Rajan Wilcox
Does diesel fuel go stale? The short answer is yes. While diesel fuel used to last for years, its shelf life is now measured in months. Within 28 days of storage, diesel fuel begins to degrade and become contaminated. This is due to the lack of sulfur in modern diesel fuel, which creates an environment that encourages microbial growth. Water, air, and warmth also contribute to the degradation of diesel fuel, and if left unattended, it can turn into a sludge-like substance that is unusable. To prolong the life of diesel fuel, it is important to store it at the right temperature and use additives and regular maintenance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 6 to 12 months |
| Factors that speed up degradation | Water, air, and warmth |
| Ideal storage temperature | 20°F to 85°F |
| Maintenance | Regularly check for pooled water, especially after rain |
| Contamination | Can occur within 28 days of storage |
| Prolonging shelf life | Use stabilizers, biocides, water controllers, and other additives |
| Fuel burn rate | Varies depending on the size of the generator and the load being run |
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What You'll Learn
Water, air, and warmth speed up diesel degradation
Diesel fuel does go stale, and there are several factors that contribute to its degradation. While stored diesel used to have a long shelf life, lasting for years, it now only lasts for around 6 to 12 months on average. Modern refining processes have made today's distillate more unstable and susceptible to contamination. One of the critical issues affecting diesel fuel is water contamination. Water can enter the fuel tank through various means, such as oxidative breakdown or condensation forming on the inside of the tank, and it can also be present in the fuel itself due to its hygroscopic nature, attracting and absorbing moisture from the air. Water contamination can lead to the growth of biofilm, a thick sludge-like mass that reduces the effectiveness of biocides and facilitates microbial growth. Additionally, water can cause internal components to rust and, in extreme cases, superheat at the injector tip, resulting in potential damage to the engine.
Air also plays a role in diesel degradation. When air comes into contact with diesel fuel, it can accelerate the oxidation process, particularly in the presence of water. This is why proper fueling procedures and effective filtration systems are crucial to removing both air and water from the fuel before it reaches the engine. Warmth is another factor that hastens the degradation of diesel fuel. To delay oxidation and slow down the degradation process, it is recommended to maintain the diesel tank at a cool temperature, ideally around 20°F, but not exceeding 85°F.
The combination of water, air, and warmth creates an ideal environment for microbial growth, corrosion, and oxidation, all of which contribute to the downward spiral of diesel fuel into murky sludge. Therefore, it is essential to implement preventive measures, such as regular maintenance and monitoring, to ensure the quality and longevity of diesel fuel. Additionally, the use of high-quality filtration systems, fuel treatments, and fuel water separators can help maximize fuel efficiency and protect engines from the adverse effects of contaminated fuel.
To summarize, water, air, and warmth are key factors that accelerate the degradation of diesel fuel. By understanding the role of these elements and taking the necessary steps to mitigate their impact, it is possible to prolong the shelf life and maintain the quality of diesel fuel.
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Lack of sulphur in diesel encourages microbes
Diesel fuel does not last as long as one might think and will eventually go bad. Modern refining processes have left today's distillate more unstable and susceptible to contamination. Within 28 days of storage, diesel fuel begins to degrade and can only be stored for around 6 to 12 months on average—sometimes longer under the right conditions.
The lack of sulphur in diesel encourages microbes. Diesel used to have higher levels of sulphur, which microbes hated. However, the ultra-low-sulphur diesel that is common today provides a welcoming environment for microbes to settle in and feed. Microbes not only degrade the fuel but also produce acidic byproducts that further break down the chemicals in the fuel. This process, known as microbial growth, can lead to the formation of biofilm, a thick sludge-like mass that develops at the diesel-water interface. Biofilm can reduce the effectiveness of biocides and encourage re-infection, requiring aggressive cleaning and filtration to address the issue.
To combat the problem of microbes in diesel fuel, it is crucial to regularly check for water in the tank, as water provides an ideal environment for microbes to thrive. Additionally, maintaining the tank's structural integrity and keeping it cool can help delay oxidation and slow down the degradation process. Proper use of additives and regular maintenance can also extend the shelf life of diesel fuel.
While the absence of sulphur has made diesel fuel more susceptible to microbial growth, it is important to note that other factors, such as water, air, and warmth, also play a significant role in accelerating the degradation process. These elements contribute to the breakdown of the carbon chains that make up the fuel, leading to the formation of sludge that renders the fuel unusable. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and maintain diesel fuel storage systems to prevent contamination and ensure the fuel's viability.
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Biofilm and microbial growth
Microbial growth is one of the primary causes of diesel fuel contamination during handling and storage. Water is likely to be present in all diesel fuel systems, and microbes thrive at the interface of fuel and water. This contamination can lead to blockages in filters and pipelines, increased pump and injection system wear, and even engine failure.
