Cold Filter Plugging Point

Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) is the temperature at which the fuel (20 ml) will no longer pass through a wire (45 micron) filter within a given period of time (60 seconds) as measured by ASTM D6371-10. Cold Filter Plugging Point is always lower than Cloud Point. Diesel fuel can safely operate down to its Cloud Point and, in some cases, slightly below. Operability problems are usually encountered before the CFPP. Therefore, it is recommended to only use diesel fuel in ambient temperatures at or above its Cloud Point.

After market cold flow additives could help to lower the CFPP. However, it is important to understand the primary function of additives is to inhibit the wax particles ability to agglomerate in the fuel, helping to prevent filter clogging. Overtreatment of the fuel beyond the manufacturer's recommendations could have an adverse effect in the fuel where the anti-gel material will clog-up the filter. Also, the operator should check with the fuel supplier whether the fuel is already winterized by the supplier before adding any type of cold flow improver additives. Refer to Allowed Fuel Additives for further information.