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The Flip Side of ULSHO






As fuel quality professionals, our business centers on educating fuel dealers on how to identify and eliminate fuel problems, while maximizing the performance and dependability of their product. After a few conversations at industry conferences and events, it has become clear to our team that there’s one area in particular where education is essential.

There’s an alarming amount of misinformation out there regarding ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO). With state mandates taking effect over the next several years, it’s absolutely paramount that fuel dealers know the facts about our soon-to-be industry standard product

Several dealers have expressed the belief that ULSHO will resolve any and all fuel quality issues, rendering their premium heating oil programs obsolete. Nothing could be further from the truth. While ULSHO is certainly a cleaner burning, more efficient fuel—especially when blended with biodiesel—it is not a fix-all for every common fuel problem, nor does it come without its own set of operability concerns.

The first thing to remember is that while the physical properties of the fuel may be evolving, the supply, storage, and distribution chain down which it travels—where most fuel contamination occurs—remains the same. In fact, because higher sulfur fuel possesses natural lubricant qualities, it is important to make sure ULSHO has the necessary lubrication to keep fuel pumps functioning optimally. Like biodiesel, ULSHO can also be prone to increased levels of entrained water and more susceptible to water and microbial contamination.

The refining process used to remove sulfur also removes oxygen, nitrogen, and other functional elements, yielding a fuel that is more paraffinic, or waxy, to the detriment of its cold flow operability, and less stable in storage. ULSHO (like biodiesel) is also more soluble, and liable to loosen filter-plugging deposits in tanks. Lastly, just because ULSHO is “cleaner” than traditional heating oil, it is not any less corrosive to tanks, pipes, and system components if left unprotected. Sound storage, transportation, and general housekeeping practices — as well as additive treatment for lubricity, moisture control, cold flow performance, stability, and corrosion—are as essential as ever with ULSHO.

It’s an exciting time for the heating oil industry. With the emergence of ULSHO and higher ASTM-approved blends of Bioheat® (B6 – B20), our industry has a compelling story to share with consumers. We can now offer a safer, cleaner, more efficient and more renewable alternative to natural gas. It’s up to each and every dealer to ensure that it’s more dependable.

For more information, or for help diagnosing, resolving, or preventing ULSHO-related issues, call us at (978)-258-8360.

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American Energy Coalition (AEC) American Trucking Association – Technology Maintenance Council (ATA-TMC) Clean Fuels Alliance America...

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