Regan Brown
Thick algae in diesel fuel is a common issue for many diesel engine owners. Despite its name, this substance is not actually algae, as algae cannot grow in the dark environment of a diesel tank. Instead, it is a sludge-like biomass composed of bacteria, mould, and fungi, which can cause significant damage to your engine if left untreated. This paragraph will explore the steps you can take to effectively remove and prevent the growth of this algae in your diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is diesel algae | A sludge-like substance that is a combination of species of bacteria, molds, fungi, and other microbes |
| Conditions for growth | Water, nutrients, and favorable environmental conditions like sunlight, air, and temperature |
| Detection | Fuel filters may plug quicker than normal when microbes are present in the fuel. Testing kits are also available to detect microbial growth |
| Prevention | Use fuel additives to prevent phase separation, eliminate water from the fuel, and drain water from the water separator |
| Treatment | Use a mobile fuel polishing system, biocide, or chemicals to kill microbes |
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What You'll Learn
Use a mobile fuel polishing system
If you're dealing with algae in your diesel fuel, one option is to use a mobile fuel polishing system. Fuel polishing is a technical cleaning process that removes microbial contamination from diesel fuel in storage. It's important to note that ""algae"" in diesel fuel is a misnomer; it's actually microbial growth, including bacteria and fungi, that feeds on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and can cause issues with your engine.
Mobile fuel polishing systems are a popular solution because they can be transported between different fuel tanks and are flexible enough to reach fuel supplies that may not have the space for a permanently installed system. These systems are typically mounted on a cart or trailer and are brought on-site to service the fuel. The process involves circulating fuel out of the tank, filtering it, and then returning it to the tank. This circulation is done by drawing fuel from one end of the tank and returning it to the opposite side to avoid unfiltered fuel.
Fuel polishing systems work by pumping diesel fuel through a series of filters. These filters capture contaminants, water, and sediment, maintaining the quality of the stored diesel fuel. It's important to use a fine filter of 4 microns absolute or finer to comply with fuel standards. Additionally, mechanical separation of sludge and water is essential to ensure that bacterial contamination is addressed effectively. Both free and emulsified water should be extracted from the fuel flow.
Before commencing fuel polishing, it's recommended to undertake fuel analysis to understand the exact contamination problem and devise a targeted solution. A second fuel test after polishing can confirm that the issue has been resolved. This process is particularly important for diesel fuel stored for long periods, such as in emergency generator tanks, as fuel can start to degrade within 3-6 months after refining.
While fuel polishing can be an effective solution, it's important to note that it's not a perfect solution for all situations. Fuel maintenance systems, for example, may be better suited for maintaining fuel quality rather than restoring highly contaminated fuel. Additionally, the frequent use of biocides in fuel polishing can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and potentially cause corrosion to your fuel system over time. Therefore, it's essential to consider the specific circumstances and choose the most appropriate methodology for controlling microbial growth.
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Employ a biocide or chemical treatment
Biocide treatments are the most common method of eliminating diesel algae. Biocides are chemicals that kill microbes, such as bacteria, mould, and fungi, that contaminate diesel fuel. Diesel fuel biocides are regulated and controlled substances that directly kill active living organisms in the liquid they are used in.
To effectively use a biocide, it is important to add enough of it to treat the maximum amount of fuel in the tank, not just the current fuel level. This ensures that any dormant microbes living on the tank walls above the fuel line are also killed. Injecting the biocide into the fuel line is the best way to ensure it mixes effectively with the fuel.
Although biocides are an effective way of killing microbes, they do have some drawbacks. Biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the microbes in your fuel. Over time, the use of biocides can corrode your fuel system, leading to expensive repairs. Additionally, frequent use of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes that survive treatment.
To avoid these issues, it is important to take proactive measures to keep your fuel system clean and prevent microbial growth in the first place. This includes using high-quality diesel fuel, fuel additives, and fuel stabilizers, as well as regularly cleaning and maintaining your fuel tank and lines.
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Remove water from the fuel
Although it is called diesel "algae", the sludge that forms in your fuel tank is not actually algae. It is a biomass of microbes, including bacteria, mould, and fungi. These microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produce waste that can cause corrosion and engine fouling. The microbes need both food and water to survive, and the diesel fuel and water give them everything they need to grow their colonies.
To get rid of the algae, you must first remove the water and clean your tank. There are several ways to remove water from diesel fuel:
Fuel additives
Fuel additives are used to emulsify the water into the fuel body to ensure it gets sent into the engine alongside the diesel fuel. There are two types of additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. A demulsifier will cause the water and fuel to separate, and your engine's water separator will catch the water and prevent it from entering the engine. An emulsifier will cause the fuel and water to mix, which can be harmful to your fuel system.
Fuel polishing systems
Fuel polishing systems circulate fuel out of the tank, filter the fuel, and return it. This option is great for remediating heavily contaminated fuel without relying on expensive filter elements.
Fuel filtration systems
Fuel filtration systems use one of two filtration methods. The first method involves a water separator that uses centrifugal force to separate the water and fuel. The second method involves filter media that captures water as the fuel flows through the system and back into the tank. This second method is more expensive but is the only effective method to remediate serious water contamination, especially in bulk storage applications.
