(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Need Help!! Diesel Fuel Gelling

B

baghdadchud

Member
Let me lay out the problem. Here in Kurdistan, there is no such thing as #1 or #2 diesel. What we get would be like a #5 if there were to be such a thing. There is so much parafin in the fuel that it starts to gel at about 36 deg. The fuel filters on the generators look like someone packed them with Vasaline. I have never seen diesel gel above 20 degrees. There is also no such thing as anti gel in this country and they also do not produce kerosene/JP4. I can get benzine/gasoline (although very low grade)obviously. I know mixing will drop economy and BTUs, but what ratio do you think I can get away with? BTW, I have 120,000 liters and 1 30k tank is full. As a last resort, will have to pump the tanks, leave it sit in tankers until spring and truck in fuel from Turkey. Any ideas?
 
I know that 5 gallons of gas will work wonders on #2 fuel in a 120 gallon saddle tank on a truck at -50F, so 23-1? I would try mixing small quantities until you just avoid gelling at your temps, you would want to use as little gas as possible, it really dries out the fuel and is hard on injection systems. I`ll ask a few oldtimers who have done more of this than I have, to try and get a better answer for you.
 
Also, can you get ahold of any heat trace to keep the lines and filters warm? Also, rigging a coolant heater in the tank right by the pickup would work, probably cheaper than trucking fuel :) I worked for a guy who rigged fuel tank heaters on all his trucks to run #2 fuel trucking freight to the North Slope of Alaska, because of the added BTUs, and it would run #2 at -65F without a problem.
 
How many generators do you run. Are they all in one location or scattered out. Thought about maybe a day tank in a warm room. Maybe it could get return the fuel to somewhat normal state.If you have some large load banks. You might could use the heat off of them to heat the tanks. But then you would be useing part of the load to heat the tanks.
 
Thanks for all the help. We have at least 12 gens at different areas with tanks ranging from 5k to 30k liters. Not only that but the fuel is also used in the trucks, equipment and air compressors (seismic drilling). I think if I can just get rid of what I have on board, I can truck in a higher grade of fuel for the rest of the winter. I do like the idea of using a coolant heater inline. What risks if any are posed by using fuel rather than coolant, assuming I could even find such a thing here? Again, thanks for all the suggestions.
 
When we were testing generators for the Army we switched to jet fuel when the diesel fuel started to jell. Hal
 
Some times the heating element will break and spark when it shorts to the frame. Or it will act as a welder large arc as it seperates from the base. Not good things to have around fuel.
 
The operator's manual for the Yanmar engine in the skid steer. Allowed mixing #2 diesel with up to 1/3 gasoline at -40F iirc.
Sounds like the refinery equipment is limited to distillation with little to no cat cracking. And certainly no hydro-reformation, de-wax or de-sulphur process.
As previously stated, heating the fuel with coolant just prior to the filters is the best solution.
This is a case where some is good, more is better doesn't apply.Injection pumps can be ruined with too high fuel temps. If you can't hold your hand on the inlet line or pump, it's too hot.
I never ever touch a high pressure diesel line or fitting when the engine is running. Some micro pin hole leak can inject diesel into your flesh. A terrible wound to treat.
 
If you are rubbubg generators, use FrosteX heat tape run straight down the lines. Taped directly to the lines and insulated with pipe insulation. The FrostX material is a composite thermister rubber that heats well when cold, and tapers off to no hotter than 80F. The conductors are plain wire with this material between them. A silicon cover protects the innerds. It can be cut off at any desired length, and capped with a provided sealing cap. It can be wrapped onto its self with no issues, it varies the heat along its length to maintain continuous safe temps. Much less complex than coolant heating. This is a simple viable solution!!! Jim
FrosteX
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Algae in diesel fuel
Replies
11
Views
1K
caterpillar guy
C
C
gelled diesel fuel
2
Replies
26
Views
4K
Angle Iron
A
T
1962 MF 205 industrial - perkins diesel A3.152 injectors
Replies
4
Views
687
Tdelsanto
T
J
Ford 3600 Diesel Loses Power/rpm Under Load
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
jedoga
J
B
6000 turbo kit
Replies
14
Views
2K
RBnSC
RBnSC
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top