Ensuring that diesel fuel meets lubricity requirements

GE Water & Process Technologies is dedicated to helping refiners meet today's fuel lubricity requirements and prepare for cleaner-burning fuels in the future.

Diesel fuel must meet minimum lubricity requirements to protect components such as fuel injector pumps and fuel injectors against premature wear. Much of today's low-sulfur diesel (LSD) fuel stock has natural lubricity and does not need lubricity improvers. But tougher ultra-low-sulfur (ULSD) requirements, mandated by the U.S. EPA for #1 and #2 diesel fuel, take effect in June 2006. As refiners increase the severity of hydrotreating to cut sulfur content, most of the natural lubricity is removed.

The ASTM D-6079 diesel lubricity specification balances input from engine makers, standards officials, and fuels producers. It says that a "wear scar" no larger that 520 microns in diameter should result from a standardized wear test

Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of today's LSD pool will need a lubricity improver to meet the 520-micron specification and that up to 75 percent of the diesel pool could require treatment as refiners convert to ULSD production in 2006 and beyond.

GE lubricity improvers perform even in the coldest climates and are "A" certified for use with the new ULSD fuels. In addition, GE is an active participant with the industry and its customers in developing the lubricity standard. We are also helping to develop the technologies and products that customers and pipeliners will use to meet that standard.