Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel is a popular energy source for large vehicles and equipment due to its high energy content and efficiency. However, diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination by microbes, often referred to as diesel algae. This sludge-like substance can cause significant issues for your diesel tank and engine. While it is commonly called algae, it is more accurately described as microbial growth, which includes various species of bacteria, moulds, fungi and other microbes. This growth is fuelled by the presence of water in diesel fuel, which separates into a distinct layer, creating the perfect breeding ground for these microbes. To effectively address diesel algae, it is crucial to first understand the nature of the contamination and its underlying causes. This knowledge will enable you to implement targeted solutions and preventative measures, such as removing water from the fuel, using diesel additives, and regularly cleaning and maintaining the fuel tank and lines.
How to get algae out of a diesel fuel tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | "Algae" in a diesel fuel tank is not actually algae but microbial growth, a combination of bacteria, moulds, fungi and other microbes. |
| Why does it occur? | Microbial growth occurs when water present in the diesel separates into a distinct layer below the fuel, creating the perfect breeding ground for microbes. |
| How to prevent it? | Use high-quality diesel fuel, regularly clean and maintain the fuel tank and fuel lines, use a fuel stabilizer, and treat with a diesel additive that removes water from the fuel. |
| How to get rid of it? | Mechanically drain the water out, use a water-absorbing chemical treatment, use a dedicated biocide to kill the active microbial contamination, steam clean the tank, use a heavy-duty degreaser to clean it, or use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate, filter and return the fuel. |
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What You'll Learn
Drain water from the tank
Water in a diesel fuel tank can lead to multiple problems, including sludge formation, engine damage, fuel degradation, corrosion, and operational inefficiency. It is important to detect and address water accumulation early to prevent these issues and maintain optimal fuel system performance. Here are some detailed steps and recommendations for draining water from your diesel fuel tank:
Identify Water Presence
Before draining, confirm the presence of water in your diesel tank. Look for signs such as a cloudy or hazy appearance in the fuel, mud or debris in the diesel filter, or a brown colour in transparent pipes. You can also use water-finding paste, which changes colour when in contact with water, or install electronic sensors for continuous water-level monitoring.
Implement Water Removal Techniques
To efficiently drain water from the tank, consider using tools designed for precise diesel water removal, such as water-absorbing filters and automated water separators. These solutions minimise fuel loss while effectively removing water. Manual draining methods, such as regularly opening the drain plug at the bottom of the tank, are also effective for controlled water release.
Prevent Water Accumulation
Take preventive measures to avoid water accumulation in the future. Keep the tank consistently full to reduce condensation, and ensure the tank lid is properly sealed to prevent rainwater and moisture ingress. Regularly inspect and maintain the tank to identify and address any leaks or damage. Additionally, consider using fuel additives that are designed to demulsify water from diesel, making it easier to separate and drain water from the fuel.
Maintain Tank Sanitation
Periodically clean and maintain your fuel tank and fuel lines to prevent the buildup of debris, sludge, and other contaminants. Use high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain impurities, and consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your engine will be inactive for extended periods. These proactive measures will help inhibit microbial growth and maintain the health of your diesel fuel system.
Consider Professional Services
If the water contamination is extensive or challenging to manage, seek professional cleaning services. Specialized companies can provide comprehensive solutions, such as steam cleaning, fuel polishing systems, and fuel filtration services, to ensure the effective removal of water and contaminants from your diesel fuel tank.
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Use a diesel additive
While biocide treatments are the most commonly used method of getting rid of diesel algae, they can lead to the emergence of biocide-resistant microbes. Moreover, biocides are toxic and can corrode your fuel system over time, leading to costly repairs.
A more effective and safer alternative is to use a diesel additive that removes water from the fuel. This is important because water provides the environment for microbial growth, which causes the contamination known as diesel "algae". By eliminating water, you can prevent the microbes from growing and fix the environment to make it harder for them to thrive in your tank.
Diesel additives that remove water are particularly useful for Tier-4 engines, which have a High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) system with very little tolerance for anything other than the fuel itself. Water can cause abrasive wear and eventual failure of the injector tips in these engines.
In addition to using a diesel additive, it is recommended to frequently drain the water from your water separator and to use high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities. Regular maintenance of your fuel tank and fuel lines is also important to prevent the buildup of debris and sediment.
To ensure the effectiveness of the diesel additive, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and mix it properly with the fuel. Testing the fuel at least once a year with an ATP test is also advised to accurately identify any microbial growth and determine the best course of treatment.
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Use high-quality diesel fuel
While diesel fuel is a popular choice for powering large vehicles and equipment due to its high energy content and efficiency, it is not immune to contamination. One of the most common issues is microbial growth, often referred to as "diesel algae". This sludge-like substance can wreak havoc on your fuel filters and engine.
