Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel doesn't last forever, and fuel that has been left unused can go bad. Fuel polishing, also known as fuel scrubbing, is a process that cleans and purifies diesel fuel, removing water, sediment, and microbial contamination. This process helps to maintain the quality of stored diesel fuel and prevents issues such as engine breakdown, fuel starvation, and blocked filters. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often diesel fuel should be polished, most industry experts recommend a minimum of once a year for tanks that are not susceptible to contamination. However, those with a higher risk of contamination or storing large amounts of diesel should consult an expert to determine an appropriate fuel polishing schedule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of diesel fuel polishing | Diesel fuel doesn't last forever, but fuel polishing can make it last longer. |
| Fuel polishing, also called | Fuel scrubbing |
| Fuel polishing prevents | Unnecessary expenses on new fuel, risk of power blackout, engine breakdown, fuel starvation, blocked filters, water or any other contaminant in the fuel |
| Fuel polishing process | Fuel is drawn from the generator tank, through a filter system, and back into the tank |
| Filter system | Constantly circulates the fuel through the filter to purify it from common contaminants such as water, bacteria, sludge, and rust |
| Visual appearance of polished fuel | Bright and clear with no visible signs of free water, sediment and particulate |
| Crown Oil's fuel polishing equipment | Filters to below 1 micron and removes water to 100ppm |
| Fuel polishing systems | Feature multiple phases of filtration, where the fuel is decontaminated |
| Recommended filtration systems and stages | Vary depending on fuel volume and the users’ unique needs |
| Placement of filtration stages | Differ depending on the engineering & design |
| Fuel polishing system additional features | Fuel heaters, Biocides |
| Fuel quality | Logistically, it is tough for fuel providers to properly vet the fuel |
| Fuel polishing frequency | Minimum of once a year |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel polishing prevents generator breakdowns
Diesel fuel doesn't last forever, and left unused, it can go bad. Fuel polishing, also known as fuel scrubbing, is a process of cleaning current generator fuel that can make it last longer. Generators need clean fuel to run reliably, and bad fuel can compromise their functioning, leading to breakdowns and power outages.
Fuel polishing involves drawing the fuel from the generator tank, passing it through a series of filters, and returning it to the tank. This process removes water, sediment, and microbial contamination, also known as "fuel bugs" or "diesel bugs", which build up over time in stored fuels if they are not regularly tested and treated. Water contamination can occur during the refining and transportation process, as fuel is often passed through multiple tanks and trailers that may have accumulated condensation.
The presence of water, even if it is not visible, creates an environment for bacteria to grow, leading to microbial contamination. This contamination can cause sludge to form, which can clog fuel filters and lead to engine failure. Other contaminants include Hormoconis resinae, bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungi such as yeasts and moulds. By removing these impurities, fuel polishing helps to prolong the life of both the fuel and the tank and prevents generator breakdowns.
The frequency of fuel polishing depends on the application and the user's unique needs. For those with underground tanks that are free from water contamination, annual fuel polishing may be sufficient. However, those with tanks more susceptible to contamination or storing large amounts of diesel should consult experts for an appropriate maintenance schedule. Fuel polishing can be done through automatic polishing units installed on the tank or as part of a preventative maintenance agreement with a third-party vendor.
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Fuel contamination and how to identify it
Diesel fuel doesn't last forever, and fuel polishing can make it last longer. Fuel polishing is the process of cleaning current generator fuel by drawing it out, passing it through a filter system, and putting it back into the tank. This process purifies the fuel by removing common contaminants such as water, bacteria, sludge, and rust.
Fuel contamination is caused by undesirable substances entering the fuel, such as water, bacteria, sludge, rust, dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. It can lead to expensive delays and damage to equipment and machinery, causing significant issues and even shutdowns.
- Visual Inspection: Look for signs of contamination, such as rust, water pooling on top of the tank, or clogged filters.
- Testing Kits: Use testing kits to check for the presence and levels of water in your fuel. The industry standard for water contamination is no more than 30 parts per million.
- Chemical Analysis: If particulates and asphaltenes are too small to identify visually, chemical analysis can be used to detect their presence.
- Microbial Contamination Testing: Microbial contamination, also known as diesel bug, usually requires sending a fuel sample to a lab for analysis. However, modern fuel tests like FUELSTAT® can be performed on-site.
It's important to note that fuel contamination is challenging to avoid, and even fuel straight from the refinery may have some level of contamination. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your fuel tanks, as well as properly seal and store your fuel to minimise the chances of contamination.
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Recommended frequency of fuel polishing
Fuel polishing is an essential process to maintain the quality of stored diesel fuel. It involves removing water, sediment, and microbial contamination, which can cause significant issues if left unchecked. The recommended frequency of fuel polishing depends on various factors, and different sources provide different advice.
Firstly, it is important to note that diesel fuel does not last forever and has a finite shelf life. Fuel polishing can, however, extend its longevity. If left unused, diesel fuel can go bad, leading to unnecessary costs and potential power outages. Therefore, it is recommended to polish diesel fuel at least once a year to maintain its usability and avoid costly replacements.
The frequency of fuel polishing also depends on the application and unique circumstances. For example, if you have an existing filtration system and underground tanks free from water contamination, annual fuel polishing may be sufficient. However, if your tanks are more susceptible to contamination or store large volumes of diesel, consulting an expert for a tailored maintenance schedule is advisable.
Additionally, the type of fuel polishing system employed can impact the recommended frequency. Some systems offer automatic polishing units installed on the tank, which may be suitable for smaller diesel storage operations. More advanced systems may incorporate fuel heaters to address issues caused by cold temperatures, as well as biocides to address microbial growth. These additional features can enhance the effectiveness of the fuel polishing process and potentially extend the intervals between polishing treatments.
