Winter Fuel Blend

Department: Tool Department 

Topic: Tool Crib 

Process: Winter Fuel Blend 

Objective 

The procedure outlines the steps for preparing and managing the winter fuel blend for use in heating, transportation, and machinery. The goal is to ensure fuel efficiency, prevent equipment issues during colder months, and comply with environmental and safety standards.  

Things to Consider 

Adding a winter fuel additive is crucial to prevent diesel from gelling in cold temperatures by lowering its cloud point. 

Maintaining a full fuel tank reduces the chance of condensation forming inside, which can freeze and cause fuel gelling.  

Checking a using a block heater to pre-warm the engine block significantly improves cold starting ability. 

Regularly changing the fuel filter before winter is important as cold temperatures can cause wax crystals to clog the filter. 

Always allow the engine to warm up properly before driving in cold weather to ensure proper fuel flow and lubrication.  

Winter Fuel Blend 

• Preparation of Winter Blend 

• Diesel: 

• Blend the base diesel fuel with cold-weather additives designed to prevent gelling. 

• Ratio is 1-2% additive to fuel. 

•  Refer to the specific manufacturer’s recommendation. 

• Use anti-gel agents, cold flow improvers, and pour point depressants to ensure fuel remains liquid in temperatures as low as -20℉ to 40℉,  depending on the expected temperatures.  

• Gasoline: 

• For gasoline, consider blending with additives that reduce volatility and ensure stable combustion in colder temperatures. 

• In some cases, ethanol may be blended at a lower percentage to reduce the freezing point of the fuel.  

• Process of Adding Fuel Supplement 

• The Tool Department recommends using Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement.  

  • Each Fuel Supplement has its own percentage of additive per gallon. 

• Follow the instruction on the back of the bottle.  

• Dump directly into the diesel tank.  

• Let the machine run long enough for the fuel to mix with the supplement then shut off if not needed for work at that moment.  

• All outside sourced fuels will have to have winter blend fuel, this includes: 

• Co-op fuels (delivered directly to jobsite) 

• Company fuel tanks (tanks provided by the company, either delivered by tool department for filling or placed onsite for the duration of jobsite needs) 

• Tanks delivered by Tool Department will be already blended with winter fuel supplement.  

• Storage of winter Fuel Blend 

• Store blended winter fuel in clean, dry tanks to prevent contamination.  

• Ensure all storage tanks are equipped with heaters or temperature control systems if storing large quantities of fuel in extremely cold environments. 

• Regularly inspect storage tanks for water contamination, which can cause fuel system problems.  

• Use water separators or water removal additives as necessary.  

• Fuel Distribution 

• Ensure that winter fuel is delivered promptly to operational units before the first cold snap, allowing them to switch from summer to winter fuel. 

• Provide guidance on proper fuel usage, including recommended temperatures and equipment maintenance practices for winter fuel systems. 

• Quality Control and Troubleshooting 

Note: Any Issues with gelling or clouding Contact the Tool Department Immediately! 

• Problem: Fuel is gelling or solidifying in cold temperatures. 

• Solution: Increase the concentration of anti-gel additives. 

• Problem: Fuel quality issues such as clouding or contamination are observed. 

• Solution: Inspect storage tanks for water or particulates. Use water separator filters and ensure tanks are clean and dry before refilling.