Group

Diesel lubricity improvers are specialty fuel additives designed to restore or enhance the lubricating properties of diesel fuel, especially ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which lacks the natural lubricants found in higher-sulfur fuels. These additives are critical in maintaining fuel system durability, engine efficiency, and emission control.

🔧 Why Is Diesel Lubricity Important?

Diesel fuel naturally provides lubrication to engine components, particularly the fuel injection system—including pumps, injectors, and valves. This lubrication reduces metal-to-metal contact, minimizing friction, wear, and heat.

However, as environmental regulations have mandated significant reductions in sulfur content, especially in ULSD (15 ppm sulfur or less), the refining process also strips out many polar compounds responsible for inherent lubricity. This has led to increased wear and premature failure of fuel system components—necessitating the use of lubricity improvers.

🧪 What Are Diesel Lubricity Improvers?

Diesel lubricity improvers are polar organic compounds that form a thin film on metal surfaces inside the engine’s fuel system. This film reduces direct contact, thereby lowering friction and wear.

Typical Chemical Classes Include:

• Fatty acid esters

• Amides

• Carboxylic acids

• Alkylated aromatics

• Glycerol monooleates and diesters