Katerina Swanson
While algae require sunlight to grow, making it impossible for them to thrive in the darkness of a diesel fuel tank, microbes like bacteria, mold, and fungi can enter your diesel fuel tank and wreak havoc. These microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produce waste products that can cause corrosion and engine fouling. They can also create a slimy film that coats fuel tanks and lines, reducing fuel flow and causing equipment to malfunction. To get rid of algae in diesel fuel, you can use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate, filter, and return the fuel. Another method is to use a biocide or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants. Additionally, preventative measures such as using high-quality diesel fuel and fuel additives, as well as maintaining a clean fuel system, can help avoid the issue altogether.
How to get rid of algae in diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Use high-quality diesel fuel and fuel additives |
| Keep the fuel system clean | |
| Use automated fuel maintenance systems for Tier-4 engines | |
| Use fuel polishing systems to remove water and contaminants | |
| Treatment | Remove water from the tank |
| Use water-absorbing chemical treatments | |
| Use biocides to kill microbes | |
| Use chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants |
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What You'll Learn
Use a mobile fuel polishing system to filter the fuel
Although it is technically impossible for algae to grow inside a diesel fuel tank due to the absence of sunlight, microbes such as bacteria, mould, and fungi can contaminate your fuel and cause extensive damage. This contamination is often referred to as "diesel algae" or the "diesel bug". To prevent and address this issue, one effective method is to use a mobile fuel polishing system to filter the fuel.
A mobile fuel polishing system is a portable solution that can be used to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter it, and then return it to the tank. These systems are designed to remove water, sludge, and microbial contamination from your fuel, preventing damage to your fuel filters and engine. By utilising a mobile fuel polishing system, you can proactively maintain the health of your diesel fuel and avoid the costly and challenging process of removing diesel algae.
One of the key advantages of mobile fuel polishing systems is their ability to remove water from your diesel fuel. Water separation in diesel fuel creates an ideal environment for microbial growth, as bacteria and fungi thrive at the interface between the water and diesel. By eliminating the water, mobile fuel polishing systems disrupt the conditions necessary for microbial proliferation. This proactive approach is more effective and cost-efficient than reacting to severe contamination.
Additionally, mobile fuel polishing systems can help extend the lifespan of your fuel filters. By removing solid contaminants, these systems reduce the frequency with which filters need to be replaced. This not only saves you money on replacement filters but also reduces the labour and maintenance costs associated with frequent filter changes. As a result, mobile fuel polishing systems offer a cost-effective solution for maintaining clean diesel fuel.
When choosing a mobile fuel polishing system, it is important to select a reputable brand with a proven track record of success. Some companies, such as Dieselcraft and Fueltec Systems, offer portable fuel polishing solutions that remove up to 99% of water and solid contaminants. These systems are trusted by major organisations and are designed to efficiently purify your diesel fuel, ensuring it meets engine manufacturer cleanliness standards. By investing in a reliable mobile fuel polishing system, you can effectively combat diesel algae and maintain the optimal performance of your diesel-powered equipment.
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Employ a biocide or chemical treatment
Biocides are a popular method for treating diesel algae. Diesel fuel biocides are designed to kill active microbial contamination in the tank, including bacteria, mould, and fungus. They are heavily regulated and controlled because they kill active living organisms in whatever liquid they are used in.
Before using a biocide, it is important to first remove water from the fuel and clean the tank. This can be done using a diesel additive that removes water from the fuel, or a fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter it, and return it. It is also important to ensure that you are using enough biocide to treat the maximum amount of fuel in the tank, not just the amount currently in the tank, as this ensures that any dormant microbes living on the tank walls above the fuel line are also killed.
There are several different biocides available on the market, including Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, which is dual-phase and effective in both diesel fuel and water. It is important to follow the instructions on the product you are using, as the amount of additive required may vary depending on the tank size.
While biocides can be effective in treating diesel algae, they do have some drawbacks. Biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the diesel algae in your fuel. Over time, overuse of biocides can corrode your fuel system and damage the fuel tank and other components, which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, if biocides are introduced into the tank too often, it can lead to the development of biocide-resistant strains of microbes. Therefore, it is important to also take proactive measures to keep your fuel system clean and prevent the growth of diesel algae in the first place. This includes using high-quality diesel fuel, fuel additives, and fuel stabilizers, as well as regularly cleaning and maintaining the fuel tank and fuel lines.
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Use a fuel additive to prevent phase separation
While algae cannot grow in diesel fuel tanks due to the absence of light, microbes can. These microbes, often referred to as "diesel bugs", thrive at the interface between diesel fuel and water, feeding on the fuel's hydrocarbons and releasing by-products that weaken the fuel's stability. This results in the formation of a dark sludge layer, commonly known as "diesel algae".
