12.11.5.7
Flash Point
The flash point is an important safety and fire hazard parameter for diesel fuels. Fuel is always a
fire hazard because there can be flammable vapors in the air space above the remaining fuel in
the tanks.
12.11.5.8
Hydrogen sulphide (H
2
S)
Hydrogen Sulphide (H
2
S) is a very toxic gas and exposure to high concentrations is dangerous
and can kill you. Be careful when tanks or fuel lines are opened because there can be H
2
S vapor.
At low concentrations H
2
S smells almost the same as bad eggs. You cannot sense H
2
S at
moderate concentrations. H
2
S causes nausea and dizziness.
12.11.5.9
Sediment
High quantities of sediment, carbon and asphaltenes decrease the ignition and combustion quality
of the fuel and increase wear and damage to engine components. High sediment quantities can
cause filters to block, or frequent discharge from filter systems that have automatic cleaning. For
more data about mixtures, refer to
12.11.5.10 Pour point
The operation temperature of the fuel must be kept between approximately 5°C and 10°C above
the pour point to make sure that the fuel flows easily. It is possible that in very cold conditions,
there could be problems for distillate fuel.
12.11.5.11 Water
The quantity of water in distillate fuel can be decreased as follows:
•
Let the fuel settle in the service tanks.
•
Use a separator to remove water from the fuel.
12.11.5.12 Ash and trace metals
Distillate fuels must have low quantities of ash, vanadium, sodium, aluminum, silicon, calcium,
phosphorous and zinc related to residual fuels. High quantities of these materials increase
mechanical wear, high-temperature corrosion and particles in the turbocharger, exhaust system
and the boilers.
12.11.5.13 Used lubricating oil and other contamination
Lubricating oils and chemical waste must not be mixed into the distillate fuel. Lubricating oil can
cause water to stay because of the large quantity of detergent. Additive materials such as calcium,
magnesium, zinc and phosphorous could increase the ash content to more than that given in the
specification.
X52
AA00-0000-00AAA-030A-A
Operation Manual
Diesel engine fuels
Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.
- 484 -
Issue 002 2018-11
