Rajan Wilcox
While algae cannot grow inside a diesel fuel tank due to the absence of sunlight, microbes like mould, bacteria, and fungi can enter and cause contamination. This contamination, often referred to as diesel algae, can cause significant issues for diesel engines, including clogged filters, reduced engine power, and even engine damage. Detecting diesel algae can be challenging, but early detection is crucial to prevent serious damage. Once detected, there are several methods to remove and prevent diesel algae, including fuel polishing, biocide treatments, and the use of fuel additives or stabilizers.
How to get algae out of diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is diesel algae? | A sludge-like substance that is a combination of species of bacteria, molds, fungi, and other microbes that cause problems. |
| How does it form? | Water present in the diesel separates into a distinct layer below the fuel, creating the perfect breeding ground for microbes. |
| How to prevent it? | Use a diesel additive to remove water from the fuel, use high-quality diesel fuel, regularly clean and maintain the fuel tank, use a fuel stabilizer, use a mobile fuel polishing system. |
| How to get rid of it? | Drain water from the tank, use a water-absorbing chemical treatment, use a biocide treatment, use fuel polishing services, replace fuel filters. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a biocide treatment to kill the microbes
Biocide treatments are the most common method of removing algae from diesel fuel. Biocide treatments kill microbes in diesel fuel, including bacteria and fungi. The first indication of microbial contamination is mucus-like accumulations on fuel filters and an increased need for fuel filter replacement.
To use a biocide treatment, you should first remove any water and biomass from your tank. Then, add a biocide treatment such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide to your fuel tank. It is important to circulate the fuel to ensure the biocide is completely blended and reaches all areas where bacteria are living. You should also fill the tank to capacity with more fuel after adding the biocide.
There are some drawbacks to using biocide treatments. Biocide treatments are toxic and can harm more than just the microbes in your fuel. Over time, the use of biocides can corrode your fuel system and damage your fuel tank and other components, which can be expensive to repair. Furthermore, the repeated use of biocides may eventually become ineffective as microorganisms can develop a resistance to them.
It is important to note that algae cannot technically grow inside a diesel fuel tank as it requires sunlight to grow. However, microbes such as mould, bacteria, and fungi can contaminate your diesel fuel and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventative measures and properly maintain your diesel fuel tank to avoid microbial contamination.
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Drain water from the tank
Diesel fuel is a commonly used energy source for large vehicles and equipment. However, diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination by microbes, often referred to as "diesel algae". This sludge-like substance can cause significant issues with your diesel tank and engine.
To prevent and address diesel algae, it is crucial to manage the water levels in your tank. Water serves as a habitat for microbes, providing the moisture they need to grow and thrive. Therefore, regularly draining water from your diesel tank is an essential step in preventing and mitigating diesel algae.
- Monitoring Water Levels: Use a tank stick or an automatic sensor to regularly check the water levels in your fuel tank. Water-detecting paste can be used in conjunction with the tank stick to determine the water level. Immediate action is required if the water level exceeds half an inch, which is the maximum threshold.
- Draining the Water: If high water levels are detected, proceed to drain the water from the tank. For smaller amounts of fuel, a simple method involves using a specialised funnel, such as Mr Funnel, which separates water from the fuel as you pour it through. For larger volumes, you may need to employ mechanical means to extract the water.
- Drying the Tank: After draining the water, it is important to ensure the tank is dry. You can use chemical treatments designed to absorb any remaining moisture and remediate the environment. These treatments help prepare the tank for the next step in addressing diesel algae.
- Follow-up Treatment: Once the tank is drained and dry, you can proceed with further treatments to address any remaining microbes or sludge. Biocides are often used to kill active microbial contamination. However, it is important to use biocides sparingly and in the correct amounts to avoid potential corrosion and the development of biocide-resistant microbes.
- Long-term Prevention: To prevent diesel algae from returning, consider implementing a fuel maintenance system. These automated systems work on a schedule to regularly remove fuel from the tank, filter out contaminants, and maintain fuel quality. Additionally, using high-quality diesel fuel with fewer impurities and regularly cleaning your fuel tank and lines can help prevent future issues.
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Use a fuel additive to prevent phase separation
Although it is commonly referred to as "diesel algae", the dark sludge that forms in your fuel tank is not actually algae. Algae require sunlight to grow, which is not available in a diesel fuel tank. What you are actually seeing is biomass; microbes made up of bacteria, mould, and fungus that get inside your diesel fuel tank and wreak havoc.
