At Preheat one critical issue we address is fuel gelling or waxing, a common challenge in colder climates and environments. Understanding this phenomenon is essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent disruptions.
What Is Fuel Gelling/Waxing?
Fuel gelling, also known as fuel waxing, occurs when diesel fuel starts to solidify due to low temperatures. This process happens because diesel contains paraffin wax, which provides essential lubricity and energy content. However, as temperatures drop, this wax begins to crystallize and solidify, leading to the formation of a gel-like substance within the fuel.
Why Does Fuel Gelling/Waxing Happen?
The primary cause of fuel gelling is cold weather. The factors contributing to this phenomenon:
Temperature Drop – As the ambient temperature falls, the paraffin wax in diesel fuel starts to solidify. The temperature at which this begins to happen is called the Cloud Point. At this point, wax crystals become visible in the fuel, creating a cloudy appearance.
Further Cooling – If the temperature continues to decrease beyond the Cloud Point, more wax crystals form and agglomerate. This leads to the Pour Point, where the fuel becomes so thick that it can no longer flow.
Fuel Type and Quality – Different diesel fuels have varying amounts of paraffin. Higher paraffin content means a higher likelihood of gelling. The quality of the fuel, including its additives and refining process, also impacts its gelling characteristics.
Additives and Treatments – Fuel without adequate anti-gelling additives is more prone to waxing. These additives lower the temperature at which wax crystals form, helping to keep the fuel in a liquid state. Caution needs to be taken not to over heat fuel with additives and treatments, as a few potentially damaging processes can occur.
When fuels containing additives and treatments are overheated
The Impact of Fuel Gelling/Waxing
Fuel gelling can have significant consequences for certain operations.
Fuel Flow Disruption – Gelled fuel can clog filters and fuel lines, preventing the fuel from reaching the engine. This can cause engines to stall or fail to start.
Increased Maintenance Costs – Addressing fuel gelling often requires additional maintenance and repairs, leading to higher operational costs.
Operational Downtime – Equipment downtime due to fuel gelling can disrupt schedules and reduce productivity.
Preventing Fuel Gelling/Waxing
At Preheat Engineering, we offer comprehensive solutions to prevent fuel gelling and ensure optimal fuel performance.
Our advanced fuel tank heaters are specifically designed to prevent fuel gelling and waxing, ensuring uninterrupted fuel flow and optimal performance even in the harshest conditions. Our heaters maintain a consistent temperature within the fuel tank, preventing the paraffin wax in diesel from solidifying. By keeping the fuel warm, our heaters inhibit the formation of wax crystals, thereby eliminating the risk of clogged filters and fuel lines. This proactive approach not only safeguards your equipment from potential damage but also reduces maintenance costs and operational downtime, ensuring your machinery runs smoothly and efficiently regardless of the weather.
Trust Preheat Engineering’s fuel tank heaters to provide reliable protection against fuel gelling and waxing.
