AEM sends out warning for diesel fuels

The US Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is warning equipment users that new, low sulphur fuels feature a greater risk of ignition by static electricity ignition. These ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuels are required for use with the latest generation low emission diesel engines designed to meet Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission requirements. With this in mind, the AEM is now providing a new best practices guidance bulletin. This publication highlights the fact that removing sulphur and other
June 13, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
The US 1100 Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is warning equipment users that new, low sulphur fuels feature a greater risk of ignition by static electricity ignition. These ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuels are required for use with the latest generation low emission diesel engines designed to meet Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission requirements. With this in mind, the AEM is now providing a new best practices guidance bulletin. This publication highlights the fact that removing sulphur and other compounds from ULSD fuel decreases its conductivity and increases its ability to store static charge. “Static electricity discharge when combustible vapours are present could result in a fire or explosion,” according to the bulletin.

All off-highway diesel-powered machines in the US are now using this new formulation of ULSD and there may be a greater risk of static electricity ignition if their refuelling systems are not properly functioning or maintained. Similar ULSD fuels are also being used in Europe as well as Japan, where exhaust emission restrictions have also resulted in the introduction of new generation, low emission diesel engines. The AEM bulletin urges industry workers to consult with fuel suppliers to ensure delivery systems are in compliance with fuelling standards. And this bulletin also contains information of relevance to machine users in the EC and Japan.

“About 90% of off-road equipment is run on diesel and at one time the fuel had upwards of 5000ppm sulphur content compared with 15ppm today,” stated Mike Weber, AEM technical and safety services manager. “ULSD is now required for on-highway and off-highway applications in the North American market and we need to educate users who may be unaware of the changes in the physical properties of ULSD and the potential for harm during refuelling.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Optimising operations with construction software gains
    May 20, 2015
    Innovations in construction software are helping boost project efficiency and optimising project operations – Clive Davidson writes Over the past decade, while construction engineers have been putting up buildings or infrastructure, software engineers have been developing a parallel universe where virtual buildings or infrastructure can be created in ever increasing detail. What started with 2D architectural drawings in computer-aided design (CAD) systems, has become a multi-dimensional world, with 3D ge
    Read More
  • Powerful and productive pavers for the US market
    February 21, 2012
    New US-style pavers are coming to market, writes Mike Woof. Paving Techniques for the North American market focus on productivity, with manufacturers offering new machines specially for this sector. The US paving market is very different from Europe, with manufacturers having focussed on productivity so as to be able to surface the country’s long distance highway construction projects.
    Read More
  • Hyundai’s HL780-9A wheeled loader among new 9A series models at bauma
    January 6, 2017
    The new HL780-9A wheeled loader from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HI) is one of five new 9A series wheeled loaders being exhibited by the South Korean company at bauma. Like its fellow Hyundai HI 9A machines, the HL780-9A complies with strict Tier 4 Interim/EU-Stage IIIB standards on engine emissions. Its engine comes with an EGR and diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF is automatically and/or manually regenerated, ensuring compliance with all NOx and PM values. Hyundai HI says the high performance DPF fil
    Read More
  • Cummins signs deal to supply hydrogen engines
    January 5, 2024

    Cummins has signed an agreement with Terex Advance Mixer, a subsidiary of Terex Corporation, Edge Materials and PCC Hydrogen, to develop hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines for use in concrete mixer trucks.

    The project aims to develop a full hydrogen ecosystem with a hydrogen producer, vehicle manufacturer and end user. It is the first agreement of its kind signed by Cummins. The four companies will unite their efforts to see Cummins' X15H hydrogen internal combustion engines integrated into the Terex Advance Commander Series of front-discharge concrete mixer trucks.

    Read More

Highlighted Content