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Cold weather is a challenge for compression ignition engines. As Diesel fuel creates wax crystals when temperature goes down enough, it comes to plug the fuel filter and the fuel injection system, leading to undesirable effects like loss of power, engine stall after start or even the engine not starting at all. Moreover, it has been shown that FAME Biodiesel has additional negative impacts on vehicle cold flow operability. Despite fuel additives which can support cold conditions, the whole fuel injection system has to be designed to support engine operability in variable environments, meaning also in very cold conditions, with variable fuel qualities. The Diesel Fuel Filter is a key element of the fuel injection system, as it could become to get plugged by wax and deposit formed at cold temperatures. This can generate fuel shortage on the common rail and high pressure fuel injectors. Addressing this filter plugging effect, can be crucial for vehicle operability.

Stringent emission regulations are forcing combustion efficiency improvement. Therefore Diesel fuel injection pressures have regularly increased in the recent years to meet emission levels. This has made the Fuel Injection Equipments (FIE) more sensitive to fuel contaminants. The control and maintaining of the Diesel fuel cleanliness is therefore a key parameter of its performance and durability. Previously, FIE protection was specified only by the filter efficiency, as defined by the ISO 19438 lab test method. But new specifications have been developed and recommended by, defining only fuel cleanliness level at FIE entrance, no matter the operating conditions or any other considerations. It was therefore needed to investigate fuel contamination sources and dynamic phenomena like vibration and viscosity impact on fuel cleanliness, and link it to acceptable filter efficiency.