Liquid "I". Don't let the fuel freeze!
Composition and characteristics
For accuracy, we note that in the implementation you can find two versions of such a liquid with a slightly different composition:
- Liquid "I" (manufacturers - Kemerovo OAO PO "Khimprom", Nizhny Novgorod, trademark "Volga-Oil").
- Liquid "IM" (manufacturer - CJSC "Zarechye").
The composition of these liquids is different. Liquid "I" contains ethyl cellosolve, isopropanol and surface-active additives that reduce surface tension. The liquid "I-M" contains equal proportions of ethyl cellosolve and methanol. All components (with the exception of surfactants) are highly toxic, both in liquid form and in vapor form.
Liquids "I" for diesel fuel are produced in accordance with the technical requirements of OST 53-3-175-73-99 and TU 0257-107-05757618-2001. Among the owners of diesel cars (mostly heavy vehicles) they are considered domestic substitutes for well-known anti-gels from LIQUI MOLY, Alaska or HIGH GEAR, which prevent diesel fuel thickening processes at low temperatures.
Main performance indicators:
- Appearance: transparent slightly yellowish liquid with a specific smell.
- Density at room temperature: 858…864 kg/m3.
- Optical refractive index: 1,36 ... 1,38.
- Mass fraction of water: no more than 0,4%.
- Corrosivity: none.
Both considered liquids are highly volatile and flammable.
Mechanism of action
When adding "I" liquids to the fuel, increased filterability is provided, which is maintained up to temperatures of -50ºC. At the same time, the solubility of ice crystals in diesel fuel increases, and with an excess of moisture in the fuel, it, mixing with the additive, forms a solution, which is characterized by a lower freezing point.
In conditions of sharp temperature drops, liquids "I" and "I-M" also prevent the formation of condensate at the bottom of the fuel tanks. The result of their action is the emulsification of hydrocarbons contained in the fuel with alcohol solutions. Thus, free water binds to the fuel and does not form blockages in the fuel lines. Interestingly, although both liquids in question are allowed to be used as an additive to automotive fuel (and not only to diesel, but also to gasoline), the main purpose of "I" and "I-M" is an additive to aviation fuel for helicopter and jet engines. aircraft. There they reduce the likelihood of freezing of filters at especially low temperatures..
Long-term use of these compositions is undesirable: they prevent fuel paraffinization, as a result of which paraffin particles coagulate in suspension. As a consequence, the lubricity of diesel fuel is significantly reduced.
Instructions for use
The rate of introduction of additives is determined by the temperature of the outside air. If it does not exceed -20ºC, the recommended amount is 0,1% of the total volume of diesel fuel in the tank. With a further decrease in temperature, the rate is doubled. The maximum allowable amount of the additive is up to 3%; further increase in the concentration of liquids "I" and "I-M" in diesel fuel will worsen the operation of the car engine. When using "I" or "I-M" it should be remembered that in excess quantities they reduce the ignition temperature of the fuel.
Due to the difference in density, it is recommended to inject liquids into the fuel tank when refueling, using a special dispenser. You can do it differently - first, use a syringe to inject the right amount of liquid, and only then use the filling gun.
Reviews
User reviews are contradictory, each vehicle owner evaluates the effectiveness of such anti-water crystallization compounds in terms of usefulness for a particular engine. For example, for heavy diesel vehicles (tractors, excavators, heavy vehicles), the use of "I" and "I-M" is recognized as effective, especially if for some reason the engine was filled with "summer" diesel fuel. The improvement in the working conditions of filters is especially noted: it is even concluded that "I" or "I-M" is more effective than many imported antigels.
Users also point out that both liquids are poisonous: they irritate the mucous membrane, cause dizziness if the vapors are inhaled carelessly (however, all this is indicated on the accompanying labels, so this is a matter of one's own caution).
In summary, using your car on a harsh winter day with an accidental summer fuel spill, having a container of "I" fluid will save you the risk of stopping with a stalled engine in the middle of the highway. All you need to do is pour the right amount of liquid into the tank, wait 20 ... 30 minutes, and then start the engine. And you will definitely get lucky.
