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 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