Extensive hydrotreating of diesel fuels to adhere to stringent low sulfur regulations increases the paraffin content of these products. At low temperatures, crystallization of wax components of distillates has the potential to create serious issues, including filter plugging, poor performance and solidification. At high temperatures, gelling, wax precipitation and clouding of the fuel may occur. Chemical additives can mitigate the results of increased paraffin content. Our cold flow improvers help refiners meet cold filter plugging point (CFPP), pour point and cloud point specifications.
Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) Additives
The high wax content of distillate fuels creates potential problems in cold weather conditions. As the temperature decreases, waxes inherent to the fuel crystallize and may plug filters and impact operability of diesel-powered vehicles. A traditional method of improving the CFPP of diesel is to blend in more kerosene, but downgrading kerosene for use in the diesel pool can be economically disadvantageous. Nalco Water cold filter plugging point additives alter the size and shape of the wax crystals to prevent fuel filter plugging in cold weather climates.
Pour Point Depressants (PPDs)
Distillate fuels can solidify during transportation and storage due to the high paraffinic content of the fuels. The ability to store and move fuels under all weather conditions is critical to the fuels industry. To ensure the performance and flow properties of distillate fuels are met, a pour point depressant modifies paraffin crystals to produce a finished product that flows at lower temperatures.
Cloud Point Depressants
The cloud point is the temperature at which the initial wax precipitation from diesel fuels occurs. Nalco Water distillate cloud point depressants solubilize paraffins and lower the cloud point of the fuel, enabling you to meet cloud point specifications.