Diesel Bug
FUEL HANDLING
PREVENTING DIESEL BUG
Over the last decade the fuel we use to power our vehicles, plant and machinery has changed considerably due to requirements to increase efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and reduce combustion by-products such as SO2. One significant change that has occurred in the petroleum industry is the obligatory blending of renewable fuels into existing fossil fuels currently set at 5%.
These renewable sources help preserve fossil fuel reserves but they also increase the vulnerability of the fuel to degradation through chemical and biological activity i.e. Diesel Bug. While both the fuel makeup and quality requirements have changed, operators and owners of fuel facilities have only maintained the same level of fuel maintenance as in past operational years.
Fuel begins its life pure from the refinery. It is practically absent of water, virtually sterile and produced to national standards. However the fuel we buy is not refinery fresh, the tankers and pipelines used to transport the fuel are not brand new, the tanks used to store the fuel are not brand new or air tight. So with that in mind, it is to be expected that there will be contaminants present along with water and temperature fluctuations along the chain to final consumption.
As a consequence the time fuel can be stored in a tank before natural fuel degradation occurs has shortened and there are now other issues that need to be considered as a result of this. In Bio-Diesel microbial growth “Diesel Bug” can be evident given adequate conditions.
What Can Be Done About Diesel Bug?
SOLUTIONS
Now we know that fuel is more susceptible to degradation, what should we be doing that we are not doing already? At the moment a lot of fuel facility operators and companies that store fuel onsite have a more reactive approach to fuel quality management. There are often repeated pump and engine filter blockages or worse, engine failures due to inadequately managed fuel. This usually results in a fuel quality and tank check as part of the investigatory process. This system is less than ideal as the impact has to be absorbed before action is taken and the poor condition of the fuel and the tank often requires expensive and invasive maintenance as a result.
Given the vulnerability of modern fuels to contamination and degradation, switching to a regular monitoring system would make the most sense to the operator. Sampling from the bottom of the storage tank can provide a wealth of information about the fuel stored inside and identify problems such as water ingress, physical contamination and microbial build up before they impact on the dispensers and then engines/equipment. By monitoring water content and particulate build up in storage tanks we can observe and intervene potential issues in a very time and cost effective manner through scheduled maintenance. Maintaining fuel quality and tank hygiene are imperative to maintaining equipment and reliability for vehicle fleets, plant fleets and engine sets deployed for power generation. By having a healthy fuel storage tank the quality of the fuel stored inside can be kept as high as possible. This can result in reductions in fuel and repair costs, along with increased engine output and a reduction in vehicle emissions.
1. Monitoring Fuel Quality
Fuel storage tanks and lines can last a long time but periodic integrity checks are invaluable to ensure that the system is fully retaining fuel to prevent environmental contamination and water ingress which is a cause of fuel contamination. Handy Fuel WA recommend tank and line tests are carried out on an annual basis and that the records we provide of such tests are kept together with maintenance records. Archiving these records also prove you have taken a responsible approach to fuel storage at your company’s facility. This can reduce your liability from claims in the event of fuel storage tank(s) and/or fuel line(s) failure.
2. Annual Tank Inspection & Testing
If a distinct water layer has formed in the fuel, the water can be uplifted. If the water is suspended through the fuel and/or physical contamination has been identified through proactive sampling, cleansing the fuel through ultrafine water and particle filters will be required.
3. Water Removal & Fuel Cleaning/Filtration
Removal of 100% of water from in-use storage tanks is not always achievable and the presence of water in fuel provides a breeding ground for “Diesel Bug” which will lead to tank corrosion and blocked filters. Handy Fuel WA can administer a Biocide treatment that is added to the fuel tank before a fuel delivery is made. This treatment helps remove water contained within the tank and suspended within the fuel, thus eliminating the water/fuel ratio at which “Diesel Bug” breeds at.
4. Eliminate Microbes
Fuel conditioners and pre-filtration units combat rust and microbial growth with the use of powerful magnets inside the devices that arrest ferrous particles. The fuel then passes through the conditioner and breaks up, knocks out the bio-film “Diesel Bug” so it can pass through dispensing pumps, vehicle filters and through to the engine for combustion. Handy Fuel WA can supply and install fuel filter and conditioner assemblies for pipe sizes up to 3” enabling relief from microbial growth and corrosion at every stage of the fuel storage and dispensing chain.
5. Install Fuel Filters or Conditioners Into Suction Lines
Handy Fuel WA understands that having a fuel tank out of action for any length of time can have a detrimental effect on a businesses operations. That is why we aim to make the process as smooth as possible to ensure that downtime is kept to a minimum with minimal disruption caused to your operation.
To ascertain that each project is completed efficiently and professionally, we ensure that all necessary legislative documentation required by Health, Safety and Environmental are provided prior to undertaking any work.