Katerina Swanson
Water in diesel fuel is a common issue that can cause significant engine problems, including corrosion, decreased power, and clogging of fuel filters. Water can enter diesel fuel through various means, such as condensation in fuel tanks, leaky storage tanks, or human error. To eliminate water from diesel fuel, there are two main methods: sending the water into the engine to be vaporized or filtering it out. Fuel additives are often used to emulsify the water into the fuel body, but this method carries the risk of damaging Tier-4 injector tips. Proper filtration and fuel polishing systems are more effective ways to remove water from diesel fuel and maintain engine performance and longevity.
Characteristics and Values Table for Eliminating Water in Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water in diesel fuel leads to | Corrosion, engine damage, unplanned downtime, reduced engine power and performance, hard starting, white smoke, fuel filter clogging, rust, microbial growth, blocked fuel lines, sludge formation, premature filter clogging, expensive repairs, injector damage, etc. |
| Water contamination sources | Water condensation in fuel tanks, leaky storage tanks, poor tank seals, leaving the fuel tank cap off, condensation, everyday temperature fluctuations, etc. |
| Preventing water contamination | Buying diesel fuel from reputable sources, maintaining water-detecting filters, topping off the tank before parking, using fuel additives, fuel filtration systems, etc. |
| Fuel additives | Demulsifiers, emulsifiers, Power Service Diesel Kleen, Opti Lube XPD, 911 Diesel Additive, etc. |
| Filtration systems | Racor filters, desiccant air filters, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel additive to emulsify water and fuel
Water in diesel fuel can lead to several issues, such as microbial growth, corrosion, icing, and a drop in fuel quality. To address this, fuel additives that act as emulsifiers can be used to disperse water in diesel fuel, preventing it from causing damage.
Emulsifiers work by keeping water in a minute emulsion with the diesel fuel. This means that the water is broken down into tiny particles that can pass harmlessly through the fuel delivery system. Here, the water is vaporized in the diesel engine's combustion chamber and released as steam. This process prevents the water from pooling and causing issues such as corrosion and microbial growth.
One example of an emulsifier is E-ZOIL's Diesel Aid, which utilizes hydrogen bonding to maintain the water-fuel emulsion. Diesel fuel is composed of non-polar molecules, lacking an electrical charge. Conversely, water molecules carry both positive and negative charges. Diesel Aid's chemical formula contains both charges, allowing it to act as a coupling agent that binds the water and fuel together into a homogeneous mixture. Additionally, emulsifiers can act as surfactants, reducing the surface tension between the unlike molecules of oil and water, further enhancing the homogeneity of the mixture.
Other emulsifying additives include Schaeffer's Diesel Treat 2000, Shaeffer's Soy Shield, Neutra 131, Power Service White and Grey bottle, Lucas, Howe's Meaner Cleaner, Shell DFA, FP (Fuel Power), Stanadyne, and Diesel Plus. These products can help prevent water-related issues in diesel engines by dispersing water throughout the fuel.
However, it is important to note that some sources caution against the use of emulsifiers, stating that they can cause water to be drawn into the injectors, potentially leading to damage or erosion. These sources recommend using demulsifiers instead, which cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing for easier removal of water through filtration or drainage. Ultimately, the decision to use an emulsifier or a demulsifier may depend on specific use cases and engine types.
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Use a de-emulsifier to separate water and fuel
Water in diesel fuel is a serious problem for diesel equipment owners and operators. While there are several methods to eliminate water from diesel fuel, one of the most effective ways is to use a de-emulsifier to separate water and fuel.
De-emulsifiers are a type of fuel additive that causes emulsified water to separate from the diesel fuel. This process is known as demulsification, and it is particularly useful when there is a significant amount of water contamination in the diesel fuel. By adding a de-emulsifier, the water droplets are knocked out of suspension and allowed to settle at the bottom of the tank, forming an interface between the water and the fuel. This separation is crucial because diesel and water do not mix, and the presence of water in diesel fuel can lead to several issues.
Water in diesel fuel can cause erratic idling, engine cut-outs during acceleration, and black or white smoke during engine operation. More importantly, water can lead to a significant reduction in fuel quality. When diesel fuel is exposed to water, hydrolysis reactions occur, resulting in the formation of gums, varnishes, and sludge that can clog the engine and its components. Additionally, water provides the ideal environment for microbes, bacteria, and fungus to thrive, leading to further corrosion and degradation of the fuel.
To use a de-emulsifier effectively, it is essential to follow these steps: First, test the diesel fuel for water contamination. If only a small amount of water is present, it can be manually extracted using a bilge pump. However, if there is a significant amount of water, let the vehicle sit and allow the water to settle. Next, add the de-emulsifier to the fuel, following the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application. Allow the de-emulsifier to work by settling the water at the bottom of the tank. Finally, remove the separated water using an extended pump that reaches the bottom of the tank, ensuring that all water is extracted.
By using a de-emulsifier and following the recommended steps, you can effectively separate water and fuel, preventing water-related issues in your diesel engine and maintaining optimal fuel quality and engine performance.
