Industry Resources // Tier 4 Emissions Resources // Converting Bulk Fuel Tanks from LSD to ULSD
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CONVERTING BULK FUEL TANKS FROM LSD TO ULSD

A successful conversion from Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) requires active management of the fuel inventory and the distribution system. Coordination with your fuel supplier can help create a smooth conversion process. Read below for some general guidelines for the conversion of LSD bulk tanks to use ULSD.
Converting Bulk Fuel Tanks from LSD to ULSD
 BACKGROUND

The U.S. EPA has mandated a change in diesel fuel that reduced the sulfur level. The new diesel fuel with <15 ppm sulfur, referred to as Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), has been implemented in the U.S. starting June of 2006. More than 80% of diesel fuel in the U.S. is now ULSD, which replaced the Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) that has <500 ppm sulfur. ULSD is also mandated for 2007 on-highway engines. Some states, like California, have mandated ULSD for all diesel applications.

Conversion from LSD to ULSD has some consequences, mainly on the filter plugging and fuel lines contamination. These effects are not due to the reduction of sulfur in the fuel, but most likely due to the tanks and distribution systems conversion processes and a change in the composition of the fuel.

Consider using the guidelines on this page to avoid the potential problems associated with conversion of your bulk fuel tanks.


ACTIVELY MANAGE FUEL INVENTORIES DURING CONVERSION

Consider minimizing the tank volume, by general industry guidance, two or more times before adding the new fuel, to accelerate the conversion process. Manage the new fuel deliveries with your supplier. Here are some examples of possible delivery scenarios:
  • If you order three parts of ULSD for delivery to every one part of existing tank inventory, you can accomplish a conversion to ULSD in a minimum of five deliveries.
  • A 5-to-1 inventory management could turn the tank in four deliveries instead of five.



MINIMIZE SULFUR CONTAMINATION THROUGH CAREFUL PLANNING

When converting bulk storage tanks, plan carefully to minimize sulfur contamination.
  • Take several samples in order to obtain an accurate sulfur reading.
  • Check the facility thoroughly for possible dead leg piping.
  • Tank sludge, water, sediment and other contaminates will mix in with the fuel and strict monitoring of the fuel filtration needs to take place.
  • Measure the sulfur content of the fuel at the point of use in order to insure that the sulfur levels are equal or less than 15 ppm. It only takes a small amount of sulfur contamination to increase the sulfur content of the fuel above the required 15 ppm level.



FUEL CLEANLINESS AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE

In the process of minimizing tank volumes prior to receiving new fuel, sludge, water, sediment, and other contaminants can be stirred and pushed throughout the distribution system. In addition, ULSD fuels containing detergent additives may compound the tank cleaning effects and remove surface deposits formed on the tank walls, which then contribute to the contamination of the fuel.
  • Filters can plug prematurely during the conversion process. During the conversion, early filter changes will ensure fuel cleanliness and avoid contaminated fuels bypassing the filter. Once the tank is cleaned, change fuel filters on a regularly scheduled basis.
  • Monitor fuel cleanliness through the use of particle count or patch testing.
  • You may consider using this conversion opportunity to clean your fuel storage tank, in particular if it has not been cleaned for over five years. This insures tank/basin cleanliness and the removal of contaminates.
  • Monitor piping and hoses for leaks, cracks, compatibility, and/or corrosion erosion.
  • ULSD also is lower in conductivity, so care needs to be taken to use the proper grounding techniques when transferring ULSD.



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