Katerina Swanson
Bacterial growth in diesel fuel, also known as diesel bug, is a common issue that can lead to significant problems if left untreated. Diesel bug is caused by microbial contamination, which occurs when bacteria and fungi feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create biomass, biofilms, and damaging by-products. This can result in clogged filters, tank corrosion, and fuel spoilage. To continuously prevent bacterial growth in diesel fuel, it is important to reduce the exposure of diesel fuel to water, as water provides an ideal environment for microbial growth. Regular maintenance, including tank cleaning, inspection, and treatment with approved fuel preservatives or biocides, can also help control or delay the buildup of microbial growth. Additionally, fuel filtration and polishing techniques can remove water and contaminants from the fuel without the need to remove the fuel from the tank.
How to Continuously Prevent Bacterial Growth in Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Limit water in storage tanks | Condensation, rainwater, or adsorption from the air can cause water to enter fuel tanks, creating conditions suitable for bacterial growth. |
| Regular tank cleaning and maintenance | Schedule periodic cleaning, maintenance, and inspection of fuel tanks to prevent and remove microbial growth. |
| Use fuel preservatives | Treat fuel with approved preservatives or biocides to control or delay the buildup of microbial growth. |
| Fuel filtration and polishing | Use techniques such as fuel circulation or remote pressure washing to remove water and contaminants from the fuel without removing it from the tank. |
| Control tank water buildup | Use products like Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus to control water buildup, a major contributor to microbial growth. |
| Fuel tank insulation | Stabilize fuel temperature to prevent condensation and reduce the likelihood of microbial growth. |
| Use fuel additives | Additives like Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost or Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost can help with fuel maintenance and prevent fuel system failures caused by microbial growth. |
| Test fuel samples | Use testing kits like FUELSTAT® to quickly and accurately assess the presence and severity of microbial contamination in fuel samples. |
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What You'll Learn
Limit water in storage tanks
To prevent microbial growth, it is important to limit the amount of water in storage tanks. Water can enter a diesel tank in several ways, including through condensation, rainwater, or adsorption from the air. Modern biodiesel is especially hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs water. Therefore, it is crucial to take measures to prevent water from entering the tank and to regularly monitor water levels. Here are some ways to limit water in diesel storage tanks:
Use Water-Repellent Treatments
Apply coatings or treatments to the tank's exterior that repel water. This can create a protective barrier, preventing rainwater or moisture from entering the tank.
Store Tanks Indoors
Keep diesel tanks inside a building or enclosure to shield them from direct exposure to rain, snow, and other weather conditions that can introduce water. Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to mitigate condensation from humid air.
Maintain Full Tanks
Keep the tank as full as possible, especially when it will not be in use for extended periods. This minimises empty space where condensation can occur and reduces the surface area available for condensation to form.
Seal and Inspect the Tank
Inspect the tank regularly for any faults, such as holes or faulty seals, that may allow water ingress. Ensure the tank is properly sealed to prevent humid air and rainwater from entering.
Use Fuel Additives
Add fuel additives designed to absorb or disperse water within the tank. These additives can help to keep water levels below the saturation point and prevent phase separation, where water separates from diesel and becomes free or emulsified.
Regularly Test and Remove Water
Implement a regular testing schedule to monitor water levels in the tank. Use water sensors or dipsticks with indicator paste to detect water at the tank bottom. When water is detected, promptly remove it using fuel-water separators, pumps, or specialised services that offer tank cleaning and water removal.
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Use fuel preservatives
Diesel fuel preservatives, also known as diesel biocides, are chemical agents used to control the proliferation of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. They are often poured directly into the fuel tank to prevent microbial growth and the issues associated with fuel contamination.
There are several diesel fuel preservatives available on the market, including Biobor JF and Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment. When using a biocide, it is important to continuously apply it to prevent the accumulation of "crud" and promote corrosion. Additionally, the biocide must be used at the recommended dosage and adequately blended with the fuel for optimal effectiveness.
Before purchasing a diesel fuel preservative, it is important to have a basic understanding of fuel microbiology, including knowledge of microbial testing and biocide use. This will help you properly assess the level of microbial contamination in your tank.
It is also worth noting that the frequent use of biocides may encourage microorganisms to develop a resistance to the treatment. This is a common issue across various industries, including food manufacturing and cosmetics. Therefore, alternative solutions such as fuel filtration equipment, which mechanically removes solid contaminants and water, may be preferable in certain situations.
Overall, the use of fuel preservatives is an effective way to continuously prevent bacterial growth in diesel fuel. By choosing the right preservative and using it correctly, you can ensure that your fuel remains free from contamination and your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
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Drain or chemically clean tanks
Diesel bug is a bacterial contamination of diesel fuel. It occurs when water gets into the diesel fuel, creating an environment for microbial growth. This can happen due to condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. To prevent and control diesel bug, it is essential to drain or chemically clean the tanks.
Draining the Tanks
Draining the tanks involves removing the diesel fuel and manually draining the water and contaminants. This can be done by pumping out the water at all available access points, including the bottom of the tank. Some specialty service contractors offer methods that use flexible suction tubes to remove water and loose contaminants from the entire length of the tank bottom.
