Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel contamination by microbes, often referred to as diesel algae, is a common issue faced by diesel engine users. This contamination can lead to serious damage to engines and systems. The microbes, which include bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produce waste products that cause corrosion and engine fouling. They can also clog filters, reducing fuel flow and causing engine damage. To prevent and treat diesel bug, various methods can be employed, including the use of biocides, fuel additives, and regular maintenance and testing. Biocides, such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, work by penetrating the cell walls of the bacteria, causing them to rupture and die. However, it is important to use biocides correctly and in conjunction with other methods to avoid issues such as biocide-resistant microbes and filter plugging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is diesel bug? | A single or group of microorganisms that grow on fuels, including bacteria, filamentous moulds, and yeasts. |
| How does diesel bug grow? | Fungal spores and bacteria can be carried in air and water. They thrive in hot and humid conditions where condensation is common. |
| What are the symptoms of diesel bug? | Engine not running smoothly, vehicle jerking, emitting unusual smoke, bad smell when opening the tank, clogged filters, reduced fuel flow, engine damage, corrosion of fuel tanks, fuel lines, and other engine components, reduced fuel efficiency. |
| How to prevent diesel bug? | Regularly run the vehicle, completely empty or fill the tank to reduce condensation, use anti-bacterial diesel additives, use fuel stabilizers, use mobile fuel polishing systems, use biocides or chemicals that kill bacteria. |
| How to treat diesel bug? | Drain the tank of all free water, use a high dose of a biocide to "shock" the tank, perform a thorough tank cleaning, use Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment, use anti-bacterial diesel additive and shock dosing. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a biocide treatment to kill bacteria in diesel fuel
Diesel fuel biocides are chemical agents used to control the proliferation of harmful organisms. They are often poured into the fuel tank to control the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that regularly contribute to fuel contamination issues.
Biocides are an effective way to kill microbes in diesel fuel and keep them from spreading. However, they do not address the root cause of microbial contamination and must be frequently used to prevent future outbreaks. One significant drawback of diesel biocides is their inability to remove solid contaminants from the fuel. While biocides can effectively eliminate microbes, they leave behind dead organic matter and sludge that can clog fuel filters.
To make diesel biocides more effective, it is recommended to add a biomass dispersant chemical at the same time. The dispersant will work alongside the biocide to break up the biomass formations, allowing the biocide to penetrate and kill more microbes. It is also critical to circulate the fuel to ensure the biocide is completely blended and reaches all areas where bacteria are living.
Some examples of diesel fuel biocides include Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide and Bellicide. When using these products, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and add them to the fuel, not the diesel exhaust fluid tank. Treatment may be performed by slug dosage or by intermittent metering to maintain a specific concentration of the biocide.
In summary, diesel fuel biocides are an effective way to kill bacteria in diesel fuel, but they should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as biomass dispersants and fuel circulation, to ensure maximum effectiveness.
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Prevent bacteria growth with fuel stabilisers
Diesel bugs, or microbial contamination, can lead to operational issues and serious corrosion. These microbes, including bacteria, feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create biomass, biofilms, and damaging by-products. They can also induce corrosion, block filters, and clog injectors, causing problems with the fuel system.
To prevent bacteria growth and the issues associated with it, fuel stabilizers can be used. Fuel stabilizers are additives designed to preserve the quality and chemical properties of diesel fuel by preventing the degradation of fuel caused by exposure to air, moisture, temperature changes, and extended storage periods. They are typically made up of assorted chemical compounds, including antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and detergents, which work together to prevent fuel degradation and maintain fuel quality.
One way fuel stabilizers prevent microbial growth is by safely removing water from the fuel, preventing the environment in which microbes thrive. By inhibiting the chemical reactions that lead to fuel degradation, fuel stabilizers also prevent oxidation and the subsequent damage it can cause. This includes the formation of acids, sediments, gums, and varnishes, which can clog fuel filters and injectors, hindering engine performance.
Scientific studies have proven that fuel stabilizers protect diesel fuel during storage and inhibit degradation, prevent oxidation, and preserve fuel stability. They can also increase engine performance and improve fuel economy. It is recommended to add fuel stabilizers to fresh fuel to allow for proper mixing, and only one treatment is necessary.
While diesel biocides can be used to kill microbes in fuel systems, they may not be the best long-term solution as they do not remove solid contaminants and frequent use may lead to microorganisms developing a resistance to them.
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Test for bacteria with a FUELSTAT test
Diesel bug, or biological contamination in fuel, can lead to serious damage to engines and systems. This contamination can block filters, obstruct fuel lines, and cause engine malfunctions or failures. It can also induce corrosion, damaging the structural integrity of the tank and injectors.
The FUELSTAT Fuel Contamination Test Kit is an innovative solution for testing diesel fuel, detecting microbial contamination, and addressing water content issues that lead to the growth of the diesel bug. The test kit uses immunoassay antibodies to detect the presence of harmful microorganisms in fuel systems. These microorganisms can cause problems like clogging filters, interfering with fuel tank probes, and even corrosion. The test kit can also detect the presence of spores that have activated and started germinating, which indicates that there are nutrients in the fuel for the diesel bug to grow, typically in the form of water.
