Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel, whether stored on a farm or at a gas station, will degrade over time. This degradation can be caused by water contamination, biological growth, or sunlight, resulting in problems such as algae growth. To prevent this, fuel additives or stabilizers can be used to maintain the quality of the diesel. These additives can include PRD-D, ether, or detergent packages such as PIB and PEA polyether amine detergents. While some sources suggest that old diesel fuel should be drained and disposed of, others recommend reconditioning it by mixing in these fuel additives. However, it is important to note that even after reconditioning, the diesel may still be unsafe to burn, and caution should be exercised before use.
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What You'll Learn
Preventing water contamination
Old diesel fuel can become contaminated with water, which can cause bacteria and other microorganisms to grow in the fuel, leading to clogged filters and engine failure. To prevent water contamination, it is recommended to add PRD-D to the diesel fuel before storage. This can prevent water contamination and biological growth, as well as fuel degradation. Additionally, regularly replacing filters can help stop sludge and water from entering the machinery.
Another way to prevent water contamination is to use a fuel circulator, which can prevent diesel fuel inside a storage tank from becoming stagnant, especially in low-usage scenarios such as generator backup tanks. The CTS fuel recirculation unit, for example, draws fuel through a magnetic conditioner, breaking down sludge and filtering out impurities before circulating the cleaner fuel back into the tank.
To remove water from inside a fuel tank and prevent contamination, a product called Aquafighter is recommended. It is a fuel tank water absorber that removes suspended and emulsified water from the fuel, reducing water content levels to less than 75ppm, exceeding industry standards. The Aquafighter is placed inside the tank, forcing a chemical reaction that separates bound water from fuel molecules.
Additionally, some general practices can help prevent water contamination in diesel fuel. These include avoiding long-term storage, as diesel fuel can degrade over time, and storing diesel fuel in optimal conditions to reduce the risk of fuel contamination from water and sludge.
In summary, preventing water contamination in old diesel fuel is crucial to avoid engine issues and ensure safe usage. By adding PRD-D, using fuel circulators, and adopting proper storage practices, water contamination can be mitigated, prolonging the usability of diesel fuel.
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Removing algae
Diesel fuel can degrade over time and develop microbial growth, often referred to as diesel "algae". This sludge-like substance can cause significant issues for your diesel tank and engine.
Preventing Diesel Algae
The best approach is to prevent diesel algae from occurring in the first place. Keep your fuel tank as full as possible, as a partially empty tank can allow water to condense inside, creating the right conditions for algae to grow. You can also add products like PRD-D to diesel fuel before storage to prevent water contamination and biological growth.
Removing Diesel Algae
If your diesel fuel has already developed algae, there are several methods to remove it:
- Biocide treatments: Biocides are the most common method of killing diesel algae. However, they are toxic and can harm your fuel system if overused, potentially leading to expensive repairs.
- Steam cleaning: Steam cleaning your fuel tank can help remove algae. You can do this yourself or hire a professional cleaning service.
- Hot water flush: Flush your tank with hot water and let it drain overnight. Then, rinse with E85 and refill with fresh diesel.
- Degreasers: Use a heavy-duty degreaser to clean the tank. A cheap oven cleaner can work well. You can use a pressure washer to spray the degreaser into the tank and wash out the algae.
- Diesel 911: This product is designed to treat bad diesel, water in the fuel, and other contaminants. Adding it to your tank can help address diesel algae.
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Using fuel stabilisers
Fuel stabilisers are a great way to extend the life of your diesel. They are a chemical additive designed to preserve the quality of diesel when stored for extended periods. They are particularly useful for fuel that sits for long periods and can be used in all kinds of diesel engines, including two-stroke motors.
Fuel stabilisers work by neutralising and inhibiting the chemical reactions that lead to fuel degradation, preventing oxidation and removing moisture. This, in turn, prevents damage to the engine. They can also help with water accumulation, which is a common issue in fuel tanks.
