Mercedes Mullins
Algae in fuel tanks, also known as diesel fuel slime or diesel bacteria, is a common problem for vehicles and equipment powered by diesel. It is caused by microbial growth, which feeds on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produces waste that causes corrosion and engine damage. While it is referred to as algae, it is not actually algae as it is a combination of bacteria, mould, and fungi that thrive in the presence of water and temperature changes within the fuel tank. To get rid of algae, one must first remove the water and clean the tank, followed by the use of biocides or chemicals to kill the bacteria and other contaminants.
How to get rid of algae in a fuel tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Avoid allowing microbes to grow in your diesel tank by eliminating air, water, or temperature |
| Treatment | Use a diesel additive to remove water from the fuel and frequently drain the water |
| Treatment | Use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter the fuel, and return it |
| Treatment | Use a biocide or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants |
| Treatment | Drain the fuel tank, fill with hot water and soap, shake the tank, drain, add gasoline, drain gasoline, then refill with diesel |
| Treatment | Flush the tank with hot water, rinse with e85, refill with fresh diesel, and add biocide |
| Treatment | Use a cheap oven cleaner to break up the film |
| Treatment | Use a conditioner to prevent further algae growth |
| Treatment | Use Clean Up 101 for petrol or Clean Up 201 for diesel |
| Treatment | Use Speed Cleaner to remove diesel flakes |
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What You'll Learn
Drain the tank and use hot water and soap
If you're dealing with algae in your fuel tank, one way to address the issue is to drain the tank and use hot water and soap. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:
Drain the Fuel Tank
Start by draining the fuel tank completely. This step is crucial as it ensures that the algae-contaminated fuel is removed from the tank. Make sure to properly dispose of the drained fuel according to local regulations and safety guidelines.
Clean with Hot Water and Soap
Once the tank is empty, fill it with hot water and add a suitable cleaning agent, such as soap or a heavy-duty degreaser. The hot water helps to dissolve and break down the algae, while the soap or degreaser lifts away any remaining residue. Close the tank and shake it vigorously to ensure that the hot soapy water comes into contact with all internal surfaces.
Drain and Rinse the Tank
After shaking the tank, completely drain it again. This time, the drained water will contain the dissolved algae and soap residue. If possible, rinse the tank with fresh water to ensure that all soap residue is removed. It is important to let the tank air dry completely before refilling it with fuel.
Refill with Gasoline and Drain Again
As an optional step, some people recommend filling the tank with gasoline after it has been cleaned and drained. This helps to ensure that any remaining soap residue or algae fragments are flushed out. You can still use this gasoline in a gas engine, so it doesn't go to waste.
Final Refill with Diesel
Finally, refill the tank with fresh, high-quality diesel fuel. This process ensures that your fuel tank is clean and free of algae, reducing the risk of engine damage and malfunction.
Remember, while this method can be effective, preventing algae growth in the first place is ideal. Keep your fuel tank clean and well-maintained, and consider using fuel additives that remove water and prevent microbial growth.
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Use a biocide or chemical treatment
Biocide treatments are the most common method of getting rid of algae in fuel tanks. Biocides are chemical agents used to control the proliferation of harmful organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that regularly contribute to fuel contamination issues. They are often poured into the fuel tank to control the proliferation of microorganisms. However, biocides do not address the root cause of microbial contamination and must be used frequently to prevent future outbreaks.
Biocide treatments can be effective in both diesel fuel and water. They can be used as a "quick-kill" solution and for long-term diesel fuel maintenance. Biocides kill microbes, including bacteria and fungi, that grow in dispersed and free water associated with diesel fuels. They also help prevent fuel-filter plugging and fuel system failures by protecting fuel system components against organic acids created by microbial growth.
There are some drawbacks to using biocides. If you introduce biocides into your tank too often, it can lead to a strain of microbes that are biocide-resistant and can survive treatment. Biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the algae in your fuel. Over time, the excessive use of biocides can corrode your fuel system and cause damage to the fuel tank and other components, resulting in expensive repairs.
Some specific biocide products that can be used to treat algae in fuel tanks include Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide and Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner. These products are designed to kill microbes and remove water and contaminants from the fuel system. It is important to follow the instructions and legal requirements when using these products.