The FUELSTAT test is easy to use and can be conducted on-site by an individual with minimal training. Only a single test kit per sample of fuel is required, and the test only needs 4 drops of fuel. The test is rapid, providing reliable and accurate results within just 15 minutes. The results are captured in a digital report via the FUELSTAT Portal app, where they can be viewed and downloaded. Past test results can also be viewed through the app to compare fuel quality at different times.
It is recommended to test diesel fuel with a FUELSTAT kit every 12 months, or every 3 months in hotter areas where fuel is stored in humid conditions. Regular testing is essential to ensure fuel cleanliness and maintain the reliability, safety, and efficiency of diesel fuel systems.
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Remove water from diesel fuel tanks
Water in diesel fuel tanks can cause a range of issues, including corrosion, engine damage, and unplanned downtime. To remove water from diesel fuel tanks, you can follow these steps and methods:
Prevent Water Contamination
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. To prevent water contamination in diesel fuel tanks, you can take several precautions:
- Keep fuel levels high to minimise air space and reduce condensation.
- Seal tanks or containers tightly to prevent moisture from entering.
- Regularly inspect your fuel tank for leaks or damage, and repair any leaks promptly.
- Choose reputable fuel suppliers with a history of quality control.
- Ensure fuel delivery equipment is clean and well-maintained.
- Avoid fuelling from tanks that may be contaminated with water.
- For larger tanks, install a fuel maintenance system to filter contaminants regularly.
- Replace fuel filters as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Use Fuel Additives
One method to remove water from diesel fuel is to use fuel additives, which can absorb or emulsify water into the fuel. Additives such as the 911 diesel additive red bottle can be purchased from automotive stores. However, it is important to note that emulsifying agents may not work unless the tank is agitated.
Fuel Filtration Systems
Fuel filtration systems can effectively remove water from diesel fuel. There are two main filtration methods:
- Water Separator: This method uses centrifugal force to separate water from the fuel.
- Filter Media: This method captures water as the fuel flows through the system and back into the tank. While more expensive, this is the most effective method for serious water contamination, especially in bulk storage applications.
Treat with Biocides
Biocide treatments, such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, can be used to kill microbes in diesel fuel systems, including bacteria and fungi. However, caution must be exercised when using biocides, and instructions on the label should be followed carefully.
Run the Vehicle Regularly
For vehicles that are parked for long periods, running the vehicle regularly or keeping the tank empty or full can help reduce condensation and prevent water contamination.
Shock Dosing
If you notice a bad smell when opening the tank, you can use an anti-bacterial diesel additive and perform shock dosing (increased dosage) to kill bacteria quickly and easily.
By following these methods and taking preventive measures, you can effectively remove water from diesel fuel tanks and minimise the risk of damage caused by water contamination.
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Use anti-bacterial diesel additives
Diesel bug is a general term for a host of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts that can inhabit your tank, either by transfer from infected fuel or by colonisation from airborne spores. Diesel bugs can cause operational issues and serious corrosion, which can lead to a big hole in your diesel tank and wallet. They can also block filters and starve your boat engine of fuel.
Biological contamination in fuel can lead to serious damage to engines and systems. The best way to prevent this is to use anti-bacterial diesel additives. Anti-bacterial diesel additives are highly effective biocides with a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, yeast, and mould. They are ideally suited for preventive use in diesel-powered vehicles that are decommissioned for long periods or are infrequently used, such as construction machinery, commercial vehicles, RVs, passenger cars, and storage tanks.
Anti-bacterial diesel additives can be added directly to the fuel tank and are compatible with all conventional diesel and biodiesel fuels. The dosage will depend on the level of contamination and the type of additive being used. For example, a dosage of 1:1000 (25 ml for 25 l of diesel fuel) is sufficient for preventive use, while a dosage of 1:200 (25 ml for 5 l of diesel fuel) is recommended for remedial use.
It is important to note that some anti-bacterial diesel additives can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled and may cause skin and eye irritation. Therefore, it is crucial to read the label and product information before use.
One example of an anti-bacterial diesel additive is LIQUI MOLY, which can be used for preventive or remedial purposes. Another option is Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment, which is designed to kill microbes in diesel fuel, including bacteria and fungus. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using these products.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel bug is a microorganism or a group of microorganisms that grow on fuels, including bacteria, moulds and yeasts. They feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create biomass, biofilms and damaging by-products.
Diesel bug can be hard to detect at first, but as the problem worsens, you may notice symptoms such as an engine that is not running smoothly, a vehicle that is jerking or emitting unusual smoke, or a bad smell when opening the tank. You can also use a test kit to check for microbial contamination.
To kill bacteria in diesel fuel, you can use a biocide treatment, such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, or an anti-bacterial diesel additive. It is also recommended to remove any water from the fuel tank, as microbes cannot reproduce without it.