To combat this issue, one effective approach is to use fuel additives designed to prevent phase separation. Phase separation occurs when water separates from the diesel fuel, creating an ideal environment for microbial growth. By using additives that remove water from the fuel, you can reduce the risk of phase separation and inhibit the growth of microbes.
It is recommended to treat the fuel with a sufficient amount of biocide to address active microbial contamination. Biocides are products that kill microbes and can be added directly to the fuel tank. When using biocides, it is important to ensure that they come into direct contact with the microbes by injecting them into the fuel line or using enough biocide to treat the maximum fuel level, taking into account any dormant microbes residing above the fuel line.
Additionally, managing water levels in the fuel tank is crucial. This can be achieved by regularly draining excess water and using a water controller, a device that pulls water back into the fuel, preventing separation.
By combining the use of fuel additives with proper water management and the occasional use of biocides, you can effectively prevent phase separation and maintain the health of your diesel fuel system.
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Prevent water from entering the tank
Water in diesel fuel can cause a multitude of problems, from corrosion to clogged filters and even engine damage. To prevent water from entering your diesel fuel tank, consider the following measures:
Keep the Tank Covered
Ensure the tank is always covered and sealed tightly. This will prevent rainwater and snow from entering the tank and minimise the chances of condensation forming. Keep the tank full to reduce air space, which can lead to condensation and provide an environment for bacterial growth.
Store Indoors
If possible, store the tank indoors to protect it from the elements, including rain, snow, and sun exposure. This will also help maintain a more stable temperature, reducing the risk of condensation forming.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly inspect your fuel tank for any signs of leaks or damage. Repair any leaks immediately to prevent water ingress. Check for water accumulation regularly, especially if your tank is exposed to the weather or experiences significant temperature fluctuations.
Choose Reputable Fuel Suppliers
Purchase diesel fuel from reputable sources with well-maintained systems. They should have proper procedures in place to minimise the risk of water contamination.
Install a Fuel Maintenance System
For larger tanks, consider installing a fuel maintenance system to filter out contaminants regularly. This will help catch any water that may have entered the tank and prevent it from causing issues.
Use a Filtration System
Invest in a high-quality filtration system to remove water and other contaminants from your diesel fuel. This will protect your engine and fuel system from the adverse effects of water contamination.
By following these measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of water entering your diesel fuel tank and causing issues. Preventative measures are crucial to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your engine.
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Test for algae using a testing kit
Testing for algae in diesel fuel is an important step in maintaining the health of your engine. Microbiological contamination, often referred to as "diesel bug" or "diesel algae", can cause serious issues for your engine and fuel system.
There are several test kits available to detect algae in diesel fuel. These kits are designed to be easy to use and do not require any special skills or equipment. The test procedure typically involves dipping a paddle or slide into the fuel sample and then waiting for a period of time, usually between 24 and 48 hours, for the test to incubate.
One such test kit is the FuelTurbo Microbial test kit, which uses a unique paddle formulation. One side of the paddle is covered with a TTC Agar gel (with red spot technology) to identify the growth of common bacteria and micro bug cells. The other side is coated with a laboratory-formulated gel to detect the presence of fungi, yeast, mould, and algae cells. Results may appear in as little as 24 hours or less.
Another option is the FT-BUG Test Kit, which also detects bacteria, fungus, and microbes in addition to algae. This test kit uses a Dip-slide paddle that is inserted into the fuel sample or swiped on the sample and then placed back into the holder. After incubating for 24-48 hours, the results are visually compared to the provided charts to identify any microbial issues.
Regular testing for algae and other microbial contamination in diesel fuel is essential to prevent mechanical problems and operational issues. By testing and treating fuel early, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain the performance and integrity of your engine and fuel system.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel algae, also known as diesel bacteria or diesel fuel slime, is a microbial growth that feeds on the hydrocarbons in diesel fuel and produces waste that can cause corrosion and engine fouling. It is called algae due to the slimy film it creates, but it is not actually algae.
You can keep an eye on your fuel filters and track how often they need to be replaced. Filters may clog faster when microbes are present. Testing kits are also available to check for microbial growth. In severe cases, you may see a jelly-like, green or brown sludge in the fuel tank.
Diesel algae is caused by the presence of water in the diesel fuel, which separates into a layer below the fuel. This provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi to thrive while consuming the hydrocarbons from the diesel above.
Preventing diesel algae is much easier and cheaper than treating it. Keep your fuel tank clean and always use high-quality diesel fuel and fuel additives. Eliminating any one of the three components algae need to grow (air, water, and temperature) will prevent growth.
First, drain any water from the tank. Then, use a biocide treatment to kill the microbes. Finally, circulate the fuel out of the tank, filter it, and return it using a mobile fuel polishing system.
