Contractual
Three specifications are top of the list and may be reached with Additives:
(CFPP) Cold Filter Plugging Point
Diesel Fuel is a notoriously bad performer in cold weather, low temperatures can lead to apparent "freezing "of the fuel. These problems are caused by waxes which precipitate out as very small crystals as the temperature drops. Continued low temperature will cause these fine crystals to grow together into much larger crystals which can block fuel filters and pipelines, causing engines and heating plants to stop. The temperature at which a given fuel will give rise to problems is indicted by the CFPP test. These low temperature problems can be overcome by treating Diesel fuel and Heating Fuel with CFPP additives. With stocks of additive in key locations Petrochem Energy SA have the correct tools to correct and treat various parameters to bring off spec cargos on spec or to improve cargos to reach new specifications. Our specialised staff of engineers will treat your cargo with the minimum of delays. Treatment is normally done either during the loading/discharge or on voyage. Treatment during the loading/discharge is the preferred method as there are no delays or issues with mixing. However due to any number of reasons, this type of treatment is not always possible so the option of treating during passage is used. A Petrochem Energy engineer will travel with the vessel to avoid delays.
Lubricity
Concerns over emissions from diesel engines have led to new regulations to reduce sulphur levels in Diesel Fuel. Refinery hydro-desulphurisation of diesel fuel can reduce or eliminate naturally occurring lubricant agents in the fuel. Fuels that have been subjected to hydro-desulphurisation can cause accelerated wear in diesel injection equipment and result in serious failure of injection pumps. Results are given in microns. There are European Norms for Lubricity and additives are now a standard requirement to be used. We use several types including HiTEC 4141 which is European Pipline approved.
Cetane Number
Cetane Number is a measure of the ignition quality of a diesel fuel. It is often mistaken as a measure of fuel quality it is actually a measure of fuel’s ignition delay. Cetane improvers are based on alkyl nitrate chemistry. Depending on the starting point Cetane number can be improved by up to 10 points
NOTE: Cetane Index cannot be changed by additives only by blending.
Octane Number
On gasoline there is a large price differential on grades depending on the Octane Number. We use both Ferocene and MMT as Octane improvers this can increase Octane up to 3-6 points.