In addition to biocides, there are other chemical treatments available to remove algae from fuel tanks. For example, Clean Up 101 for petrol and Clean Up 201 for diesel are recommended by Tecflow to prevent and solve the problem of algae in fuel tanks.
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Use a mobile fuel polishing system
Fuel polishing is a very fine filtration process that removes impurities, such as dirt and water, from diesel fuel. This process is effective in eliminating algae, which is often the result of water in fuel tanks. Water provides an environment for bacteria to grow and feed on the fuel in the tank.
Mobile fuel polishing systems can be used to clean fuel storage tanks of all sizes. These systems circulate fuel out of the tank, filter the fuel, and return it to the tank. The circulation is ideally done by drawing fuel from one end of the tank and returning it to the opposite side to avoid dead zones of unfiltered fuel.
Fueltec is a well-known company that offers mobile fuel polishing equipment and commercial-grade trailer systems. Their systems can remove water, sludge, and sediment from diesel fuel tanks. They also have automatic fuel maintenance systems that work continuously to keep fuel clean and dry.
While mobile fuel polishing is an effective solution, it is important to note that most diesel fuel does not require fuel polishing as it is typically consumed within a few weeks or months after leaving the refinery. Fuel polishing is more commonly needed for diesel fuel in emergency generator tanks, which may be stored for long periods, sometimes up to 10 years.
Therefore, while mobile fuel polishing can be a useful tool for removing algae from fuel tanks, it may not be necessary for all situations, especially if the diesel fuel is regularly consumed and replaced.
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Preventative measures: keep the tank full
Keeping your fuel tank full is a good way to prevent the growth of algae, or more accurately, microbial growth. This is because microbes need air, water, and temperature to grow, and an empty or full tank will prevent air from moving in and out.
A full tank also prevents condensation, which creates moisture in the tank that sinks to the bottom, providing an environment for bacteria to reproduce and feed on the fuel. This moisture can be burnt off by using a diesel additive that removes water from the fuel, or by using a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate, filter, and return the fuel.
It is important to note that keeping your tank full may not always be feasible, and it is just as important to keep the tank clean and well-maintained. This includes regularly draining water from the water separator and using fuel stabilizers to prevent bacterial growth if the engine will be sitting for a while.
Additionally, while keeping the tank full can help prevent algae growth, it is not a foolproof method. If algae do develop, it is important to address the issue promptly as it can lead to clogged filters, engine damage, and corrosion.
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Test for microbial growth
Microbial growth, often referred to as diesel "algae", is a common contaminant issue for diesel fuel users. It is caused by bacteria and fungi spores entering the fuel tank and growing into a dark, mucky substance. This substance can clog filters and cause engine damage.
To test for microbial growth, you can look out for the following signs:
- A change in fuel colour
- Reduced combustion efficiency
- Poor detergency
- Increased cloud and pour point
- Fuel corrosion
- Clogged fuel filters
If you suspect microbial growth, you can open up a clogged filter and inspect it. If it is coated with a slimy, black, foul-smelling substance, you probably have a microbial problem.
You can also submit fuel samples for testing to determine the presence of microbial growth. One test method is ASTM D7463-08, which detects the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in fuel and fuel/water mixtures. ATP is an energy-bearing molecule found in all living cells.
It is important to test for microbial growth at multiple locations and depths within the tank, as the presence of water and temperature fluctuations can create conditions suitable for microbial growth in certain areas of the tank.
In addition to testing, regular tank inspection, cleaning, and treatments are recommended to prevent microbial growth. This includes limiting the amount of water in the tank, stabilising fuel temperature, and using approved fuel biocides.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check your fuel filters and track how often they need to be replaced. If there are microbes in your fuel, your fuel filters may clog quicker than normal. You can also run tests on your diesel fuel tank on a regular basis to see if there are microbes in it.
First, drain the water out of your tank. Then, use a water-absorbing chemical treatment to clean your tank. Next, use a biocide to kill the microbial contamination in the tank. Finally, use a conditioner to prevent further algae growth.
To prevent algae from growing in your fuel tank, you must eliminate one of the three components that make up the environment that algae need to grow: air, water, and temperature. For example, you can treat your fuel tank with a diesel additive that removes water.
