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On-Road
ULSD Fuel Q & A
As most of you know, the use of ULSD fuel will soon be required
for all 2007 and newer on-road diesel engines. Many are anxious
to know how the new requirement will affect them. We have created
the following list of frequently asked questions to educate your
customers about what ULSD means to their business in response
to this change.
What is ULSD?
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ULSD
is diesel fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 15 ppm (parts
per million) and is |
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often
referred to as S15. S15, S500, and S5000 are designations
for diesel fuels that |
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meet
15 ppm, 500 ppm, and 5,000 ppm maximum sulfur content, respectively. |
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ULSD
will be required for all 2007 and newer on-road diesel engines. |
What is
the timeline for the introduction of ULSD Fuel?
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On-Road
Diesel Fuel target dates (not required to convert to ULSD)
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Refinery - June 1, 2006 |
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Terminals - September 1, 2006 (California is July 15, 2006)
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Retail - October 15, 2006 (California is September 1, 2006) |
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Non
- Road/Construction conversion target is June 1, 2007 for
S500 then June 1, 2010 |
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for
S15 |
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Marine
and Locomotive ULSD conversion target is June 1, 2007 for
S500 then June 1, |
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2012
for S15 |
What are diesel dispenser pump labeling requirements?
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All
dispenser pumps must be labeled based on US Environmental
Protection Agency |
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(EPA)
guidelines and indicate the sulfur level and designation of
the fuel. For example, |
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any
dispenser with ULSD (S15) will state the fuel is required
for use in all model year |
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2007
and newer highway diesel vehicles and engines. It is also
recommended for use in |
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all
other diesel vehicles and engines. Any dispenser with S500
(500 ppm of sulfur) diesel |
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fuel
will state that the fuel is not suitable for fueling model
year 2007 and later vehicles. |
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The following EPA website provides more details on the dispenser
labeling |
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requirements: |
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Retailer
and Wholesale Labeling Requirements |
What is the chemical difference in the ULSD fuel?
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There
is no major chemical difference between current diesel fuels
and ULSD, but |
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ULSD
is further processed to remove additional sulfur, resulting
in fuel that contains |
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only 15ppm of sulfur. Certain fuel characteristics may be
affected by this process, |
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including: |
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LUBRICITY - Diesel fuel must adequately lubricate the
fuel injection system |
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components.
The additional processing removes naturally occurring lubricity |
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agents
in diesel fuel. All ULSD fuel will meet the required lubricity
specification. |
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Lubricity
additives will be used if needed. |
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FUEL DENSITY - Reduced density of the diesel fuel, resulting
in a slight |
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reduction
in energy content (BTU/gal). |
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CETANE - Reduced aromatics content, resulting in an increase
to the cetane |
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number.
Any improvement in cetane will vary with refinery source. |
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COLD FLOW - Potential effect on cold flow response. Cold
flow requirements |
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change
seasonally and regionally and ULSD will meet the local requirements
by |
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use
of appropriate additives and/or blending with No.1 ULSD. |
Will the
older engines require the new ULSD Fuel?
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No,
but older engines can use ULSD without modifications to the
engines. |
Why do I need to use the ULSD fuel in my new 2007 engines?
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Primarily
because use of higher sulfur fuels can damage the engine and
after-treatment |
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devices
designed to reduce emissions. |
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EPA
states these new regulations will significantly reduce nitrous
oxide (NOx) and |
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particulate
emissions. |
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EPA
has established a comprehensive program to regulate diesel
fuel along with the |
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production
of diesel engines. |
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Model
Year 2007 diesel engines will be required to meet more stringent
emissions |
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requirements
that will likely result in the use of high-efficiency catalytic
exhaust |
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emission
control devices. |
What will be the cost of the new ULSD fuel?
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There
are no cost estimates available at this time, but the retail
prices of ULSD will |
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ultimately
be market driven. |
Will there be a fuel penalty for using the ULSD fuel?
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Pre-2007
engines |
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Fuel density will decrease slightly and this may impact fuel
economy. |
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2007
and later engines |
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o
These engines will have additional emissions control devices
that, depending on |
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design,
may have an additional effect on mileage. |
What is the process for changing our tanks over to the ULSD fuel?
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The
suggested practice is to minimize tank inventory during the
transition period (June |
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through
October) and also to inspect and clean tanks that are in need
of servicing. |
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Particularly
during ULSD transition, good housekeeping practices and removal
of tank |
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sludge,
sediment and other contaminants will be very important. |
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Each
facility should demonstrate ULSD compliance prior to posting
the ULSD label. |
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Contact
your COP representative for guidance in developing a Quality
Assurance Plan |
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(QAP)
for tank conversions and product handling at your facility. |
Can the
ULSD fuel be mixed with the 500PPM diesel fuel?
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ULSD
can be mixed with S500, however it will have to be downgraded
to annual limits |
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per
facility. Downgraded product must be labeled accordingly and
limited to S500 sales. |
What can
I do to make sure my tanks are free from bacterial growth?
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Bacterial
growth can occur at the water/oil interface. Without water,
there is no growth. |
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Because
ULSD may be more susceptible to bacterial growth, good tank
maintenance |
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(housekeeping)
practices are even more important. Routine water bottom draining
and |
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tank bottom sampling should be established to ensure a clean
system and the efficacy |
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of
housekeeping measures. |
If I already have bacterial growth how do I treat the tanks to
eliminate the contamination?
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Contact
a tank cleaning or chemical company that specializes in tank
remediation. |
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Please
contact your regional ConocoPhillips Lubricants representative
for assistance. |
What happens if a station is out of compliance?
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The
retailer must provide a quick response for remediation |
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Stop sales of ULSD immediately |
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Re-label/downgrade to S500, remove product, etc. |
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Show documentation for receiving certified ULSD |
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Have a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) in effect showing proper
storage, handling |
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and
sampling etc. |
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Demonstrate no contamination at the site |
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EPA
has established fines and damages for facilities found not
to be in compliance. See |
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EPA
link below. |
REFERENCE LINKS:
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