Diesel Sulphur Content
Submitted: Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 10:32
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Alsub
I have only found reports that Australian refineries are producing diesel with 50ppm sulphur content.
The spec for a Cummins 6.7L engine in a new Dodge Ram requires use of ultra low sulphur diesel, and in particular 15ppm sulphur content.
Does anyone know if ultra low sulphur diesel is available and if so from who?
Also, does anyone know the respective calorie values for the various brands of diesel?
Shell
Caltex
BP
Matilda etc
Thanks,
Al
Reply By: Member - Rosco from way back - Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 10:55
Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 10:55
A quick Google returns Shell @ 10ppm for their low sulphur and cetane ratings can be similarly obtained. AS requires min of 46 I think. Shell is 49.
BP claim 50.
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Reply By: Slow one - Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 12:49
Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 12:49
As of 2009 the standard for diesel in Australia is a max of 10ppm sulphur content.
Sulphur link
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Reply By: pop2jocem - Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 14:28
Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 14:28
I can't see a bit more sulphur effecting the engine, maybe even do it some good, but will probably adversely effect the DPF that most new vehicles are fitted with.
Cheers
Pop
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Follow Up By: abqaiq - Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 16:52
Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 16:52
Being in the oil/gas business for 30+ years I will comment briefly. The "old" diesel was often 50 ppm sulfur with some industrial grades 500 ppm. World wide and especially in Europe there is a push for lowering sulfur content for environmental reasons. To do that a refinery has to install a diesel hydrotreater [DHT] unit to get the sulfur out. Cost X00+million $ which adds to the cost of the fuel. Actually diesel is cheaper to produce than gasoline but someone [you] has to pay for the DHT.
The lower sulfur diesel actually has less lubricity than the old diesel as you can find more information on other sites. As a result the pump manufactures have to change the seal materials and metallurgy somewhat.
During the Gulf War here [1991] the Americans brought in commercial U.S. diesel vehicles but all that we had available in very large quantity was jet base [kerosene] so they added motor oil to the diesel to increase lubricity.
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Reply By: The Bantam - Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 22:39
Friday, Mar 07, 2014 at 22:39
It may be that part ( probably most) of the reason for the low sulphur spec is to ensure the engine meets polution standards.
I would not sweat it too much.
cheers
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527878
Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Saturday, Mar 08, 2014 at 08:34
Saturday, Mar 08, 2014 at 08:34
If you are worried about that, you wont be able to leave the city! Michael
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Reply By: Razerback - Saturday, Mar 08, 2014 at 22:52
Saturday, Mar 08, 2014 at 22:52
The Cummins has been designed with the newer diesel in mind. Personally I would check Caltex Vortex Premium Diesel, has a higher cetane rating than the others, cleaning agent and anti-foaming but I'm not sure of the Sulphur rating but I suspect they must all meet emissions regulations. I have 2 x Cummins diesels in my boat and I am adding lubricity via 2T Oil and certain additives and it does make a difference.( Off topic a bot with regards to the newer Cummins)
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2014 at 22:22
Sunday, Mar 09, 2014 at 22:22
I emailed Caltex last year to find out the cetane number for the Vortex Diesel and got the simple reply that it was above the Australian minimum of 46. They are unwilling to print anything on their website or data sheets. So I continue to use
BP.
So where did you get your info?
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