To prevent and address diesel algae, it is crucial to use high-quality diesel fuel. Here are some reasons why:
High-Quality Diesel Fuel is Less Likely to Contain Contaminants and Impurities
When you use high-quality diesel fuel, you reduce the risk of introducing contaminants and impurities into your fuel tank. Contaminants can include water, dirt, or other substances that can provide a breeding ground for microbes. By choosing high-quality fuel, you minimize the presence of these contaminants, making it less favourable for microbial growth.
High-Quality Diesel Fuel Can Help Prevent Phase Separation
Phase separation occurs when water present in the diesel separates into a distinct layer below the fuel. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, as they consume the hydrocarbons from the diesel fuel above. High-quality diesel fuel is less likely to undergo phase separation, disrupting the favourable conditions for microbial growth.
High-Quality Diesel Fuel Can Reduce the Need for Frequent Biocide Treatments
Biocide treatments are commonly used to kill active microbial contamination. However, frequent use of biocides can lead to the development of resistant microbes. By using high-quality diesel fuel, you may be able to reduce the frequency of biocide treatments, minimizing the risk of resistant microbes and the potential corrosion of your fuel system.
High-Quality Diesel Fuel Can Be Part of a Proactive Maintenance Strategy
Preventing diesel algae is much more cost-effective than trying to eliminate it. By consistently using high-quality diesel fuel, you are taking a proactive approach to maintaining your fuel system. This, combined with regular cleaning and maintenance of your fuel tank and lines, can create an unfavourable environment for microbes and help prevent diesel algae from taking hold.
In summary, using high-quality diesel fuel is a crucial step in preventing and addressing diesel algae. It reduces the presence of contaminants and impurities, disrupts phase separation, minimizes the need for frequent biocide treatments, and is part of a proactive maintenance strategy. By investing in high-quality diesel fuel and maintaining your fuel system, you can help keep your diesel tank healthy and clean.
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Regularly clean and maintain the tank
Regular tank cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent diesel algae buildup. Diesel fuel can remain usable for years or even decades if kept clean and free of water. Water in the tank creates an environment for microbial growth, so it is crucial to drain water from the tank and use water-absorbing treatments to remove as much moisture as possible. This is because microbes, including bacteria, mould, and fungi, require water to grow and thrive.
To clean your diesel fuel tank, you can use a heavy-duty degreaser or a cheap oven cleaner to break up the sludge. While a pressure washer may not reach all areas of the tank, you can try using a back-and-forth motion with the nozzle to dislodge the sludge and wash it out through the drain. Alternatively, you can use hot water and soap to flush the tank, followed by rinsing with E85 or lacquer thinner.
After cleaning, it is important to implement regular testing to ensure your diesel fuel tank remains sludge and water-free. You can hire a company to perform this testing and send samples to a third-party lab for accurate results. Regular testing and treatment will help keep your diesel tank free of microbial growth and the problems it can cause for your engine.
In addition to cleaning and testing, consider using fuel additives that remove water from the fuel and help prevent microbial growth. Using high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants can also reduce the risk of diesel algae buildup. Proper care and maintenance of your diesel fuel tank and fuel lines will go a long way in keeping your system healthy and clean.
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Use a biocide treatment
Biocide treatments are the most common method of removing algae from diesel fuel tanks. Biocide treatments are toxic and kill the microbes in the fuel, including bacteria and fungi.
To use a biocide treatment, first drain the diesel fuel tank completely. Then, clean the tank thoroughly. Next, add the biocide treatment to the tank. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific biocide product you are using, including the recommended dosage. Some biocide treatments are added directly to the fuel, while others are used to clean the fuel tank before refilling with fresh diesel.
After using a biocide treatment, it is recommended to replace all fuel lines, fuel line fittings, and filters to prevent another algae bloom. It is also important to use a biocide treatment for at least six months after the initial treatment to ensure that the problem is cleared.
While biocide treatments are effective, they should be used with caution. Introducing biocides too frequently can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes. Additionally, biocides can be corrosive to the fuel system over time, potentially causing damage to the fuel tank and other components, which can be expensive to repair. Therefore, it is important to take proactive measures to maintain the cleanliness of your fuel system and prevent diesel algae from occurring in the first place.
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Frequently asked questions
If you notice a dark, sludge-like substance in your fuel tank, this is likely to be algae. This is caused by microbial growth, which occurs when water gets into the tank and creates an environment for microbes to grow.
Firstly, drain the water from your tank. You can do this by using a water-absorbing chemical treatment or by manually draining the water if there is a significant amount. Next, use a dedicated biocide to kill the microbial contamination. You can also try steam cleaning or flushing the tank with hot water and soap, before rinsing with e85 or lacquer thinner.
To prevent algae from growing, you should regularly clean and maintain your fuel tank and fuel lines. Use high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities. You can also treat your diesel with an additive that removes water from the fuel.
Algae can clog your engine filter, causing serious problems such as unexpected downtime for data centres relying on diesel generators for backup power. On a smaller scale, clogged filters on boats and yachts can leave operators stranded on the water.
