Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel contamination by microbes, fungus, and bacteria is a common issue. This contamination, known as diesel bug, diesel fungus, or diesel algae, can cause serious damage to fuel systems and tanks. The contamination will block and clog filters, corrode tanks, and wreak engines. The best way to prevent microbial diesel fuel contamination is to control tank water buildup. However, if your diesel fuel has been contaminated, there are a few ways to treat the issue.
How to get rid of fungus in diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Use a fuel stabilizer |
| Use a mobile fuel polishing system | |
| Use a biocide or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants | |
| Use electro magnets that surround the fuel intake lines | |
| Use solturon--an enzyme now marketed by Starbrite in the US | |
| Use biofuel additives like Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus | |
| Treatment | Drain the tank and steam clean it |
| Refill with fresh fuel | |
| Change fuel filters | |
| Use a fuel polishing service |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel stabiliser or biocide
If you're looking to prevent or get rid of fungus in your diesel fuel, you can use a fuel stabiliser or biocide.
Fuel Stabilisers
Fuel stabilisers can be used to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination. They are particularly useful if your engine will be sitting for a while. A fuel stabiliser acts as a fuel antioxidant, interrupting the chemical reactions in the fuel that result from exposure to water and air. This can slow the growth of microbes in your fuel.
Biocides
Biocides are chemical agents used to control the proliferation of harmful organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in diesel fuel. They are often poured into the fuel tank to kill microbes and prevent future microbial growth. Biocide treatments are the most commonly used method of getting rid of diesel algae.
However, there are some drawbacks to using biocides. They do not address the root cause of microbial contamination, which is often the presence of water in the fuel tank. Biocides cannot remove water or solid contaminants from the tank, and frequent use may lead to strains of microbes that are biocide-resistant. Additionally, the dead organic matter left behind by killed microbes can clog fuel filters.
To make biocides more effective, it is recommended to add a biomass dispersant chemical at the same time. This will break up the biomass formations, allowing the biocide to penetrate and kill more microbes. It is also important to circulate the fuel to ensure the biocide reaches all areas of the tank where bacteria are living.
Combined Approach
Using a fuel stabiliser alongside a biocide can provide your best protection for stored diesel fuel over time.
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Regularly replace fuel filters
Regularly replacing your fuel filters is a critical component of maintaining a healthy diesel engine. Diesel fuel contamination by microbes, fungus, and bacteria is a common issue that can lead to significant engine problems and costly repairs.
The presence of microbes in diesel fuel can result in the formation of biomass or biofilm byproducts that clog fuel filters. These microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produce waste products that contribute to corrosion and engine damage. Additionally, they can create a slimy film that coats fuel tanks and lines, reducing fuel flow and causing equipment malfunctions.
To combat this issue, it is essential to replace fuel filters at regular intervals. The recommended frequency for replacement varies depending on the vehicle, fuel quality, and other factors. Some sources suggest replacing fuel filters every 10,000 miles or every other oil change. Others recommend intervals of 24,000 miles or even 40,000 miles, depending on the specific vehicle and its fuel system. It is always a good idea to refer to the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations.
In addition to regular replacement, it is important to inspect the fuel filters periodically. Cutting open the filter can provide valuable insights into its condition and help determine if it needs to be replaced sooner than the recommended interval. This proactive approach can prevent unexpected issues and ensure the optimal performance of your diesel engine.
By regularly replacing fuel filters and maintaining proper fuel system care, you can significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination and its associated problems, keeping your diesel engine running smoothly and efficiently.
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Control tank water buildup
Water in diesel fuel can cause a host of issues, including corrosion, power loss, plugged filters, fuel part corrosion, injector wear, and engine damage. The presence of water also creates an environment for microbial growth, which can lead to the formation of "diesel bug" or "diesel algae". Therefore, controlling water buildup in diesel fuel tanks is essential. Here are some ways to achieve that:
Seal Fuel Tanks Properly
Ensure that your fuel tanks are sealed correctly. Poor or degraded tank seals can allow water ingress, leading to contamination. Regularly inspect the tank seals and replace them if necessary.
Store Diesel in Clean, Dry Conditions
Always store diesel in a clean and dry environment. Keep the storage area well-ventilated and free from moisture. Avoid exposing the fuel to humid conditions, as moisture can accumulate and eventually contaminate the fuel.
