Sylvie Willis
Water in diesel fuel can cause severe damage to fuel quality and engine performance, leading to costly repairs and unplanned downtime. Water contamination can occur through various means, including condensation, leaky storage tanks, and human error. To remove water from diesel fuel, one can utilize mechanical-chemical approaches, such as fuel additives or fuel circulators, or employ filtration systems like the Aquafighter water absorber, which effectively separates bound water from fuel molecules. Preventative measures, such as regular filter replacements and proper fueling procedures, are also crucial in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of diesel engines.
How to Get Water Out of Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why water needs to be removed from diesel fuel | Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. |
| How water gets into diesel fuel | Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation, compromised tanks, leaky storage tanks, human error, and more. |
| Preventing water from entering diesel fuel | Proper fueling procedures, keeping the tank full, and buying diesel fuel from reputable sources with well-maintained systems can help minimize the risk of water contamination. |
| Removing water from diesel fuel | Fuel additives, fuel circulators, fuel polishing systems, and fuel tank water absorbers like Aquafighter can be used to remove water from diesel fuel. |
| Fuel additives | Demulsifiers and emulsifiers are types of fuel additives. Demulsifiers separate water from fuel, while emulsifiers mix them. The choice depends on the engine type. |
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What You'll Learn
Water in diesel fuel can cause engine damage
Water in diesel fuel can cause serious engine damage and decrease engine performance. Water in suspension in burning fuel reduces the amount of energy available and will result in lower horsepower output.
Water in diesel fuel can freeze, creating ice crystals that behave like any other hard particulate. They can create wear in fuel systems and clog fuel filters. Engines and filters do not differentiate between dirt and ice. Water droplets impact a small area with great force, causing surface fatigue and erosion.
Water in diesel fuel can also cause rust and corrosion of fuel system components and infrastructure. Rust and corrosion in the tank create hard particulate that is passed along in thefuel, causing engine wear. Microbes in the water produce acids that corrode tanks, make biomass that sticks to the surface and clogs filters, and accelerate corrosion damage.
Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation in storage tanks, especially in above-ground tanks, and in truck fuel tanks. Water can also enter through poor or degraded tank seals, human error, or leaky storage tanks.
To prevent water contamination, it is important to practice proper fuelling procedures and maintain well-sealed tanks. Investing in a top-tier filtration system can also help keep your engine running smoothly and protect it from water-contaminated fuel.
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Water attracts more to ultra-low sulfur diesel
Water contamination in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water in diesel fuel can result in rust particles entering the fuel, promote the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, and cause premature wear and corrosion in fuel injectors and other engine parts.
Water contamination became a critical issue with the introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) because it attracts more water and is less resistant to microbial growth than previous diesel fuels. ULSD has a higher affinity for water due to its chemistry, and this higher affinity contributes to accelerated tank corrosion. Mixing ULSD with small amounts of biofuel, such as ethanol, may further accelerate tank corrosion due to the production of acetic acid by microbes.
The hygroscopic nature of diesel fuel contributes to water contamination. Diesel fuel attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water. This absorption of moisture can occur through everyday temperature fluctuations and condensation in storage tanks and truck fuel tanks. Condensation forms when the temperature inside the fuel tank becomes colder than the ambient air, and this free water can enter the engine's injection system if not removed.
To minimize water contamination in ULSD, it is crucial to manage significant sources of contamination and filter out remaining water. Fuel retailers often use water-detecting filters to prevent water from entering the fuel system, but these filters must be well-maintained to be effective. Investing in a top-tier filtration system can help keep the engine running smoothly and protect it from water-contaminated fuel. Additionally, emphasizing proper fueling procedures and maintenance can reduce the risk of human error, such as leaving the fuel tank cap off, which can invite water contamination.
Various products and technologies are available to address the undesirable side effects of ULSD, such as fuel additives that can increase fuel lubricity and improve fuel economy. Regularly filtering water out of the fuel is essential to prevent accelerated tank corrosion and the issues associated with microbial contamination.
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Water can enter through condensation
Water contamination in diesel fuel is a critical issue that can cause significant damage to engine performance. Water can enter the fuel through various means, including condensation, which occurs in both storage tanks and truck fuel tanks.
Condensation in diesel fuel tanks is a common issue due to the fuel's hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. When a fuel tank is warm, the air expands and exits the tank. However, as the tank cools, humid air is drawn back in, and condensation forms on the cooler tank walls. This condensation can lead to water accumulation, which, if not removed, can cause significant issues in the engine's injection system.
Everyday temperature fluctuations contribute to condensation formation, but the more critical factor is the operation of the truck and the fuel drawdown during operation. Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel does not create vapor pressure to displace air. As a result, air is pulled into the tank during operation, especially in warmer and more humid conditions. When the tank's internal temperature drops below the ambient air temperature, condensation forms, creating free water that can enter the engine's injection system.
