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Summer grade fuel left in tanks over winter can start to ‘wax’ because
of cold and harsh weather. WCF Fuels North West supply our Winter grade fuel starting
in November and finishing in March. This contains additives that lower the
temperature where fuel would normally begin to wax. It will also help to
protect your fuel and machinery, even in freezing temperatures.
All diesel fuel contains paraffin, it is the paraffin content that gives
diesel the high cetane number that makes for efficient combustion. Normally,
the paraffin is dissolved in the fuel, however, when the weather turns cold,
cooling the gas oil left in machinery and vehicles these paraffin molecules
start to form crystals and solidify.
If the temperature is low enough, larger crystals form and cause filters
to become blocked, in more extreme cases the narrow bore pipework can become
blocked, stopping the engine from receiving the fuel it needs.
If wax crystals have formed in your fuel and has a milky or a cloudy appearance, then this is indicating a wax build-up. You can also notice ‘waxing’ in your agricultural vehicles, for example if your engine is starting to stutter, stall or fails to start.
Winter grade fuel is available from 1st November to mid-March aligning
with the colder months when protecting your gas oil against ‘waxing’ is
critical.
We advise that the entire volume of your tank meets winter
specifications. If you have lots of summer-grade gas oil left as winter
approaches, you should consider adding an anti-wax additive that will work to
prevent wax crystallisation and lower the CFPP of your fuel. You will need to
use this product before the cold temperatures hit, otherwise, it will not take
effect. If you only need one gas oil delivery a year, use winter-grade fuel and
ensure it will last until the following winter season.
Fuel storage plays an important role in reducing the formation of
paraffin crystals in your gas oil. By insulating your tank, filters and
pipelines you can help your fuel stay in good condition during poor
weather.
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The cold filter plugging point (CFPP) is used for all European gas oil to measure its resistance to cold temperatures. Laboratory testing involves gradually cooling a sample down and drawing it through a fine mesh filter at every degree Celsius. The temperature at which the filter blocks is the CFPP point, and this figure determines the cold weather performance of the fuel. Winter grade British Standard BS 2869 has a CFPP specification of -12°C maximum.
Winter grade fuel can be used all year round, however, summer grade diesel is optimised for only the summer months due to its slightly higher viscosity. We always recommend that our customers take steps to mitigate issues during winter, our friendly, award winning team will be able to assist you where needed and give the best possible advice needed. Give them a call today on 01524 733669 or email us at sales@wcfnw.co.uk
