Mercedes Mullins
The growth of microorganisms in fuel tanks can cause significant issues, including filter blockage, corrosion, and operational problems. This is particularly true for diesel fuel tanks, which are more susceptible to microbial contamination due to the presence of water and favourable conditions for microbial growth. To prevent and address fungal growth in fuel tanks, several strategies can be employed, including regular tank maintenance, water removal, fuel testing and sampling, the use of fuel biocides and fuel additives, and the implementation of novel antimicrobial coatings. Early detection and treatment are crucial to minimise the impact and cost of remediation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How fungus gets into fuel tanks | Bacterial and fungal spores commonly found in the soil can enter the fuel tank through vents on the storage tank or through contamination during filling. |
| How to prevent fungus in fuel tanks | Limit the amount of water in the storage tank, equip fuel tank vents with filters, periodically clean and inspect the tank, treat with an approved fuel preservative, and test fuel regularly. |
| How to remove fungus from fuel tanks | Manually drain the tank, chemically clean the tank, use a fuel biocide to disinfect the tank, or use a diesel microbial growth remover. |
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What You'll Learn
Preventing fungus growth
Firstly, it is crucial to limit the amount of water in the fuel tank. Water creates conditions suitable for microbial growth, especially at the fuel-water interface near the bottom of the tank. Regularly inspect and drain water from the tank, especially after detecting water for the first time. Water can be removed manually or with drain plugs. Additionally, ensure proper water leakage prevention measures are in place for underground storage tanks.
Secondly, maintain the fuel tank through periodic cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. Keep the tank clean to avoid contamination. This includes routine testing and sampling of the fuel for early detection of microbial growth. Follow procedures outlined in D-417-82 and ASTM D-4057-81 for effective monitoring.
Thirdly, equip fuel tank vents with filters to prevent bacterial and fungal spores from entering the tank. These spores are commonly found in the soil and can enter through vents or during filling. Fuel tank insulation can also help stabilize fuel temperature and prevent microbial growth.
Finally, consider using an approved fuel preservative or a diesel microbial growth remover to control or delay the buildup of microbial growth. When choosing a remover, consider factors such as solubility, compatibility with system components and additives, speed of killing microbes, and industry approvals. A product like CleanBoost® Anti-Microbe Fuel Conditioner can effectively kill even the most resilient organisms within a few hours.
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Testing for contamination
To test for contamination, tank bottoms should be checked for water every month and this should be decreased to every two weeks if water is found. Tanks should be checked for water at least twice a year. Testing kits are available to identify diesel bugs, which are microbes that feed off tiny amounts of water and form a diesel bug. Testing kits can also be used to identify the presence of ATP, which indicates that microbes are living in your diesel tank. The test helps estimate the concentration of microorganisms, which is useful in diagnosing a microbial problem. Testing is also important because, if left untreated, microbial growth can lead to fuel degradation, reduced combustion efficiency, and elevated cloud and pour points.
In addition to testing for contamination, it is important to schedule regular tank cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. Treatment with an approved fuel preservative can also help to control or delay the buildup of microbial growth. The frequency of fuel treatment will depend on how quickly microbial growth builds up.
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Removing water
Water is likely to be present in all diesel fuel systems, including storage and operational. 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. The hazy layer consists of microscopic droplets of water suspended in the fuel. Both are excellent conditions for microbial growth.
To prevent microbial growth, it is important 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. Regularly drain water from the bottom of the fuel tank by mechanical methods or with drain plugs located at the bottom of the tank. Water leakage into underground storage tanks should also be prevented.
Fuel filtration and polishing are methods that remove water and contaminants from the fuel 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. Others use a variety of fuel circulation techniques to filter the water and contaminants out of the fuel.
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.
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Using fuel biocides
Fuel biocides are a great way to prevent and treat microbial growth in fuel tanks. Microbial growth, or diesel bug, is triggered by fungal and bacterial growth. This occurs when water is present in the storage tank and the diesel fuel temperature is between 10°C and 40°C. The condensation of water vapour within the diesel fuel tank creates conditions suitable for microbial growth, which can lead to fuel degradation, filter clogging, corrosion, and injector damage.
Biocides are often poured into the fuel tank to control the proliferation of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that contribute to fuel contamination issues. They are effective in killing microbes in both diesel fuel and water, preventing fuel-filter plugging, and protecting fuel system components against organic acids created by microbial growth.
When choosing a biocide, it is important to consider the solubility of the fuel/water, compatibility with system components and other additives, speed of effectiveness, and industry and regulatory approvals. For example, CleanBoost® Anti-Microbe Fuel Conditioner is a diesel microbial growth remover that can be used in both diesel and biodiesel fuels. It is best added during the refilling of fresh fuel to the tank and can kill even the most stubborn organisms within a few hours.
While biocides are an effective short-term solution, they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the presence of water in the fuel tank. In fact, the frequent use of biocides may lead to microorganisms developing a resistance to the treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to combine the use of biocides with other methods such as high-pressure washing and fuel filtration systems to remove water and solid contaminants from the fuel tank.
To prevent microbial growth, it is important to limit the amount of water in the storage tank and practice good fuel tank hygiene. This includes regularly draining water from the bottom of the fuel tank, equipping fuel tank vents with filters, and periodically cleaning, maintaining, and inspecting the tank.
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Cleaning the tank
To clean the tank, the first step is to identify the presence of microbial growth. This can be done by testing fuel samples or observing signs of contamination, such as clogged fuel filters or a slime-like substance in the tank. Once the presence of microbial growth is confirmed, there are several methods to clean and disinfect the tank:
Manual Draining
This involves physically removing the water and biomass from the tank. This can be done by using a suction tube to pump out the water and scraping or scooping out the slime. This method requires access to the tank and may require specialised equipment and expertise.
Fuel Filtration and Polishing
This method uses techniques such as fuel circulation and pressure washing to remove water and contaminants from the fuel without removing it from the tank. Some vendors use fibre-optic technology or remote video cameras to locate and monitor the removal process. This method can be effective in removing both water and microbial growth without the need for physical entry into the tank.
Fuel Biocides
Biocides are chemical agents that can be added to the fuel to kill and remove microbial growth. Products such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment are designed to disinfect the fuel system and prevent further contamination. It is important to select a biocide that is compatible with the fuel type and to follow the recommended treatment rates and safety regulations. In some cases, a follow-up application may be required for complete eradication.
Antimicrobial Coatings
Antimicrobial coatings, such as the AMICOAT project's nano-structured coatings, can be applied to fuel tank walls to prevent the adhesion of microbes and inhibit their growth. These coatings can reduce the need for frequent water removal and fuel tank cleaning, improving maintenance costs and aircraft performance.
Fuel Tank Insulation
Insulating the fuel tank can help stabilise the fuel temperature and reduce condensation, creating an unfavourable environment for microbial growth. This method can be used as a preventive measure to inhibit the growth of fungi and other microbes.
It is important to combine these cleaning methods with preventive measures, such as regular tank inspections, water drainage, and the use of fuel preservatives, to minimise the risk of future contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Fungus is often referred to as "diesel bug" and can be identified by a mucous-like accumulation on fuel filters, an increase in fuel filter replacement, or the blockage of filters in the fuel storage system.
The best way to treat a fungal infection is with a fuel biocide, which disinfects the tank and kills the microbes. You can also try fuel filtration and polishing, which remove water and contaminants from the fuel without removing the fuel from the tank.
To prevent fungal growth, you should limit the amount of water in your storage tank, as fungus needs water to grow and thrive. You should also equip fuel tank vents with filters to prevent fungal spores from entering the tank.