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Prevent condensation in fuel tanks
Preventing condensation in fuel tanks is essential to avoid water contamination, which can lead to engine problems and fuel degradation. Here are some ways to prevent condensation and manage moisture in fuel tanks:
Regular Tank Inspections: It is important to regularly inspect fuel tanks for signs of water and contamination. This involves checking fuel samples for clarity and colour changes. Hazy or cloudy fuel indicates water buildup, while darker colours suggest microbial growth or fuel oxidation. Inspecting tanks can help detect issues early on and prevent further complications.
Maintain Tank Fill Levels: Keeping fuel tanks full, especially at the end of the day, helps minimise the headspace where condensation can form. By reducing the air volume above the fuel, there is less space for moisture to accumulate, decreasing the likelihood of water contamination.
Temperature Control: Condensation occurs due to temperature differentials between the inside and outside of the tank. Reducing these temperature variations by providing shade or painting the tank white can help minimise condensation. These measures also aid in reducing evaporation, keeping the fuel cooler, and preventing the formation of free water.
Use De-emulsifiers: De-emulsifiers are additives that cause water and fuel to separate. They force the water to settle at the bottom of the tank, where it can be drained or caught by a water separator before reaching the engine. De-emulsifiers are particularly useful in tanks with sumps or low-point drains, ensuring effective water removal.
Install Filters: Proper filtration is crucial in preventing water contamination. Using high-quality filters, such as Racor filters, can trap water and allow it to settle out. These filters help capture water droplets and prevent them from reaching sensitive engine components, reducing the risk of injector failures and engine damage.
By implementing these measures, you can effectively prevent condensation and manage moisture in fuel tanks, maintaining fuel quality and engine performance while minimising the risk of water-related issues.
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Avoid microbial growth in diesel fuel
Water is the essential element that microbes need to establish themselves and multiply. Microbial contamination of diesel fuel can have serious effects on fuel systems and tanks. The contamination will block filters, clog injectors, and cause problems with fuel gauging systems. When allowed to proliferate over a long period, these microbes begin to corrode the fuel system.
To avoid microbial growth in diesel fuel, it is important to control tank water buildup. Fuel discoloration, a rotten fuel smell, and black exhaust smoke at system startup are some signs of microbial infestation.
There are a few ways to control water buildup in diesel fuel tanks. One way is to use a fuel additive that contains a demulsifier, which will cause the water and fuel to separate. The water can then be caught by the DFCM and kept from entering the engine. Another way to control water buildup is to use a filter, like a Racor, that will trap and let the water settle out.
Additionally, it is important to prevent condensation in diesel fuel tanks. One way to do this is to keep the tanks full. This will help to keep the condensation out.
Practising good housekeeping of diesel fuel is also important in limiting the problem of microbial growth.
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Use a fuel polishing system to filter water
Water in diesel fuel can cause a host of problems, from erratic engine performance to corrosion and filter clogging. Fuel polishing is an effective way to remove water from stored diesel fuel and prevent these issues.
Fuel polishing is a technical cleaning process that removes microbial contamination, water, and impurities from stored diesel fuel. It is a filtration process that involves the recirculation of fuel, ensuring long-term fuel quality. Fuel polishing systems often feature multiple phases of filtration, with the fuel flowing through various stages of filters to capture contaminants and separate water from the fuel. These systems are designed to be self-pumping and self-monitoring, with automatic shut-off mechanisms to prevent contaminated fuel from re-entering the tank.
The use of multiple filter stages in fuel polishing systems offers several advantages. It extends the filter life, increases filtration efficiency, and enhances the overall system effectiveness. Additionally, it helps to prolong the lifetime of critical operating equipment within the polishing systems. One example of a fuel polishing system is AXI's LX-F Fuel Maintenance System, which utilizes a magnetic fuel conditioner in the first filtration stage to capture loose metals and break up fuel clusters before progressing to the primary filter in the second stage.
For facilities that store large quantities of fuel, fuel polishing procedures are vital to maintaining optimal fuel quality and preventing issues with backup power systems. These facilities often budget for annual fuel polishing and testing services to ensure clean fuel and avoid potential financial pitfalls associated with contaminated fuel.
To enhance the effectiveness of fuel polishing systems, additional features such as fuel heaters can be integrated. Fuel heaters address situations where cold temperatures have caused the diesel fuel to gel, making it too viscous to flow through the system. By warming up the fuel, fuel heaters ensure that it can be effectively polished.
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Frequently asked questions
Water in diesel fuel can cause corrosion, engine damage, and unplanned downtime. It can also lead to decreased engine power and performance, hard starting, white smoke from the exhaust, and fuel filter clogging.
Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation, leaky storage tanks, poor or degraded tank seals, and human error such as leaving a fuel tank cap off. Diesel fuel is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air.
There are two methods to remove water from diesel fuel: sending the water into the engine to be vaporized out the exhaust or filtering the water out of the fuel tank. Fuel additives can be used to emulsify the water into the fuel body, but this method should not be used with Tier-4 engines as it can damage the injector tips.