Fuel maintenance systems
Fuel maintenance systems are permanent installations that work on a programmed schedule to regularly pull fuel from the tank to filter out contaminants. They are better at maintaining the fuel than restoring it from a highly contaminated state. By removing water from the fuel, fuel maintenance systems also prevent microbial growth.
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Test for microbial growth
Although it is commonly referred to as "diesel algae", the dark sludge that forms in your fuel tank is not actually algae. Algae require sunlight to grow, so it cannot thrive in the darkness of a diesel fuel tank. The substance is actually a form of microbial contamination, often called "diesel bug".
Microbial contamination occurs when water present in the diesel separates into a distinct layer below the fuel, a process known as ""phase separation". The microbes live in the water and feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel above. Over time, the accumulation of microbes forms a visible biomass (or "rag layer") between the water and diesel fuel.
It is important to regularly test your diesel fuel for microbial growth to prevent damage to your fuel and fuel tank. Here are some methods to test for microbial growth:
- Fuel Filter Monitoring: One way to identify potential microbial growth is to monitor your fuel filters and track how often you need to replace them. Fuel filters may plug more quickly than normal when microbes are present in your fuel.
- Immunoassay Antibody Tests: Immunoassay antibody tests, such as FUELSTAT®, are quick and easy to use. They can reliably detect specific microbes that threaten fuel. These tests require minimal equipment and can be conducted on-site, providing results within minutes. However, it is important to note that some commonly used tests can lead to misleading results, such as false alarms.
- ATP Testing: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing detects any living microorganism present in the fuel. However, this method also tests for microorganisms that are not dangerous to fuel, which can lead to unnecessary downtime of assets. ATP testing requires specialised equipment and is typically conducted off-site in a laboratory, adding to the time and cost of the process.
- Visual Inspection: In some cases, it may be possible to visually inspect the fuel tank to look for signs of microbe growth. However, this may not always be feasible, especially in large or hard-to-access tanks.
- Microbiology Test Kits: Companies like Intertek offer a range of microbiology test kits to help identify the nature of any microbial "bug" infestation in fuel. These kits can assist in determining the location of microbiological activity and finding the root cause of the problem.
By regularly testing for microbial growth and taking preventive measures, you can help ensure that your diesel fuel remains free of contamination and maintain the optimal performance of your engine.
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Use automated fuel maintenance systems
Although it is commonly referred to as "diesel algae", the dark sludge that forms in your fuel tank is not actually algae. Algae require sunlight to grow, so it cannot thrive in the darkness of a diesel fuel tank. Instead, the sludge is caused by microbes such as bacteria, mould, and fungus, which find their way into 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 malfunction.
To prevent and address this issue, it is recommended to use automated fuel maintenance systems, such as those offered by Fuel Technologies International (FTI) and Banlaw. These systems are designed to maintain fuel quality and prevent microbial growth by regularly pulling fuel from the tank and filtering out contaminants, including water. FTI's systems are FM-approved and NFPA-compliant, and they offer emergency-power fuel maintenance systems for back-up generators. Banlaw's systems, on the other hand, are known for their Auto ID technology, which is integrated within Dry Break Refuelling hardware and provides secure and accurate vehicle and fluid measurements.
By investing in an automated fuel maintenance system, you can proactively maintain your diesel fuel's health and prevent costly repairs due to microbial contamination. These systems work on a programmed schedule to ensure that your fuel is consistently free of contaminants. Additionally, they can provide real-time tank gauging, security, and data capture, allowing you to monitor fuel consumption, levels, and dispensed fuel.
It is worth noting that while biocides can be used to kill microbes directly, they can also have drawbacks. Over time, frequent use of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and may even corrode your fuel system. Therefore, it is generally recommended to focus on maintaining fuel conditions that do not favour microbial growth, such as eliminating water and using fuel additives that prevent phase separation.
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Frequently asked questions
While it can be challenging to detect diesel algae contamination as the symptoms often mimic other fuel-related issues, there are some relatively simple ways to tell if you have "algae" growing in your tank. You can keep an eye on your fuel filters and track how often you need to replace them. Fuel filters may plug quicker than normal when microbes are present in your fuel. You can also run tests on your diesel fuel tank on a regular basis to see if there are microbes in it.
Dirty fuel tanks, introduced water sources (like rainwater), and organic materials can all contribute to algae growth. Existing bacteria and fungi in the tank can create a film on which algae can easily establish itself. Algae growth in diesel fuel is primarily fuelled by three factors: water, nutrients, and favourable environmental conditions.
The best way to address diesel fuel contamination is to first understand what you are trying to combat and where it is coming from. It is important to first remove any accumulated water at the bottom of your tank. You can do this mechanically or by using a water-absorbing chemical treatment. You can then use a biocide or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants. Biocide treatments are the most commonly used method of getting rid of diesel algae. However, there are some downfalls to this type of fuel treatment. If you introduce biocides into your tank too often, it can lead to a strain of microbes that are biocide-resistant and survive through treatment. Biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the diesel algae in your fuel. Over a period of time, too many uses of biocides can corrode your fuel system.