The problem of microbial contamination originates when water present in the diesel separates into a distinct layer below the fuel. This is commonly referred to as "phase separation". The interface between the diesel fuel and the water creates the perfect breeding ground for various bacteria and fungi to thrive.
To prevent phase separation, you can use a fuel additive that removes water from the fuel. Fuel additives are designed to prevent phase separation from happening. It is important to note that simply scavenging the water out will not kill the microbes. However, removing the water does work to fix the environment to make it harder for them to grow in the tank. In addition to using a fuel additive, you should also frequently drain the water from your water separator and regularly clean and maintain the fuel tank and fuel lines to prevent the buildup of debris and sediment.
Biocides can also be used to kill active microbial contamination in the tank. However, biocides use hazardous chemicals to kill the microbes directly and are heavily regulated and controlled. Frequent use of biocides can also create resistant microbes that no longer die upon application. Therefore, using a fuel additive to prevent phase separation is a more effective long-term solution compared to biocides.
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Regularly clean and maintain the fuel tank
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your fuel tank is crucial to preventing the growth of microbes, often referred to as "diesel algae". While technically not algae, as it cannot grow in the dark conditions of a diesel tank, this sludge-like substance can cause significant issues.
Firstly, it is important to understand the conditions that promote microbial growth. The primary factor is the presence of water in the diesel tank, which separates into a distinct layer, providing the necessary environment for microbes to thrive. Therefore, regularly draining water from your tank is essential. Use a tank stick to measure the amount of water at the bottom of your tank, and if it exceeds half an inch, mechanically drain the water. Follow this with a water-absorbing chemical treatment to ensure the tank is dry.
In addition to keeping your tank dry, regularly cleaning and maintaining the tank and fuel lines is vital. This includes removing any debris or sediment buildup, which can provide nutrients for microbial growth. Fuel polishing services use specialised equipment to remove contaminants and can be employed to ensure your tank is thoroughly cleaned.
Furthermore, consider using a fuel stabilizer, especially if your engine will be inactive for extended periods. Fuel stabilizers prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination. Taking proactive measures to keep your fuel system clean is significantly more effective and less costly than attempting to eradicate established microbial growth.
By diligently maintaining your fuel tank, you can prevent the costly consequences of diesel algae, including clogged filters, engine damage, and reduced engine performance.
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$42.8
Use a mobile fuel polishing system
Fuel polishing, also known as fuel filtration, is a process that can be used to remove algae from diesel fuel. It involves removing the fuel from the tank, filtering it, and then returning it to the tank as clean fuel. This method can be used to remove water, sludge, rust, and microbial particulate matter from diesel.
Mobile fuel polishing systems are available from companies that offer mobile diesel fuel tank cleaning services. These companies can be found by searching for "fuel polishing" along with the name of the nearest big city.
It is important to note that fuel polishing should be done regularly to maintain the cleanliness of the tank. The frequency of polishing depends on the size of the diesel fuel tanks and the rate at which fuel is consumed. If fuel is polished regularly, the tank will not need to be cleaned as often.
The process of fuel polishing requires a pump to circulate the fuel through a filter and back into the tank. The type of pump and filter used are important considerations. For example, a low-volume pump may not be sufficient to effectively polish the fuel. Additionally, the filter sizes can vary, but they commonly decrease in size throughout the filtration process to catch smaller and smaller particles.
By implementing a mobile fuel polishing system, you can effectively remove algae and other contaminants from your diesel fuel, maintaining the health of your diesel fuel tank and engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Algae in diesel fuel is a sludge-like substance that is a combination of species of bacteria, moulds, fungi, and other microbes. It is commonly referred to as "diesel algae" but it is not actually algae as it cannot grow in the dark environment of a diesel fuel tank.
You may have algae in your diesel fuel if you notice clogged filters, reduced engine power, or a jelly-like, green or brown sludge in the fuel tank. Testing kits are available to identify even small amounts of algae.
To get rid of algae in diesel fuel, you should first remove any water from the tank. Then, use a biocide treatment to kill the active microbial contamination. Finally, follow up with a water-absorbing chemical treatment to clean up any remaining water.
