Ameer Randolph
Bad diesel fuel is a common issue that can cause significant engine problems. Diesel fuel contamination can occur due to issues within the fuel supply chain, such as improper storage, transportation, or handling practices. This can lead to water, wax deposits, particulates, and bacterial contamination in the fuel, which can cause engine performance issues, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. With fuel costs on the rise, it is important for vehicle and machinery owners to monitor fuel quality regularly and take preventive measures to protect their engines. Recognizing the signs of bad diesel fuel, such as dark fuel, unusual exhaust smoke, and frequent fuel filter replacements, is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dirty diesel fuel | Fuel that has been sitting in storage tanks for undefined periods, being attacked by air, water, and microbes, undergoing oxidation reactions, and forming varnishes and sludge. |
| Symptoms of dirty diesel fuel | Lower fuel efficiency, rough idling, frequent stalling, reduced power output, increased exhaust smoke, shortened fuel filter life, and injector deposits |
| Causes of dirty diesel fuel | Water contamination, wax deposits, particulates, bacteria, and fuel degradation |
| Effects of dirty diesel fuel | Injector wear, increased fuel consumption, engine distress, and potential engine failure |
| Solutions to dirty diesel fuel | Use a multifunction diesel additive with detergency, replace the fuel filter, drain the contaminated fuel and clean the fuel tank, and refill with fresh diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Water contamination
- Microbial growth: Water creates an environment for microbes to thrive and feed on diesel. As they die, they sink to the bottom of the fuel tank, creating sludge that can block filters and damage pumping systems.
- Corrosion: Water can accelerate oxidation and rust formation on metal parts, leading to reduced fuel distribution and damaged fuelling lines and systems.
- Reduced lubrication: Water contamination can decrease lubrication, causing performance issues and potential damage to engine components.
- Explosive damage: If water becomes super-heated during combustion, it can cause explosive damage to injectors.
- Performance problems: Water contamination can reduce the CETANE rating of the fuel, leading to performance issues in engines, generators, pumps, and plants.
To prevent water contamination, it is recommended to follow a comprehensive fuel conditioning programme and to keep fuel cool to minimise water absorption. If water contamination is suspected, testing can be performed, and if confirmed, the water must be removed from the tank.
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$44.95
Wax deposits
The cloud point can occur at temperatures as high as 32°F (0°C), but the fuel must stay very cold at below -10°F (-23°C) for long periods (48-72 hours) before it will gel. The wax clogs fuel filters, and if left, can solidify to the point where the fuel no longer flows and renders your engine useless.
The reason diesel fuel has a wax component is because it gives fuel a good cetane value for increased power and better engine responsiveness. Wax content is lower in winter fuels but is still present in diesel blends. The addition of kerosene to diesel reduces the amount of wax, improving fuel economy and reducing gel and wax build-up.
The wax build-up can be removed by tightening the fuel filter micron rating to extract the gel from the fuel system. However, this may increase filter consumption, and loosening the micron rating will increase filter life at the cost of potential damage to injectors.
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Particulates
Particulate matter is a major concern when it comes to diesel fuel and engines. Particulates are solid particles that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of diesel fuel. These particles can be smaller than 10 microns in diameter, with fine particulates measuring less than 2.5 microns and ultrafine particulates less than 0.1 microns. Ultrafine particulates make up a significant portion of diesel soot pollution, at 80-95%.
The presence of particulates in diesel exhaust has raised health and environmental concerns. Diesel exhaust is composed of gases and solid particles, with the latter being the particulate matter. This matter includes harmful chemical elements such as sulfates, ammonium, nitrates, elemental carbon, condensed organic compounds, carcinogens, and even heavy metals like arsenic, selenium, cadmium, and zinc. The fine particles in diesel exhaust, such as soot, have been linked to lung cancer, asthma, and premature deaths.