Use Fuel Stabilizers or Water Dispersants
Adding a fuel stabilizer or water dispersant to the diesel fuel can help prevent water from mixing with it. Fuel stabilizers can also inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microbial contaminants. These additives are especially useful if you know your engine will be sitting idle for extended periods.
Top Off the Tank
If you operate your vehicle or equipment in warm and humid conditions, consider topping off the tank before parking it. This practice helps reduce condensation formation inside the tank, as there is less space for humid air to enter and condense.
Use Filtration Systems
Invest in a high-quality filtration system, such as the AirDog® FPII system, which effectively separates and removes water from the fuel before it reaches your engine. Regularly maintain and replace the filters as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Control Tank Condensation
Condensation is a significant source of water contamination in diesel fuel tanks. To minimize condensation, maintain stable temperatures and reduce temperature fluctuations in the storage area. If using above-ground tanks, consider insulating them to prevent temperature differentials between the fuel and the ambient air.
Regular Testing and Maintenance
Regularly test your fuel for microbial contamination, especially if your system is critical to operations. In-field microbial tests, such as ATP-By-Filtration, can help identify contamination levels and determine the effectiveness of your control measures. Additionally, maintain your diesel fuel system through proper fueling procedures, cleaning, and corrosion prevention.
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Test fuel for microbial contamination
Diesel bug, or microbial contamination of diesel fuel, occurs when certain species of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi survive, grow, and negatively impact diesel fuel systems. Water is the main prerequisite for microbial contamination as it encourages microbial growth. Water can enter fuel systems through condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Microbes tend to live at the fuel/water interface, feeding on the fuel.
To prevent microbial contamination, it is important to constantly monitor and manage the risks. Organisations that use diesel fuel can proactively monitor for diesel fuel contamination with a range of tests that are done in laboratories. There are also a few on-site tests for diesel fuel contamination available.
Testing for Microbial Contamination
Testing for microbial contamination can be done through growth-based microbial tests like Liqui-Cult, which can be performed on-site or in a lab. These tests take 72 hours to complete as users wait for signs of visible growth within the collected fuel samples. The severity of bacterial and fungal contamination can then be determined by comparing the colour density of the sample bottle(s) with the provided colour chart.
Immunoassay antibody tests like FUELSTAT® are the quickest and easiest available today, reliably detecting the specific microbes that threaten fuel. These tests can be conducted on-site and give results within minutes.
ATP testing detects any living microorganism present, but it also tests for microorganisms that aren’t dangerous to fuel, which can lead to misleading results. This testing is not conducted on-site, so fuel samples have to be transported as hazardous goods, adding to the overall time and cost.
Preventing Microbial Contamination
To prevent microbial contamination, it is important to remove and prevent bacterial growth in fuel tanks and systems. This often requires the removal of water from the tank, filtration, and/or treatment of the tank with biocide additives.
Companies like Intertek and Conidia Bioscience provide a range of microbiological testing services and kits to help clients determine the nature of any microbial "bug" infestation of fuel and decide on the best course of action.
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Drain, steam clean and refill tanks
Draining the tank is an important step in removing fungus from your diesel fuel. You should pump or drain excess water and fuel contaminants from the bottom of the fuel tank until diesel fuel appears. This is because diesel bugs, or fungus, live at the interface between water and fuel.
Once the tank is drained, you can then steam clean the tank. One source recommends cutting the tanks open, scraping, and steam cleaning. This is a very thorough method of cleaning the tank, but it is destructive and will require a lot of repairs. A less destructive method is to use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter the fuel, and return it.
After cleaning, you will need to refill the tank. It is recommended to use high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to the diesel fuel to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination.
Finally, it is important to prevent future contamination. This can be done by regularly draining water from the tank and using fuel additives that remove water from the fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Some signs of microbial contamination include the need to replace fuel filters more often, a rotten fuel smell, and black exhaust smoke at system startup.
Fungal spores and bacteria can be carried in both air and water and cannot be kept out of fuel. Diesel bugs thrive in hot and humid conditions where condensation is rife.
You can use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter the fuel, and return it. You can also use a biocide or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants.
Eliminating any one of the three main components that make up the environment diesel "algae" needs to grow (air, water, and temperature) will prevent the microbes from growing. You can also use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination.
