Rajan Wilcox
Microbial growth in diesel fuel, also known as diesel bug, is a common problem that can cause issues ranging from corrosion to equipment failure. It occurs when bacteria and fungi find their way into the fuel, typically through water that has entered the fuel system via condensation or rainwater penetration. These microbes thrive at the interface between the oil and water and can also grow on the tank walls, eventually leading to the formation of a thick biomass or sludge that can block filters and cause other operational issues. To treat microbial growth in diesel fuel, it is necessary to remove the contaminated fuel, clean the tank, and prevent future contamination by limiting water entry and using fuel additives or biocides.
Characteristics and Values of Microbial Growth in Diesel Fuel Treatment
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Water in the storage tank, condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air |
| Temperature | Between 10°C and 40°C |
| Appearance | Dark slime, chocolate mousse, dark khaki colour, black exhaust smoke |
| Odour | Rotten fuel smell |
| Fuel Type | Modern biodiesel, FAME (bio-fuel), ULSD (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel) |
| Microbial Species | Bacteria (Clostridium, Desulfotomaculum, etc.), Fungi (Aspergillus, Candida keroseneae, etc.) |
| Prevention | Limit water in the tank, fuel filtration, fuel polishing, fuel tank insulation, approved fuel preservatives, diesel fuel biocides |
| Treatment | Manually drain or chemically clean the tank, CleanBoost® Anti-Microbe Fuel Conditioner, Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus |
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What You'll Learn
Prevent water from entering the fuel tank
Water in a fuel tank can cause serious damage to vehicles, including corrosion, rusting, and engine shutdown. Therefore, it is important to prevent water from entering the fuel tank.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the root causes of water entering the fuel tank. Water can enter through condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Condensation occurs when temperature changes cause the air inside the tank to expand and contract, creating moisture that can turn into water droplets. Rainwater can enter through small openings, leaks, or weak seals in the tank, especially if the gas cap is left off or is defective.
To prevent water infiltration, regularly inspect your vehicle's fuel system and maintain a well-functioning gas cap, ensuring it offers an appropriate seal. Keep the tank as full as possible to minimise air space and reduce condensation. Refuel during cooler periods to prevent temperature changes that contribute to condensation. Additionally, consider using fuel additives designed to remove water from fuel, such as ISO-HEET, STP Water Remover, or BG Ethanol Fuel System Drier. These additives can help protect engine components and prevent issues caused by water contamination.
For underground tanks, ensure the fill box has a suitable gasket around the plug to prevent water seepage after rainfall. The gasket should be tight and in good condition to provide an effective seal. Additionally, consider painting the tank silver to reflect sunlight and reduce thermal expansion, and locate it in a shaded area if possible. Installing the tank with the fill pipe end pitched downward allows water to pool and be easily pumped out.
By following these preventive measures, you can protect your vehicle's fuel system and engine from potential damage caused by water infiltration.
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Regularly inspect, clean, and treat the tank
Regular inspection, cleaning, and treatment of diesel fuel tanks are crucial to prevent and manage microbial growth. Here are some detailed steps to achieve this:
Inspection:
- Regularly inspect the tank for water buildup, especially at the bottom of the tank, as this is where water and microbial growth typically occur due to the fuel-water interface. Check for any signs of water every month initially, and if none is found, decrease the frequency to every two months. However, ensure that the tank is inspected at least twice a year.
- Be vigilant for any signs of microbial contamination, such as fuel discoloration (a dark khaki colour instead of bright yellow-green), a rotten fuel smell, or black exhaust smoke during system startup.
- Consider using fibre-optic technology or remote video cameras to visually inspect the tank for contaminants and monitor the cleaning process.
Cleaning:
- If water is detected, schedule periodic tank cleaning and maintenance.
- Remove water from the bottom of the fuel tank using mechanical methods or drain plugs. Ensure that water is drained regularly.
- In cases of severe contamination, a manned entry cleaning may be required. This involves physically entering the tank to clean it adequately.
- Properly dispose of contaminated wash liquids and solids that result from the cleaning process.
Treatment:
- Treat the tank with approved fuel preservatives or biocides to control or delay the buildup of microbial growth.
- Consider using products specifically designed to prevent water buildup in diesel fuel tanks, such as Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus.
- Treat the fuel and water tank bottoms to control the spreading of microbial growth.
- Preventative doses of EPA-approved diesel fuel biocides can be used to prolong the time interval between necessary tank cleanings.
Remember, regular inspection, cleaning, and treatment of your diesel fuel tank are essential to maintaining fuel quality and preventing the harmful effects of microbial growth, including filter clogging, corrosion, and damage to fuel systems.
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Use a microbial growth remover
Microbial growth in diesel fuel, also known as "diesel bug", is the contamination of diesel fuel by microbes such as bacteria and fungi. This contamination can cause problems such as fuel filter clogging, increased corrosion, and deposits that can lead to wear and tear on engine components. To treat and prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel, one effective method is to use a microbial growth remover, also known as a diesel fuel biocide.
These products are designed to kill and remove microbes from diesel fuel systems, preventing and treating contamination. When choosing a microbial growth remover, it is important to consider several factors, including the solubility of the fuel/water mixture, compatibility with the fuel system components and other additives, the speed of microbe removal, and industry and regulatory approvals. One example of an effective diesel microbial growth remover is CleanBoost® Anti-Microbe Fuel Conditioner, which can be used in both diesel and biodiesel fuels. This product is added during the refilling of fresh fuel and can kill even the most stubborn organisms within a few hours, providing improved resistance against hydrolysis.
