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

  • Manufacturers push hybrid driveline technology
    January 6, 2017
    Driveline technology continues to develop rapidly, with many manufacturers at this year’s Conexpo exhibition showing Tier 4 Final emissions solutions, along with a host of fuel saving transmissions and hydraulic systems, all aiming to reduce operating costs for the customer. However, while there was certainly a hybrid presence at the show, things haven’t perhaps moved forward as fast as many had expected.
    Read More
  • Manufacturers push hybrid driveline technology
    March 11, 2014
    Driveline technology continues to develop rapidly, with many manufacturers at this year’s Conexpo exhibition showing Tier 4 Final emissions solutions, along with a host of fuel saving transmissions and hydraulic systems, all aiming to reduce operating costs for the customer. However, while there was certainly a hybrid presence at the show, things haven’t perhaps moved forward as fast as many had expected.
    Read More
  • Asphalt paving design advances
    June 15, 2012
    A diverse array of advanced paver designs is now being offered in the asphalt paving sector – Mike Woof reports With the World of Asphalt and INTERMAT 2012 events having both taken place in recent months, a series of innovations have been introduced for the asphalt paving market. Developments have come to market that widen the array of both US and European asphalt paving systems and all the major manufacturers have developed new pavers and materials feeders to meet the latest emissions requirements. Demand
    Read More
  • New emissions proposals - lean, clean green construction machines – but at what cost?
    October 3, 2014
    The European Commission has published proposals setting strict limits on exhaust emissions for off-highway machinery. This proposal has major implications for the construction machinery sector and would make the EU exhaust emissions limits the strictest in the world. There has been a call for swift reading of the regulation in Parliament and Council. This long-anticipated proposal for a revision of the directive 97/68/EC, covers exhaust emissions reduction for engines installed in non-road mobile machinery.
    Read More

Highlighted Content