058 - Back to School - Diesel Gelling Temps
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this Fuel Pulse Show podcast episode, host Erik Bjornstad delves deeper into the complexities of diesel fuel gelling. Building on previous discussions about cloud point and cold filter plug point temperatures, Bjornstad explains how temperature patterns, not just absolute temperatures, affect fuel gelling. He presents four common temperature scenarios and their impacts on diesel fuel, highlighting the importance of sustained cold periods and sudden temperature drops. The episode emphasizes that while typical cloud points for diesel fuels are around 16-17°F, individual fuel compositions and...
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057 - Back to School - Why Diesel Gels
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad explores diesel fuel's behavior in cold temperatures. He explains the fuel's composition, focusing on paraffin wax molecules and their role in cold weather problems. The episode covers key concepts such as cloud point and cold filter plug point, detailing how paraffin wax crystallization occurs and affects fuel performance. Bjornstad provides typical temperature ranges for these phenomena and discusses factors influencing fuel gelling. The episode concludes with a preview of future content on temperature patterns and...
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056 - Back to School - Long Term Fuel Storage
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show, host Erik Bjornstad delves into the basics of long-term diesel fuel storage. He explains that diesel fuel begins to degrade almost immediately after refining due to unstable molecules and environmental factors like heat, oxygen, water, and microbial contamination. Bjornstad discusses various tests to assess fuel health, including water and sediment, oxidative stability, and microbial testing. He recommends removing water and biomass, eliminating microbial contamination, and using fuel stabilizers to slow degradation. The episode emphasizes the importance...
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055 - Back to School - ULSD
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode of the Fuel Pulse Show introduces a "Back to School" series, focusing on the differences between modern Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and older diesel fuels. Host Eric Bjornstad explains how sulfur content in diesel fuel has been drastically reduced over the past 35 years due to environmental regulations. While this change has improved air quality, it has also led to new challenges in fuel management. ULSD is more prone to water absorption, microbial growth, and instability. It also contains small amounts of biodiesel and has a lower aromatic content. The episode highlights the...
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054 - Hot Weather Fuel Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode discusses the effects of prolonged hot weather on stored fuel and offers preventative measures. Heat accelerates fuel degradation, increases water buildup, and promotes microbial growth. The host recommends three key steps to combat these issues: 1) Regularly check for water in storage tanks and remove it promptly. 2) Treat fuel with a stabilizer early in summer to slow degradation. 3) Conduct microbial testing, preferably using ATP By Filtration methodology, at the beginning and end of summer. If elevated microbial levels are detected, treat with biocide. These proactive steps...
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053 - Hot Weather Fuel Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This podcast episode discusses the impact of hot weather on fuel storage. The host, Eric Bjornstad, examines recent heat waves and record-breaking temperatures across the United States, citing specific examples from 2020 to 2023. He explains how scientists measure and document extended heat periods, looking at factors like consecutive days above threshold temperatures and nighttime lows. The episode also delves into how researchers determine historical temperature data using methods like ice core samples, tree rings, and coral reef analysis. This information sets the stage for a future...
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052 - Gas Stove Regulations
The Fuel Pulse Show
Episode 52 of the Fuel Pulse Show discusses recent gas stove regulations controversies. Host Eric Bjornstad breaks down the Department of Energy's proposed efficiency standards for appliances, including gas stoves. He explains the rulemaking process and debunks exaggerated claims about banning existing gas stoves. The episode clarifies that new rules only affect future models, with 97% of current gas stoves already meeting standards. The host examines the political rhetoric around the issue and parallels past debates over car safety regulations. He argues that, like seatbelts, these efficiency...
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051 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 3
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 051 of the Fuel Pulse Show Podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses the challenges and future trends of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, focusing on charging infrastructure and heavy-duty transportation. She highlights the need for faster charging solutions, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, and anticipates societal acceptance of longer charging times as infrastructure improves. Connelly emphasizes the importance of electrifying commercial vehicles due to their significant contribution to emissions and the potential cost savings for businesses. She also touches on the role of...
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050 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 50 of the Fuel Pulse podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses various aspects of electric vehicle (EV) trends, focusing on global policy impacts and market shifts toward EV adoption. She highlights how countries like China have achieved price parity between EVs and conventional vehicles through aggressive policies and integrated supply chains. The discussion also covers shifting from purchasing incentives to infrastructure support, like public charging stations, as markets mature. Connelly emphasizes the importance of smart charging and grid integration to handle the growing demand for...
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049 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
info_outlineThis episode of the Fuel Pulse Show introduces a "Back to School" series, focusing on the differences between modern Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and older diesel fuels.
Host Eric Bjornstad explains how sulfur content in diesel fuel has been drastically reduced over the past 35 years due to environmental regulations. While this change has improved air quality, it has also led to new challenges in fuel management. ULSD is more prone to water absorption, microbial growth, and instability.
It also contains small amounts of biodiesel and has a lower aromatic content. The episode highlights the importance of understanding these changes for proper fuel storage and engine maintenance.
What You'll Learn:
- The history of diesel fuel sulfur content regulations
- The definition and characteristics of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
- How ULSD differs from older diesel fuels in terms of water absorption
- The presence of biodiesel in modern diesel fuel and its benefits
- The impact of lower aromatic content on microbial growth in ULSD
- Why modern diesel fuel is less stable than its predecessors
- How ULSD is more susceptible to cold flow gelling in winter
Ideas Worth Sharing:
Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:
- "In a span of about just 15 years, they reduced sulfur emissions by 99.7 percent from 5,000 down to 15 PPM."
- "ULSD fuels have bigger water problems than diesel fuels in the past. And it's directly tied to removing the sulfur."
- "While that has made it much better for the environment, the resulting fuel has more problems than before."
Resources:
- Clean Air Act regulations
- Renewable Fuels Standard
- Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn
Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show and the "Back to School" series
00:58 - History of diesel fuel sulfur content regulations
02:23 - Introduction to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
02:55 - ULSD's increased problems with water content
04:48 - Biodiesel content in modern diesel fuel
06:44 - Lower aromatic content in ULSD
08:13 - Decreased stability of modern diesel fuel
09:15 - ULSD's increased susceptibility to cold flow gelling
10:00 - Recap of ULSD's characteristics and challenges