Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. Why Ultra Low?

Why Ultra Low? …Because it is the only way to lower tailpipe emissions from a petroleum hydrocarbon, i.e. diesel fuel. According to the EPA, it is their continuing effort to “provide environmental and health benefits by reducing the level of emissions from both on and off-road sources.”

What is Ultra Low?

ULSD has a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm). ULSD is basically the desulfurization of diesel fuel.

• Crude oil has approximately 12,000 ppm of sulfur before refining.

• Clean Air Act of 1990 mandates tighter tailpipe emissions.

• In 1990, sulfur content in diesel is 5000 ppm. In 1993, sulfur drops to 500 ppm.

• 2006-2010, ULSD highway fuel is mandated into law under a phase-in rule that will replace conventional low sulfur diesel (LSD) which may contain as much as 500 ppm sulfur content.

• During the phase-in time, both USLD and LSD on-road diesel will be available in the marketplace.

• It is unlawful to sell conventional LSD as ULSD. Violations of the new ULSD regulations may result in penalties up to $32,500 for each violation.

Can conventional LSD fuel be burned in 2007 and later model year trucks?

No. EPA regulations prohibit LSD in highway diesel engines beginning with 2007 models. 2007 model engines are designed with advanced emissions control systems that can only burn 15ppm ULSD. To burn higher ppm sulfur fuel will damage the catalyzed particulate filter traps.

ULSD and Lubricity

Sulfur is a natural lubricant in diesel fuel. Lubricity is a measure of the fuel’s ability to lubricate various parts of the engine and its fuel injection system. With the desulfurization of diesel fuel, many concerns regarding lubricity have been raised.

Bell Fuels’ comprehensive Premium D-2 package provides high lubricity protection without the sulfur content. Our Premium D-2 additive is the verifiable answer.