Biofilm is a byproduct of microbial growth and is often one of the first signs of diesel bug. It appears as a shiny film layer on the surface of the fuel and is caused by the aggregation of biomass. The microbial cells stick to each other and nearby surfaces, becoming embedded in a slimy extracellular matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and produced by the microbial cells. This biofilm can coat the surfaces of storage tanks and pipes and climb" up tank walls, blocking filters and pipelines and causing operational issues.
The introduction of increased levels of biodiesel, known as FAME (Fatty Acids Methyl Esters), has been shown to increase the growth of dangerous microorganisms. Biodiesel absorbs significantly more water from the atmosphere, providing ideal conditions for microbial growth. Additionally, the reduction of sulphur in diesel fuels may also be a factor in increasing diesel fuel contamination risks. While the exact effects are still being studied, lower sulphur diesel is more expensive to produce and maintain, making diesel maintenance a critical cost-saving activity.
The best way to prevent microbial diesel fuel contamination is to control tank water buildup and practice good housekeeping of diesel fuel. Testing for microbial contamination is also important, especially for critical systems, as it provides a clear understanding of the problem and helps track the effectiveness of solutions. While biocide treatments can be used to kill microbes, preventing their growth through proper water management is key.
Overall, microbial growth and biofilm formation are significant concerns in diesel fuel storage and handling, requiring vigilant monitoring and management to avoid costly operational issues and potential environmental damage.
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Monitoring and maintenance plans
Diesel fuel does not last as long as one might think. It is susceptible to contamination and degradation. Modern refining processes have made diesel more unstable. As such, it is important to establish a monitoring and maintenance plan for your diesel fuel tank storage system. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Regularly check for water in the tank, especially after rain. Water is one of the main reasons for microbial growth, which can cause fuel flow problems, increased corrosion, and injector malfunctions. Drain any water found and use specific treatments if needed.
- Keep the tank cool—ideally, around 20°F, but no higher than 85°F. A cooler tank can be achieved by investing in an underground tank or providing a roof or enclosure to reduce exposure to the sun and water sources.
- Use fuel treatments with demulsifying properties to separate water from fuel. Most tanks today are equipped with a Fuel Water Separator (FWS) filter, and demulsifying treatments boost their performance.
- Maintain the tank's structural integrity by regularly checking for pooled water and removing it.
- Prevent biofilm—a thick, sludge-like mass that can grow at the diesel-water interface. If it exists before biocide treatment, the tank may need to be mechanically cleaned to eliminate it.
- Use additives like antioxidants and fuel stability treatments to maintain diesel quality by stabilizing it and preventing chemical breakdown.
- Store diesel airtight and as full as possible to minimize air exposure, which can carry bacteria and affect temperature and water levels.
- Monitor regularly to detect problems early. Check the colour of the fuel for any discoloration or opacity.
- Empty and clean the tank every ten years to maintain the life of the diesel fuel and the tank.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards and regulations.
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Extending shelf life with additives
Diesel fuel does not last as long as one might think. Modern refining processes leave today's distillate more unstable and susceptible to contamination. Water, air, and warmth speed up the natural process of good fuel turning bad. Microbial contamination is a common issue, as microbes break down the carbon chains in the fuel and produce acidic byproducts that further degrade the fuel.
To extend the shelf life of diesel fuel, additives such as biocides can be used to control and prevent microbial contamination. For example, Biobor®EB is a multi-purpose gasoline additive designed to combat the harmful effects of ethanol in gasoline. Biobor DC is another additive that contains a stabilizer, cetane improver, lubricity improver, detergents, and water dispersants, all of which help increase the shelf life of diesel fuel for long-term storage.
Fuel treatment with demulsifying properties can separate water from fuel, reducing the risk of microbial growth. Maintaining the structural integrity of the tank is also important, especially after rain, to prevent pooled water on top of the tank. Keeping the tank cool is crucial, as higher temperatures accelerate the degradation process. The ideal temperature for storing diesel fuel is around 20°F, but it should not exceed 85°F.
In addition to using additives, regular maintenance and testing of diesel fuel quality are essential to prolong its shelf life. Establishing a monitoring and maintenance plan can help identify any issues early on and ensure that the fuel remains in good condition. This is especially important for emergency generators, as the fuel source is often overlooked in testing and maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel does go stale and eventually becomes unusable.
Stored diesel used to last for years, but now its shelf life is measured in months—between 6 to 12 months on average, sometimes longer under the best conditions.
Three things speed up the natural process of diesel fuel degradation: water, air, and warmth. Microbes that feed on diesel fuel leave acidic byproducts that further break down the chemicals in the fuel.
Check the colour of the fuel for any discoloration or opacity. If it doesn't look right, it probably isn't. You can also check for the presence of water in the tank, which can indicate potential contamination.
To prolong the life of diesel fuel, it should be stored at the right temperature, with the correct use of additives, and regular maintenance. Keeping the tank cool, ideally around 20°F, but no higher than 85°F, can help delay oxidation. Additionally, removing water from the tank and using biocides and fuel treatments with demulsifying properties can help prevent contamination.