It is important to note that fuel stabilisers are not a miracle additive and will not restore old diesel to its original quality. They are best used as a preventative measure, added to fresh fuel to ensure maximum effectiveness in preserving fuel quality during storage. The optimal time to add a fuel stabiliser is when fuelling up, especially if the vehicle or equipment will be stored for 30 days or more.
When adding a fuel stabiliser, follow the manufacturer's directions and add the required amount to the fuel tank. Then, top off the fuel level and start the engine, allowing it to run for 10 minutes to ensure the stabilised fuel circulates throughout the fuel system.
By using a fuel stabiliser, you can extend the lifespan of your diesel fuel by up to a year or more, depending on the stabiliser used. This can be a cost-effective solution, as draining and replacing fuel can be timely and wasteful.
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Monitoring and maintenance plans
Diesel fuel will degrade over time and can become contaminated with water, which can lead to biological growth, such as algae and bacteria. This makes it unsafe to burn. To avoid this, a monitoring and maintenance plan can be established to ensure fuel quality and prolong shelf life.
Firstly, it is important to set a timeframe for using up old, stored fuel. NFPA 110 recommends sizing tanks so that fuel is consumed within its storage life, which is typically between 1.5 to 2 years for diesel. After this time, the diesel will become stale and may require reconditioning or replacement.
Secondly, regular inspections of the fuel and the tank are necessary. Clogged filters and rust on the filler cap are often the first signs of contamination. A visual inspection may be sufficient to identify issues, but in some cases, a lab report may be needed to detect the presence of microorganisms.
Additionally, the maintenance plan should address the prevention of water contamination and biological growth. This can be achieved by adding PRD-D to the diesel before storage, which can also help prevent fuel degradation. Other products, such as Diesel 911, can be used to treat water in the tank.
Furthermore, the plan should ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local standards and regulations regarding diesel fuel storage and maintenance. This includes adhering to environmental and economic concerns, which have made modern diesel more unstable and susceptible to contamination.
By implementing a monitoring and maintenance plan, the quality and shelf life of diesel fuel can be improved, ensuring its reliability in emergency situations and reducing the need for frequent replacement.
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Shelf life
Like all petroleum-based fuels, diesel has a limited shelf life. Over time, diesel can degrade and lose its effectiveness, causing issues with engine ignition and potentially damaging fuel systems. The shelf life of diesel fuel depends on various factors, including storage temperature, fuel quality, and the presence of contaminants.
Under typical conditions, diesel fuel can be stored for up to 6 months to 1 year without significant degradation, as long as it is kept in a clean, dry, and cool environment. However, if exposed to high temperatures, moisture, or contaminants, its shelf life can be significantly reduced. Diesel fuel #2, for example, begins to degrade and become contaminated within 28 days of storage.
To prolong the shelf life of diesel fuel, it is recommended to use stabilizers, biocides, water controllers, and other additives. Additionally, storing diesel in a high-quality, properly sized fuel tank designed for outdoor use can help protect it from the elements and contamination.
In some cases, old diesel fuel may require reconditioning for safe use. This can be done by adding chemicals or fuel additives specifically designed for diesel, such as PRD-D or ether, which can prevent water contamination and biological growth. However, even after reconditioning, it is important to exercise caution and use judgment before burning the diesel, as it may still be unsafe.
Overall, the shelf life of diesel fuel typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, with the potential to extend it further under optimal conditions and proper treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
If your diesel fuel is contaminated with water, it will need to be filtered before use as microorganisms like algae and bacteria may have grown. You can also check for clogged filters and rust on the filler cap.
To prevent your diesel fuel from getting old, you can add PRD-D to it before storage. This can prevent water contamination, biological growth, and fuel degradation.
To recondition old diesel fuel, pour 50 gallons of the fuel into a 50-gallon drum. Measure 3.125 oz of PRD-D or 280 oz of ether and add it to the drum. You can also use other products like Diesel 911 or Stanadyne.