To mitigate condensation, it is recommended to keep the tank topped off, especially before parking the vehicle. This helps to reduce humid air accumulation and condensation formation. Additionally, investing in a high-quality filtration system that effectively separates air, water, and fuel is crucial for preventing water-contaminated fuel from reaching the engine.
While proper fueling procedures and maintenance are essential, it is also important to recognize that water can enter the fuel despite following strict guidelines. Therefore, regular inspections and preventive measures, such as using demulsifiers and water dispersants, are crucial to minimize the adverse effects of water contamination in diesel fuel.
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Fuel additives can be used to emulsify water
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water contamination is a critical issue, especially with the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel, as it attracts more water and is less resistant to microbial growth. Modern diesel fuel systems are also less tolerant of water in the fuel. Therefore, it is crucial to minimise water entry into the fuel tank and remove any water that does enter.
One method to address water in diesel fuel is to use fuel additives, which can either demulsify or emulsify the water. Demulsifiers cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to be caught and prevented from reaching the engine. On the other hand, emulsifiers cause the fuel and water to mix, creating a homogeneous mixture where the water is dispersed in tiny particles. This emulsified water can then pass through the fuel delivery system and be vaporised in the engine's combustion chamber, releasing as steam.
Fuel additives that emulsify water can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, in on-vehicle fuel tanks or applications where the fuel is subjected to mechanical vibration or agitation, emulsifiers can stabilise the water-in-fuel mixture and ensure the emulsified water remains in a fine micro- or nanoscale state. This prevents the water from settling and forming algae. Additionally, emulsifiers can be advantageous for biodiesel fuels, which are more hygroscopic than petrodiesel, by helping to manage water absorption.
Some examples of emulsifying fuel additives include E-ZOIL's Diesel Aid, Schaeffer's Diesel Treat 2000, Schaeffer's Soy Shield, Neutra 131, and Diesel Plus. These additives work by utilising hydrogen bonding or surfactant properties to create a stable emulsion of water and diesel fuel. However, it is important to note that using emulsifiers may have potential drawbacks. There are concerns that emulsified water could come out of suspension under certain conditions, such as cold weather or high pressure, and cause issues within the injection pump.
In summary, fuel additives that emulsify water can be a viable option for managing water in diesel fuel, particularly in specific scenarios like on-vehicle fuel tanks or biodiesel applications. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of using emulsifiers versus demulsifiers to make an informed decision.
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Water can be removed with a fuel polishing system or other filtration methods
Water contamination in diesel fuel is a critical issue that can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Modern diesel fuel systems are less forgiving of water in the fuel, so it is essential to minimize water ingress and filter out any remaining water.
One effective method to remove water from diesel fuel is to use a fuel polishing system. This system filters out the water from the fuel tank, ensuring that the water does not reach the engine. Fuel polishing systems are particularly useful in addressing moderate to severe water contamination.
Another approach is to use fuel additives, such as demulsifiers or absorbers. Demulsifiers cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to settle at the bottom of the tank, where it can be effectively removed by the fuel filter and water separator. Fuel additives like Aquafighter, for instance, can reduce water content levels to less than 75ppm, exceeding industry standards.
Additionally, filtration methods can be employed to prevent water from entering the fuel system in the first place. Most fuel retailers use water-detecting filters in their dispensing equipment. While these filters are effective when well-maintained, they can allow water to pass through if they become saturated. Therefore, it is crucial to purchase diesel fuel from reputable sources with properly maintained systems.
Furthermore, condensation is an often-overlooked source of water contamination. It can occur in storage tanks, especially above-ground tanks, due to temperature fluctuations and the drawing down of fuel during operation. To mitigate condensation, it is recommended to keep the tank full and top it off before parking.
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Frequently asked questions
If your machine or vehicle is exhibiting signs of erratic behaviour, such as erratic idling or cutting out while accelerating, your diesel fuel may contain water.
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water can disrupt the combustion process, leading to engine misfires, uneven operation, and reduced power.
Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation, especially in above-ground tanks. It can also enter through leaky storage tanks, poor tank seals, or human error, such as leaving the fuel tank cap off.
There are a few methods to remove water from diesel fuel. One option is to use a fuel additive or demulsifier to separate the water from the fuel and filter it out. Another option is to use a fuel circulator or recirculation unit to break down the sludge and remove impurities. Additionally, a fuel polishing system or service may be required.
To prevent water contamination, it is important to practice proper fuelling procedures and regularly check your diesel tank for water accumulation. Keep your tank full to limit humid air accumulation and condensation formation. Investing in a top-tier filtration system can also help keep your engine running smoothly and protect it from water-contaminated fuel.