Another option is Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment, which is designed to kill microbes and prevent fuel tank corrosion caused by organic acids produced by microbial growth. This product can be added directly to storage tanks or fuel tanks for diesel oil, fuel oil, gasoline, or kerosene. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and ensure compatibility with your fuel system.
In addition to using a microbial growth remover, it is important to address the underlying causes of microbial growth. This includes limiting the amount of water in the storage tank, as water provides the ideal conditions for microbial growth. Regularly check the tank bottoms for water and drain any water that is found. Fuel filtration and polishing methods can also be used to remove water and contaminants from the fuel without removing the fuel from the tank.
By using a microbial growth remover and implementing preventative measures, you can effectively treat and control microbial growth in diesel fuel, ensuring the reliable performance of your diesel fuel system.
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Test for microbial growth
It is inevitable that stored diesel fuel will eventually develop microbial contamination. Water is essential for microbial growth, and it may exist as free water, visible as a separate layer below the fuel, or as a hazy layer between the water and fuel layers. Microbes feed on nutrients in the fuel and can create thick mats known as biomass. They can also coat surfaces and climb up storage tank walls by creating biofilm.
There are several signs that your diesel fuel may be contaminated by microbes. These include the need to replace fuel filters more often, more frequent cleaning or replacement of fuel injectors, and the presence of black exhaust smoke at system startup. Fuel discoloration and a rotten fuel smell may also indicate microbial contamination.
To test for microbial growth in diesel fuel, you can use a commercially available microbial growth test kit. It is important to take samples from more than one location and at different depths to get a complete picture of the severity of any biological problem. Immunoassay antibody tests are the quickest and easiest tests available today, reliably detecting the specific microbes that threaten fuel. They require minimal equipment and can be conducted on-site. ASTM D7463-08 is another fast and easy test method that detects the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in fuel and fuel/water mixtures. ATP is an energy-bearing molecule found in all living cells, so its presence indicates that microbes are living in your diesel tank. The test also helps to estimate the concentration of microorganisms, which is useful for diagnosing and monitoring a microbial problem. Silver and copper corrosivity tests may also indicate the presence of corrosive sulphide produced by microbes.
If your diesel fuel is contaminated with microbes, it is important to remove the system's free water and reduce the active colony to prevent further growth. This can be done through filtration and/or treatment of the tank with biocide additives.
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Control the fuel temperature
The ideal temperature range for microbial growth in diesel fuel is between 10°C and 40°C (50°F and 104°F). This is especially a problem for above-ground storage tanks and fuel tanks exposed to a wide range of temperatures, particularly heat. Temperature fluctuations and exposure to heat worsen issues with condensation, which creates the conditions for microbial growth. Therefore, controlling the fuel temperature is crucial in preventing microbial growth.
To stabilize fuel temperature, fuel tank insulation can be used. Insulation can help maintain the fuel temperature within the desired range, preventing it from reaching the optimal levels for microbial growth. It is important to note that insulation alone may not be sufficient to prevent microbial growth entirely, and other measures such as water control and regular tank maintenance should also be implemented.
Regularly monitoring fuel temperature can help identify any deviations from the optimal range. This can be achieved through routine system maintenance and periodic testing and sampling of the fuel. By regularly checking the fuel temperature, potential issues can be identified early on, and corrective actions can be taken to adjust the temperature and prevent microbial growth.
In addition to insulation and monitoring, implementing temperature control systems can help maintain the fuel temperature within the desired range. This may involve the use of cooling or heating systems to regulate the temperature of the fuel tank and its surroundings. Such systems can help mitigate the impact of external temperature fluctuations, especially in above-ground storage tanks that are more susceptible to temperature changes.
Another strategy to control fuel temperature is to utilize underground storage tanks. Underground tanks are inherently protected from extreme temperature variations, particularly heat, which can contribute to condensation and microbial growth. By storing fuel in underground tanks, the fuel temperature is naturally regulated, reducing the risk of creating favourable conditions for microbes to thrive.
By combining fuel tank insulation, regular temperature monitoring, temperature control systems, and considering underground storage, the fuel temperature can be effectively managed to prevent or inhibit microbial growth. It is important to note that controlling fuel temperature is just one aspect of maintaining fuel quality, and a comprehensive approach that addresses water buildup, regular tank maintenance, and the use of appropriate additives or treatments is crucial for optimal fuel health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several signs that your diesel fuel has microbial growth, including the need to replace fuel filters more often, more frequent cleaning or replacement of fuel injectors, and premature wearing of rings and cylinder liners. You can also manually check your fuel filters for a black, slimy coating.
Microbial growth occurs when there is water in the storage tank and the diesel fuel temperature is between 10°C and 40°C. Bacterial and fungal spores commonly found in the soil can enter the fuel tank through vents or during filling.
The best way to prevent microbial growth is to limit the amount of water in the storage tank. Check tank bottoms for water every month initially, decreasing the frequency if no water is found. Tanks should be checked for water at least twice a year. You can also treat your fuel with an approved preservative or fuel additive.
If microbial growth has already occurred, you can manually drain or chemically clean the tank. You can also use a fuel circulation technique to filter the water and contaminants out of the fuel without removing the fuel from the tank. Or you can use a product like CleanBoost® Anti-Microbe Fuel Conditioner to kill the organisms.
