Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Conversion

[LightmanE300]

Ok guys, I know some have discussed this before, but here is the official word from the EPA regarding the 2006 conversion. I personally can't wait, the reduction in emissions, less sooting of engine parts and oil, and the ability to import some of those cool european diesels we've been denied all these years is sure gonna be sweet! Can you say MB S class with 330hp twin turbo diesel? OH my! (not that I can afford one, but I would like the ability to drool on one in the good ol USA!)

I can't wait for ULSD! You can certainly bet that the sales of lubricity additives will go through the roof when this happens, as the process used
to remove sulfur from diesel also strips some of the lubricity of the fuel. NO , sulfur itself is not a lubricant.

Here's a quick blurb from the FINAL rule of the EPA.

"2. Fuel Quality Standards
This rule specifies that, beginning June 1, 2006, refiners must begin producing highway diesel fuel that meets a maximum sulfur
standard of 15 parts per million (ppm). All 2007 and later model year diesel-fueled vehicles must be refueled with this new low sulfur diesel
fuel. This sulfur standard is based on our assessment of the impact of sulfur on advanced exhaust emission control technologies, and a
corresponding assessment of the feasibility of low sulfur fuel production and distribution.
Today's program includes a combination of flexibilities available to refiners to ensure a smooth transition to low sulfur highway diesel
fuel. First, refiners can take advantage of a temporary compliance option, including an averaging, banking and trading component,
beginning in June 2006 and lasting through 2009, with credit given for early compliance before June 2006. Under this temporary compliance
option, up to 20 percent of highway diesel fuel may continue to be produced at the existing 500 ppm sulfur maximum standard. Highway
diesel fuel marketed as complying with the 500 ppm sulfur standard must be segregated from 15 ppm fuel in the distribution system, and may only
be used in pre-2007 model year heavy-duty vehicles. Second, we are providing additional hardship provisions for small refiners to minimize
their economic burden in complying with the 15 ppm sulfur standard. Third, we are providing additional flexibility to refiners subject to
the Geographic Phase-in Area (GPA) provisions of the Tier 2 gasoline sulfur program, which will allow them the option of staggering their
gasoline and diesel investments. Finally, we are adopting a general hardship provision for which any refiner may apply on a case-by-case
basis under certain conditions. These hardship provisions, coupled with the temporary compliance option, will provide a ``safety valve''
allowing up to 25 percent of highway diesel fuel produced to remain at 500 ppm for these transitional years to minimize any potential for
highway diesel fuel supply problems.
In addition, today's program includes unique provisions for implementing the low sulfur diesel fuel program in the State of Alaska, given that it is exempt from the current 500 ppm standard. Certain U.S. territories are excluded from both the new engine standards and highway
diesel fuel standards. The compliance provisions for ensuring diesel fuel quality are
essentially consistent with those that have been in effect since 1993 under the existing 500 ppm sulfur standard (55 FR 34120, August 21,
1990). Additional compliance provisions have been established primarily during the transition years of the program to verify refiners' compliance with the temporary compliance option to ensure the two grades of highway diesel fuel remain segregated, and to discourage misfueling of model year 2007 and later diesel vehicles."