ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL

Ultra-Low Sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel is a specially refined diesel fuel that has dramatically lower sulfur content than the current Low Sulfur diesel (LSD) on-highway diesel and can be used in most diesel engines just like regular on-highway diesel fuel.

Today, the sulfur content of regular diesel has a maximum of 500 parts per million of sulfur with the average being in the 350-420 ppm. The sulfur content of the ULSD currently available ranges from 15 to 30 parts per million. After June 1, 2006 ULSD must be 15 ppm or less. Other than the sulfur content, ultra-low sulfur diesel generally meets the same specifications as regular on-highway diesel. The most important exception to this is in the area of Lubricity. Sulfur is a primary component in the Lubricity of petroleum fuels and its reduction has a serious detrimental impact on wear and operation of all fuel lubricated engine parts. This change will present users with a significant Lubricity problem. Well Worth Products One-4-All with Lubricity and Summit diesel fuel additives will provide lubricity to meet or exceed ASTM and all major engine manufacturers' specifications for Lubricity in ULSD.

HOW DOES ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLEAN DIESEL PROCESS?

Using ultra-low sulfur diesel will contribute to dramatic reductions in diesel emissions, particularly in SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide).

The lower sulfur content produces fewer sulfate emissions and most importantly enables use of emission- reduction equipment, like particulate traps and catalytic converters to lower emissions of particles and nitrogen oxides. Use of these systems in combination with ultra-low sulfur diesel can reduce emissions of fine particulates by more than 90 percent and emissions of hydrocarbons to nearly undetectable levels.

Even without special emission-reduction equipment, use of ultra-low sulfur diesel in diesel engines reduces sulfate pollutants. It also has some benefits by lowering engine maintenance costs.

When widely available, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is expected to have virtually the same energy and performance as today's highway diesel.

HOW MUCH MORE WILL ULSD COST?

Cleaner ULSD will cost more than current highway diesel fuel. Current estimates are that it will cost consumers thirty to thirty-five cents per gallon at the pump, when it is required on a widespread basis (see below). Until then, predicting the actual cost impacts is highly uncertain.

CONVERTING TO, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF, ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL

Converting to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is simple. ULSD doesn't require any special storage systems, and is stored in the same kinds of storage tanks and fueling systems of today's diesel fuel.

ULSD is already available in some parts of the country on a limited basis, mostly to fleet purchasers, but also at some service stations and truck stops. Many transit, municipal, and school bus fleets around the country have converted to using cleaner ULSD in their existing operations. As refiners complete conversions to produce ULSD more and more of this product will be introduced into the current flow of LSD until everyone has made the change.

Current users of LSD (Low Sulfur Diesel) will not be expected to clean or purge existing storage tanks or equipment.

For an up to date map showing where ULSD is available go to http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/fuelsmap.htm.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules will require that new diesel engines meet lower emission levels beginning in 2007 and will require ultra-low sulfur fuels for all on-road engines beginning in 2006.