EFFECTS OF DODECYLBENZENESULFONIC ACID ON INSOLUBLES PRODUCTION IN MID-DISTILLATE DIESEL FUEL BLENDS

The role of strong acids in promoting mid-distillate diesel fuel insta bility has been a topic of interest within the fuel science community. Previous studies have indicated that strong sulfonic acids, when adde d to fuels that are then subjected to thermal stress accompanied by ox idative aging, tend to produce quantities of insoluble sediment. This work presents results obtained when dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) is added to a blended diesel fuel. We find that a fraction of the ins oluble material forms immediately on addition of the acid and we inves tigate the effects of accelerated aging and DBSA addition on other ins olubles related fractions of the fuel sample. Evidence is presented th at opens to question the interpretation of results obtained when a rea ctive reagent is added to a chemical system as complex as a fuel.