Furthermore, the visual appearance of the fuel can be an indicator of the need for fuel polishing. Polished fuel should appear bright and clear, with no visible signs of water, sediment, or particulate matter. However, even if the fuel appears clean, there may still be microscopic contaminants present, especially if the polishing process was not adequately performed.
In summary, while annual fuel polishing is recommended as a minimum, the specific frequency depends on various factors, including the susceptibility to contamination, fuel volume, type of polishing system employed, and visual inspection of the fuel. Consulting with experts in the field is always advisable to determine the most suitable maintenance schedule for your specific circumstances.
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The process of fuel polishing
Diesel fuel doesn't last forever and will go bad if left unused. Fuel polishing, also known as fuel scrubbing, is a process that can significantly extend the lifespan of diesel fuel. It involves cleaning the fuel by drawing it out of the generator tank and passing it through a filtration system before returning it to the tank. This process helps to remove common contaminants such as water, bacteria, sludge, and rust.
The fuel polishing process typically targets solid matter first, removing dense contaminants like dirt, rust, and wax. These solid particles can cause the fuel to discolour and lose its effectiveness. By removing these contaminants, the fuel's appearance and performance are improved.
One of the most critical aspects of fuel polishing is addressing water contamination. While a small amount of water is naturally present in fuel, excess water buildup can have detrimental effects. Water contamination typically progresses through three stages: dissolved, emulsified, and free. In the initial dissolved stage, water is present but not visible to the eye. As the contamination progresses, the mixture of water and oil emulsifies, causing the fuel to become cloudy. In the final free stage, water forms visible puddles within the fuel, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Fuel polishing aims to remove water at all stages of contamination, ensuring the fuel remains safe and reliable.
To achieve effective water removal, fuel polishing systems may employ multiple phases of filtration. The number and arrangement of filtration stages can vary depending on fuel volume and specific user requirements. For example, the AXI LX-F Fuel Maintenance System uses a two-stage process, with the first stage utilising a magnetic fuel conditioner to capture loose metals and break up fuel clusters, while the second stage employs a primary filter with various micron filtration options. Crown Oil's fuel polishing system, on the other hand, achieves filtration down to 1 micron and removes water to 100 parts per million, setting an industry standard.
In addition to water, fuel polishing systems target other contaminants such as microbial growth, also known as "diesel bugs." These microbes thrive in the presence of water and are responsible for the formation of sludge, which can lead to clogged fuel filters, corrosion, and engine failure. While a standard fuel polishing treatment can break up and filter out the sludge, it may not completely eliminate the microbes from the fuel tank. Therefore, it is crucial to combine fuel polishing with other measures, such as the use of fuel heaters to address cold temperatures that affect fuel viscosity.
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Fuel polishing equipment and features
Fuel polishing is an essential process for maintaining the quality of stored diesel fuel. It is a process of cleaning the fuel by drawing it out of the generator tank and passing it through a filtration system to remove contaminants and water before returning it to the tank.
Fuel polishing equipment is designed to remove contaminants and water from diesel fuel, extending its lifespan and maintaining its quality. The equipment typically features multiple stages of filtration, with the number and type of filtration stages varying depending on the unique needs of the user and the volume of fuel being polished.
One example of a fuel polishing system is the LX-F Fuel Maintenance System by AXI International. This system employs a multi-stage filtration process, with the fuel first flowing through a magnetic fuel conditioner that captures loose metals and breaks up fuel clusters. The fuel then passes through a primary filter, with various micron filtration options available depending on the specific requirements of the user.
Another key player in the fuel polishing industry is Fueltec, which offers mobile and stationary fuel polishing systems for diesel, gasoline, jet fuels, biodiesel, and other fluids. Their systems feature lifetime stainless steel filter housings and work continuously to maintain fuel quality, ensuring it remains clean and dry.
To enhance the effectiveness of fuel polishing, additional features can be incorporated into the systems. For instance, fuel heaters can be integrated to address issues caused by cold temperatures, such as diesel fuel gelling and increased viscosity. Furthermore, water block filters can be utilized to actively absorb water from the fuel, reducing the risk of microbial growth and the development of sludge.
The strategic use of multiple filter stages in fuel polishing equipment not only improves filtration efficiency but also prolongs the lifespan of the equipment. By continually removing contaminants, fuel polishing systems ensure optimal fuel quality, safeguarding engines and equipment from damage and unexpected downtime.
Overall, fuel polishing equipment plays a critical role in maintaining fuel integrity, extending fuel lifespan, and preventing operational issues caused by contaminated fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel doesn't last forever and can go bad if left unused. Fuel polishing, also known as fuel scrubbing, can make it last longer. It also prevents issues such as engine breakdown, fuel starvation, blocked filters, and contamination, which can lead to power failure and engine failure.
Most industry experts recommend a minimum of once a year for fuel polishing. However, it depends on factors such as fuel volume, the level of contamination, and unique user needs. Those with higher contamination risks or storing large amounts of diesel should consult experts for an appropriate maintenance schedule.
Fuel polishing involves a multi-stage filtration process to remove water, sediment, and microbial contamination. It draws fuel from the generator tank, passes it through a filter system, and returns it to the tank. This process can be done by a third-party vendor or through an automatic polishing unit installed on the tank.
Fuel analysis should be performed before and after fuel polishing to identify and address specific contamination issues. Visual inspection can also provide an indication, as polished fuel should appear bright and clear, with no visible signs of water, sediment, or particulate matter.
