Russia’s Tomsk Polytechnic University has developed a method for obtaining freeze-resistant diesel fuel for the Arctic with the help of zeolite catalyst treatment of straight-run diesel fractions, which does not freeze even at temperatures as low as -70°C. Experts believe that the technology is simple and could enable remote northern settlements and businesses to provide energy and transport fuel independently.

The composition of conventional diesel fuel includes alkanes, which crystallize at low temperatures, and diesel fractions obtained by oil separation usually freeze at -10°C.

Using the new technology, no hydrogen-containing gas is required for production, so the technology can be implemented not only in large refineries but also in small refineries in remote areas, said Maria Kirgina, an associate professor in the university’s chemical engineering department. This is very relevant for remote northern regions, where getting fuel supplies there is not only very expensive, but sometimes impossible to do at all.

Studies have also shown that the components obtained during zeolite processing can also be used to obtain many other desired fuels, including gaseous hydrocarbons, gasoline, kerosene and other types of diesel fuel.

In the future, the research team intends to further investigate zeolite catalysts and select parameters for oil processing products to maximize the yield of various fuels.