Viscosity Problems of Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible means of improving upon the antiwear behavior of severely hydrodesulphurized and gas condensate diesel fuels. To achieve this target, the viscosities of the various diesel fuel samples were determined at 40 ºC using a glass viscometer. Subsequently, the fuel samples were formulated with some selected additives so as to determine the effect of these additives on the viscosity of the fuel samples at 40 ºC. Finally, the lubricity of the formulated fuel samples was determined at 20 ºC using the high frequency reciprocating rig machine (HFRR). The results obtained from the investigation revealed that at 0.5% Vol addition of hydrocarbon based additives, a significant reduction in the wear scar diameter was observed indicating that there was no need adding the additive above this value.