Diesel goes one step better
Garth Cambray
Many of us remember the diesel fuel vehicles of old - slow, stinky vehicles
that spewed black smoke as they rattled and shook along. Since the early 1990's
this has all changed with the gradual replacement of the diesel fleet with newer
technology turbo-charged diesel engine vehicles. New turbo-charged diesel engine
vehicles offer the low revolution tractor like-torque (that is why diesels are
renowned for their trailer and caravan towing ability) and now have increased
power to match their petrol-powered rivals at higher revs.
 This
advance in engine technology drove a need for advances in diesel fuel
technology. Sulphur, which is a harmful component in diesel fuel, has for many
years been present at high concentrations in South African diesel fuel. For
South African consumers this has changed. Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd, the subsidiary in
the Sasol group responsible for the marketing of a wide range of modern fuels
and lubricants, has introduced Sasol TurboDiesel™ into the South African fuel
market.
New regulations in South Africa require an 80% reduction of sulphur content
in diesel as compared against pre 2002 diesel sulphur levels. As fuel market
leaders, Sasol has launched its new Sasol TurboDiesel™ brand. This diesel fuel
exceeds even international performance requirements and is a first for the South
African market. Sasol TurboDiesel™ has gone beyond the new South African
legislative requirements of 0.3% sulphur content enforced from 1 January 2002,
by guaranteeing a diesel with a maximum sulphur content of only 0.05%.
Sulphur in diesel contributes towards the formation of the acid rain causing
and lung-damaging pollutant, sulphur dioxide. It is also directly related to the
amount of soot formation in a diesel engine and hence also the amount of
particulates introduced into the atmosphere. In addition to polluting the
atmosphere, these chemicals pollute the vehicle's engine itself: causing changes
in the lubricating oil composition as well as the poisoning of the exhaust
treatment catalysts, degrading their performance. In the long term, these
chemical changes reduce the efficiency of the oil, meaning a need for frequent
oil changes. Low sulphur fuels, such as Sasol TurboDiesel™ extend the
life-span of the oil as it is not degraded as quickly. Longer oil-change
intervals translate to direct savings of time and resources.
Sasol TurboDiesel™ will bring immediate improvement in the gaseous exhaust
emissions from diesel engines and the effect will be particularly important in
vehicle applications such as school buses, city buses, under-ground mines and
refuse removal. Sasol TurboDiesel™ ensures a 45 - 70% reduction in potentially
harmful exhaust emissions and an 80% reduction in sulphur dioxide, a primary cause
of breathing difficulties. This decrease in sulphur content also translates into
increased efficiency of exhaust treatment catalysts, which in turn translates into a cleaner
atmosphere and hence less health-related costs.
This reduction will be noticed by vehicle drivers and pedestrians alike who
will benefit from a cleaner environment.
Sasol TurboDiesel™ is dyed purple for ease of identification. This unique
new diesel product has been designed and developed to benefit all categories of
diesel users - from a new generation, hi-performance turbo-charged diesel
passenger car, to sports utility vehicles, light delivery vehicles (bakkies),
trucks and earth moving machines.
Future advances in diesel engine technology are being made possible by low
sulphur fuels and Sasol TurboDiesel™ is making it possible for South African
consumers to benefits from these advances. Products of sulphur formed during the
combustion of fuel are either problematic foulants or corrosive. Advances in
exhaust gas treatment technology have given us the catalytic converter for
petrol vehicles. Such technologies are not yet available in most diesel vehicles
due among other reasons to fouling problems. Promising technologies developed for chimney stacks
have revolved around ceramic particulate filters and catalytic systems. A major
stumbling block in the development of these technologies to complement diesel
engines has been the high levels of sulphur and of sooty particulates which
rapidly foul emission reduction systems. To reduce the particulates one has to
reduce their causes, the major being fuel sulphur content. The provision of low
sulphur fuels by market leaders such as Sasol, paves the way for the development
of Africa relevant emission reduction systems.
Editorial: As diesel vehicle owners we are pleased to note the following list
of benefits of the new Sasol TurboDiesel™
-improved engine performance;
-longer engine life;
-extended oil change
intervals;
-and a cleaner environment.
The savings resulting from using better fuel
will save a pickup truck/bakkie owner about R4500 (US$370) every 30000km. The
use of low sulphur fuel in combination with a used oil monitoring programme
increases the oil change interval from 7500km to 15000km (For vehicle's still
under warrantee the marketer must be consulted before drain intervals are
extended). For a small business with one vehicle, this represents a 50%
reduction in days lost to vehicle maintenance.
In some ways this new fuel will be like a better bottle of wine for a car -
it causes less wear and tear than plonk, the headache will be much lighter than
with plonk, the mood better and the bouquet terrific.
More Information:
Consumers can obtain more information about Sasol TurboDieselTM toll-free on
telephone number 0800 450 450 or by visiting the Internet at www.sasol.com/turbodiesel
Contact person: Douw Van Der Merwe Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd Tel +27-11-8897701
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