Understanding the Differences Between High Sulfur Diesel Fuel and Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
As a leading supplier of diesel fuel in North Texas, Kelsoe Oil Company is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality fuel products. One of the most important distinctions in diesel fuel is the level of sulfur it contains. In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between high-sulfur diesel fuel (HSD) and low-sulfur diesel fuel (LSD) to help you make an informed decision about which fuel is right for your needs.
What is Sulfur in Diesel Fuel?
Sulfur is a natural component of crude oil that is used to produce diesel fuel. It is also a major contributor to air pollution, so the EPA has mandated increasingly strict regulations on the amount of sulfur that can be present in diesel fuel.
High Sulfur Diesel Fuel (HSD)
HSD, or regular diesel, is used in diesel engines for decades. It contains up to 5,000 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur, a significant amount compared to the 15 ppm limit set by the EPA for on-road diesel fuel in 2006. HSD is still used in some off-road and marine applications, as well as older diesel engines not designed for low-sulfur diesel fuel.
Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (LSD)
LSD, or ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel) as it’s sometimes called, contains no more than 15 ppm of sulfur. This is the diesel fuel required for on-road use in all engines manufactured after 2007. LSD has a number of benefits over HSD, including:
- Better fuel efficiency: LSD burns more cleanly, which means it produces less soot and fewer emissions. This translates to better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs over the life of the engine.
- Improved engine performance: LSD has a higher cetane rating than HSD, which ignites more quickly and burns more efficiently. This leads to better engine performance and smoother operation.
- Reduced emissions: LSD produces significantly fewer emissions than HSD, including particulate matter (soot), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). This is better for the environment and for human health.
Which Diesel Fuel is Right for You?
If you have a newer diesel engine or if you’re using diesel fuel for on-road applications, then low-sulfur diesel fuel is the way to go. However, if you have an older diesel engine or if you’re using diesel fuel for off-road or marine applications, then high-sulfur diesel fuel may be the better choice.
At Kelsoe Oil Company, we offer both high-sulfur and low-sulfur diesel fuel to meet the needs of all our customers. Our team of experts can help you determine which fuel is right for your specific application, and we can deliver it directly to your location for added convenience.
Contact us today to learn more about our diesel fuel products and services or to place an order for delivery to your location in North Texas.