Diesel Fuel Lubricity Improvers— A Critical Evaluation of Various Chemistries Monoacid Lubricity Improvers—Are They Worth the Risk?

摘要

Well-meaning actions sometimes cause unintended consequences. In the 1980s, when European countries mandated ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuels, the intent was to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions. That goal was achieved, but unexpectedly, there were widespread fuel pump failures due to poor fuel lubricity. North America, especially the state of California, experienced similar issues. During hydrotreatment of blending components to reduce sulfur content, the chemical entities that provided natural lubricity for the fuel were altered or destroyed. By the time the U.S. legislated ULSD fuels in 2006, the industry had already instituted lubricity requirements for diesel fuels. Globally accepted tests for measuring lubricity, such as Scuffing Load Ball-on-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluation (SBOCLE) and the more common High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) were also in place.