Chemically Cleaning the Tanks
Chemically cleaning the tanks involves using chemicals to remove the water and contaminants from the fuel. One method is to use a biocide in combination with high-pressure washing. When selecting a chemical treatment, consider its compatibility with the fuel and other additives, as well as its environmental impact and potential effects on equipment fuelling systems. Another option is to use fuel filtration and polishing techniques, which filter out the water and contaminants without removing the fuel from the tank. Some vendors use fibre-optic technology or remote video cameras to visually locate and observe the contaminant removal progress.
Preventative Measures
To prevent microbial growth and diesel bug, it is important to limit the amount of water in the storage tank. This can be done by restricting the infiltration of water and practising good housekeeping of diesel fuel. Regular removal of water and testing for contamination are also important preventative measures. Additionally, equipping fuel tank vents with filters can help prevent bacterial and fungal spores from entering the tank.
Cleaning the Entire Fuel System
It is important to clean the entire fuel system, including the hard lines between the tank and engine, and to replace all fuel filters and rubber fuel lines. This will help prevent the reformation of sludge in filters, pumps, and injectors.
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Use fuel filters
Microbial contamination is the biggest cause of fuel problems in stored fuels. The growth of bacteria and fungi in diesel fuel is inevitable, and it can lead to costly operational issues.
The use of fuel filters is an important part of preventing and managing microbial growth in diesel fuel. Fuel filters can be used in several ways to prevent and control contamination.
Firstly, fuel filters can be used to prevent bacterial and fungal spores from entering the tank in the first place. Fuel tank vents can be equipped with filters to stop spores from entering the tank through the vents, which is a common route of contamination.
Secondly, fuel filters can be used to remove water from the fuel. Water is a key factor in promoting microbial growth, so reducing water in the fuel is an effective way to prevent contamination. Fuel filtration methods can remove water and other contaminants from the fuel without needing to remove the fuel from the tank. Some techniques involve using fibre-optic technology or remote video cameras to locate and observe the removal of contaminants.
Thirdly, fuel filters can be used to prevent the transfer of contaminated fuel. Filters on the storage tank and transfer tanks will prevent slime or sludge from being transferred to equipment. Fuel transfer piping should draw fuel from the middle third of the tank to avoid sucking up microbial growth or water that has settled at the bottom of the tank.
Finally, fuel filters can be used to identify microbial contamination. A clogged filter coated with a slimy, black substance is a sign of microbial growth. The ASTM D7463-08 test method involves opening a clogged filter to check for this type of contamination.
It is important to note that fuel filters alone may not be sufficient to prevent microbial growth. A comprehensive approach, including regular tank cleaning, maintenance, and inspection, is necessary to effectively manage contamination.
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Regular tank inspection and cleaning
Inspection
- Regularly inspect your diesel fuel tanks for any signs of microbial growth, such as fuel discoloration, a rotten fuel smell, or black exhaust smoke during system startup.
- Utilize testing kits like FUELSTAT®, which provide rapid and accurate screening of fuel samples for microbial contamination.
- Pay close attention to fuel filters, as microbial growth can lead to increased requirements for fuel filter replacement due to mucous-like accumulations.
- Inspect for signs of corrosion, as microbial by-products can produce acids that increase corrosion in tanks and fuel systems.
Cleaning
- Schedule periodic tank cleaning to remove microbial growth. This can be done manually by draining the tank or through chemical cleaning methods.
- Consider using a biocide to effectively kill microbes in both diesel fuel and water. Examples include Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment and CleanBoost® Anti-Microbe Fuel Conditioner.
- For severe contamination, a complete cleaning of the tanks may be necessary, along with fuel remediation processes like fuel polishing.
- In some extreme cases, a manned entry cleaning may be required. This involves physically entering the tank to pressure wash it, ensuring the proper disposal of contaminated wash liquids and solids.
- To prevent future contamination, stabilize fuel temperature through tank insulation and routinely discharge water bottoms where microbes grow.
By implementing these inspection and cleaning procedures, you can effectively prevent and manage bacterial growth in diesel fuel tanks.
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Frequently asked questions
Microbial growth in diesel fuel is promoted by three main factors: the presence of water, a food source (in this case, a suitable fuel), and a temperature between 10°C and 40°C.
There are several signs that may indicate microbial contamination in diesel fuel, including:
- The need to replace fuel filters more frequently due to clogging by microbial byproducts.
- More frequent cleaning or replacement of fuel injectors.
- Premature wearing of rings and cylinder liners, leading to higher oil consumption due to increased corrosion and deposits caused by microbial byproducts.
- Fuel discolouration, with infected fuel turning a dark khaki colour instead of the bright yellow-green of fresh diesel.
- A rotten fuel smell, caused by sulphuric acidic byproducts from microbes.
- Black exhaust smoke during system startup, resulting from the engine's inability to completely combust the contaminated fuel and the presence of microbial deposits and byproducts.
To prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel, it is essential to minimise the exposure of the fuel to water. This can be achieved through various procedures such as recycling fuel through water separation and regularly discharging water bottoms where microbes grow. Additionally, fuel tank insulation can help stabilise fuel temperature and reduce condensation, creating an unfavourable environment for microbial growth. Regular tank cleaning, maintenance, and inspection are also crucial in preventing microbial growth.
If microbial contamination is already present, there are several remediation options. One option is to manually drain or chemically clean the tank. This may involve the use of biocides, especially in more severe cases. Another option is fuel polishing, which removes water and contaminants from the fuel without the need to remove the fuel from the tank. In extreme cases, a manned entry cleaning may be required to thoroughly clean the tank.
