Conductivity-Improving Additives

Afton Chemical's conductivity-improving additives are highly effective in improving the conductivity of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and ultra-low sulfur gasoline (ULSG).

Low-Sulfur Fuels

Sulfur levels have been reduced globally to improve vehicle emissions and enable advanced exhaust treatment systems. Hydrodesulfurisation processes in the refinery reduce sulfur levels, but they also have the effect of lowering the finished fuel’s conductivity characteristics. This is due to the removal of naturally occurring polar species by this commonly used refinery process.

Particular caution is needed when transporting ULSD fuel using switch-loading operations. These operations can lead to safety concerns due to the ability of low-sulfur diesel fuel to discharge static electricity and the potentially flammable vapour phase that may be present.

In a number of countries, minimum conductivity levels for ULSD fuel have been agreed to minimize the risk of explosion from static discharge. These targets are achieved through the use of conductivity improving additives such as HiTEC^® 4546.