The impact of diesel particulate matter on the environment is also significant. While carbon dioxide emissions have received much attention, diesel particulate matter, specifically black carbon, has a much greater global warming potential. Black carbon emissions have a warming impact that is 460 to 1,500 times higher than that of carbon dioxide due to their ability to absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat. Additionally, black carbon contributes to the melting of snow and ice crystals by reducing their surface albedo.
To address the issue of diesel particulate matter, several strategies have been proposed. One approach is to transition away from fossil fuels and internal combustion engines, a process known as decarbonization. However, this may take a considerable amount of time and is not currently a feasible option for all diesel fleets and operators. As a parallel strategy, immediate efforts to reduce short-lived climate super pollutants, such as those found in diesel particulate matter, are crucial. Active diesel particulate filters, such as those developed by Rypos, can effectively reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by up to 95%.
Internal engine modifications and advancements in engine technology have also played a significant role in reducing particulate emissions. Cooled exhaust gas recirculation, optimized injection systems, adapted charging systems, and improved combustion processes have contributed to a notable decrease in pollutant emissions. The introduction of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, such as the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate trap, has been particularly effective in trapping residual particles and reducing emissions. Additionally, the use of low-sulfur fuel in Europe has resolved the issue of sulfur poisoning in diesel oxidation catalysts.
While progress has been made, there is still a need for further improvements to mitigate the detrimental effects of diesel particulate matter on human health and the environment.
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Bacteria
Diesel bug is a common issue with diesel fuel, caused by microbial contamination. Bacteria are a key component of diesel bug, along with fungi and yeast. These microbes are present everywhere and can enter fuel tanks via the air and water. They feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create damaging by-products.
The presence of water in fuel systems is inevitable, and it can enter through condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Modern biodiesel, made from plant and animal fats, is especially attractive to bacteria and other microbes, contributing to increased growth problems. Stagnant fuel is particularly at risk, as microbial colonies can proliferate beyond control, leading to acid formation, rust, corrosion, and filter plugging.
To diagnose a microbial problem, ASTM D7463-08 is a test method that detects the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in fuel, indicating the presence of living microbes. Other test kits, such as FUELSTAT®, are also available to detect microbial contamination and provide rapid results. While it is impossible to completely sterilize a fuel system, controlling biological activity to acceptable levels is crucial to prevent damage and maintain fuel quality.
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Fuel degradation
Oxidative breakdown can also lead to the formation of particulates, water, and gum, causing the fuel to become discoloured. The presence of water in diesel fuel can also be due to new blends of diesel containing biodiesel, which has more water. If water makes its way into the fuel injectors, it can cause expensive damage. Water can enter the fuel tank through condensation or poor-quality fuel, and it can be minimised by keeping the tank full.
Another cause of fuel degradation is microbial contamination, which can lead to the formation of an algae-like substance that clogs filters and causes engine failure. This contamination can be prevented with the use of biocides. Other signs of fuel degradation include changes in the normal amount of water in the storage tank, increased sediment content in fuel samples, and slimy or abnormal coatings on the tank walls.
To prevent fuel degradation, diesel should be stored clean, cool, and dry. The use of additives, biocides, stabilizers, and additive packages can also help maintain fuel quality and stability. Regular testing and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the longevity of diesel fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Bad diesel fuel, or "dirty diesel", can cause issues with your engine. Signs of bad diesel fuel include: unusual smells, discolouration, varnishing and sludging, and poor engine performance.
Diesel fuel can become contaminated by water, dirt, or air. This can happen during the refining process, or due to poor storage conditions.
Bad diesel fuel is more common than people think. Diesel is especially prone to contamination by water, which can enter fuel tanks through condensation or leaks. Diesel fuel can also be contaminated by microbes and bacteria, and can begin to degrade within a month of storage.
If you suspect you have bad diesel fuel, you should drain the tank, change the fuel filters, and refill with fresh diesel. You can also use a multifunction diesel additive with detergency to improve fuel quality.
