Purpose And Scope

The purpose of this Recommended Practice (RP) is to educate equipment users on the basic types and functions of diesel fuel additives. This RP also provides information on adding additives and/or blending fuel to improve winter operability. For purposes of discussion within this RP, the term diesel is used to designate commercially available ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) in North America, as defined by ASTM D975 or CGSB 3.517 and 3.520. As per ASTM, ULSD is available in two grades-No. 2 and No. 1 (or Type B and Type A per CGSB). Grade No. 1 (or Type A) is a lighter middle distillate fuel with higher volatility than that provided by Grade No. 2. Grade No. 1 may be referred to as kerosene; however, true kerosene is subject to a separate specification commonly used in heating applications and exceeds the ULSD limit for sulfur.

This document covers:

1. Basic additive groups and functions.
2. Recommended tests for evaluating diesel fuel additives and additive packages.
3. The interaction between fuel additives and fuel housekeeping maintenance to bulk storage facilities and vehicle.
4. Winter operability issues of blending No.1 diesel fuel versus treating No. 2 diesel fuel.
5. The benefits of using diesel fuel additives on a year-round basis.