Cleanliness tests for automotive diesel fuel

The great majority of diesel fuel produced in the U.S. leaves the refinery absent of any contaminants with the possible exception of a small amount of dissolved water. Once the fuel enters the distribution and storage systems, the possibility it will become contaminated begins to grow. Clean fuel can also become contaminated in the users storage system and in the vehicle fuel system. There are many test methods for detecting and quantifying diesel fuel contamination. This paper gives a brief list and description of the most common fuel contaminants and their likely source. The paper also presents a review of fuel cleanliness test methods both old and new. The test methods are briefly described and the strengths and weaknesses of each are discussed.