Sulnox Diesel Additive
Water as an ally, not an enemy
"All fuels, but especially Biofuels, are hygroscopic in nature (they attract & absorb water). The presence of water can have damaging effects on the engine, filters and other critical parts, as well as issues from storage (e.g. diesel bug).
To solve this pervasive problem, SulNOx invented the SulNOxEco™ Fuel Conditioners, which take the water already present and perfectly disperse it throughout the fuel. These microscopic water droplets then vaporise in the combustion chamber, exploding large fuel globules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area of fuel available to mix with oxygen. The SulNOx formulation also releases additional oxygen to improve combustion efficiency, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Additionally, the detergent properties of SulNOx removes deposit build-ups, clean the filters, fuel lines, EGR systems and other engine parts whilst adding >30% lubricity into the fuel, reducing wear. Significant reductions in SOx, NOx, CO, CO2 and particulate matter are realised, along with improved fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs (8-10% in Euro 6 class trucks)."
Drop in in additive to solve diesel bug and save 6-10% on fuel costs
OK, why do we like this product and the company that makes it?
- Sulnox is a British "green-tech" company that concentrates on making and selling a solution for cutting the pollution made by shipping burning heavy fuel oil. Their main product Berol 6446 HFO Fuel Emulsifier is being taken up by shipping fleets as way of dramatically cutting carbon emissions and saving 5-10% on fuel costs.
- They also make a diesel conditioner for light fuels, marine diesel, road transport, agriculture, industrial, etc. It is this product shown above, and it's a simple drop in solution. It's added at 2000:1 to diesel, and will deal with diesel bug in your fuel tanks, decrease fuel consumption, and dramatically improve emissions. The product will pay for itself with regular use in money saved on diesel fuel. What's more it gently cleans and decarbonises the engine internals, leading to decreased service costs and better reliability.
- It's almost a perfect fit for the older style industrial type diesels fitted in boats,(no DPF or EGR) where it will reduce smoke noticeably straight away. It's no co-incidence that Sulnox concentrate on the African truck and bus market where the older vehicles in use and variable fuel quality make it a perfect fit, with no capital expenditure.
- You can test it for yourself easily if you drive a diesel car or van (see my own test in the next article)
- Sulnox is a listed company, and you can buy shares in it. It went up dramatically last year, so you may have missed the boat. Do your own research if investing. Company website.
Buy Sulnox fuel conditioner direct from them https://sulnoxshop.com/shop/
Cost benefit analysis:
The product is not cheap and it's not a one off treatment, it needs regular use. I bought the 250cc bottle for £28, treats 500 litres (5.6p/litre) For larger boats the 1 litre bottle £63.60 will treat 2000 litres (3.2p/litre). Use at 0.5 cc per litre of fuel, 2000:1.
With Marine diesel (60/40 use) at £1.29 a litre a 4.5% fuel saving with Sulnox will pay for the product if using the 250 cc bottle. Using the larger 1 litre bottle, you would only need a 2.5% fuel saving for it to pay for itself.
As you will see in the next article in this series, these savings targets can be met easily. But quite apart from the savings, in my experience the engine runs far more smoothly.. you can tell it's working from the first tankful.
How to use:
On the first fill up, add enough Sulnox at 2000:1 to treat the whole fuel tank. A 20 gallon tank would need about 45cc of Sulnox. Top up the tank to full. I would always flush fuel lines and change the fuel filters at start of season, before adding the Sulnox. During the first tank useage, I would keep a close eye on the filters..
Safety: It comes in a measuring dispenser bottle, so in practice it's easy to add without getting on your hands. Avoid skin contact and do not get in eyes.