives which apply to diesel. The deicer is for jet fuel.

First additive is "CFI" or cold flow improver, which is a pour point depressant. This is what you get when you buy "X1" grade #2 diesel. It does nothing for lowering cloud point.

Second is PADP, or Premium Additive Diesel Package, which is what you get if you load Premium Diesel, or grade "D" diesel. Notice "D" is available not available everywhere, and every day diesel is loaded at these locations and hauled to gas stations, which begs the question...what did they do to treat their fuel?? (Answer: blend #1 with #2)

Third is Red Dye, which is for offroad fuel. Not really an additive at all.

Nowhere is there a choice for the driver or loader to specify any kind of an additive to add to grade "X" diesel, which is ULSD.

The additive package, if there is to be any from the above choices, is determined by the computer when the driver cards in, then specifies the supplier and the customer. The driver then selects the spout (there is a corresponding spout for every one of the grades of fuel available at that terminal) and connects it to his truck. That is the extend of his involvement. There is no point in the process where the driver gets an option to add or omit additive--it is determined for him, and as you can see, the additive selection is quite limited.

The bottom line is, to winterize fuel when hauling from this distributor, unless one buys premium diesel (where it is available) the only option is to blend.

Does it work this way in Pennsylvania? I have no idea; you may be 100% correct in what you say. If you know the pipeline supplier in your area, you can pull up a product sheet like I did and get the answer.

edit: Interesting note: Not only is LSD(XH) still available in some locations, so is HIGH sulfur diesel (X5)