Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Biodiesel

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emissions standards for diesel engines manufactured after January 1, 2007 require significant emissions reductions. These reductions will be accomplished through the use of after treatment equipment, such as particulate filters (DPF) and oxidation catalysts. To achieve these emissions reductions and protect these after treatment emission devices, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) must be used in 2007 and later diesel-powered engines.  The EPA has mandated that by October 15, 2006, 80 percent of the nation’s on-road diesel fuel contain less than 15-ppm sulfur. Except in California, all diesel fuel for both on- and off-road use, must be ULSD by October 15, 2006.

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is an alternative to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Biodiesel includes B100 and biodiesel blends of B20 (20% Biodiesel) or B5 (5% Biodiesel). B20 should be blended with ULSD (15-ppm) to insure maximum emission reduction benefits and to protect after treatment devices on 2007 and newer emission compliant engines.

Below are two fact sheets created by NAFA’s Fuels & Technology Committee Chair, Richard Teebay, which can help fleet managers during the transition to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel or Biodiesel.

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fact Sheet 1
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Biodiesel Fact Sheet 2

Related Files: