Mercedes Mullins
Water in a diesel fuel tank can cause serious issues, so it's important to know how to get it out and keep it out. Water can enter a diesel tank in several ways, including rain, condensation, and human error, such as leaving the fuel cap off or poor tank seals. This is a problem as, over time, bacteria and microorganisms can grow in the water, causing engine corrosion and damage. To remove water from a diesel fuel tank, you must first test the fuel for water. If water is present, you can use a fuel-water separator to drain it off. You may also need to use a pump to reach the water at the bottom of the tank. To prevent water from entering your diesel tank, keep it covered and full of fuel to avoid empty space where condensation can occur.
How to get water out of a diesel fuel tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why water needs to be removed from diesel fuel tanks | Water in diesel fuel tanks can lead to serious problems. Microbial growth, clogged filters, corrosion, and damage to various components can occur if water is left in diesel for too long. |
| How water gets into diesel fuel tanks | Water can enter diesel fuel tanks through various means, including leaky storage tanks, poor tank seals, human error (e.g. leaving the fuel tank cap off), condensation, and temperature fluctuations. |
| How to prevent water from entering diesel fuel tanks | Place the tank inside to protect it from weather elements, keep the tank covered and avoid leaving it open, ensure proper fueling procedures and maintenance, and minimize empty space in the upper tank where water can condense. |
| How to remove water from diesel fuel tanks | Test the fuel for water by extracting a small amount and letting it sit in a clear container in a dark place for 24 hours. If water is present, use fuel-water separators or an appropriate pump to drain the water. Consider using a high-quality filtration system or a water separator/pre-filter to remove water and filter particulates. |
| Products to remove water from diesel fuel | AirDog® FPII system, Racor water separator filter, PureFlow™ Technologies WS200-HS Water Separator/Pre-Filter, Diesel Tank Snake Water Absorber, and various additives. |
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What You'll Learn
Test the fuel for water
Water in a diesel fuel tank can have detrimental effects. It can corrode the interior of the tank, increase acid build-up, and cause rusting. Water can also corrode components of the fuel pump and clog filters, leading to serious damage to the entire fuel system. Additionally, water in diesel fuel fosters the growth of microbial bacteria, which can damage the walls of steel tanks and cause defects in engine and fuel components. Therefore, it is important to regularly test the fuel for water and address any issues to prevent costly repairs.
There are several ways to test for water in a diesel fuel tank. One common method is to use a water-in-diesel testing kit, which can quickly and safely indicate the presence of water in the fuel. These kits are designed to work with both clear and dyed fuel and typically involve adding a capsule contents to a test and fuel clarity jar, then adding fuel from the water separator. If water is present, the fuel will turn pink, indicating a failed test. These kits offer a simple and convenient way to test for water in diesel fuel without the need for expensive laboratory analysis.
Another option for testing water in diesel fuel is to use a water-detecting paste, such as the SAR-GEL® Blue Water Finding Paste. This paste can detect water in various fuels, including diesel, in less than 5 seconds. It is easy to use by applying a small amount to the end of a gauge stick and inserting it into the fuel. If the paste changes colour, it indicates the presence of water. This method is quick and effective, providing a visual indication of water contamination.
Visual inspection is another way to check for water in diesel fuel. Clean diesel is typically clear and light-coloured, so if the fuel appears dark or cloudy, it may indicate water contamination. Additionally, using a flashlight to look into the tank can help identify any visible signs of water. However, it is important to note that some fuel manufacturers add coloured dyes to their fuel, which can make visual inspection less reliable.
Finally, checking the water separator in the fuel system can help identify water accumulation. Most diesel-powered vehicles have a water separator that collects water from the fuel. Draining and inspecting the water separator can reveal the presence of water and provide an opportunity to remove any contamination. This method is straightforward and allows for the manual removal of water from the fuel system.
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Use a fuel-water separator
Water in diesel fuel can lead to poor performance and even engine damage. Water contamination became a critical issue after the introduction of ultra-low-sulfur diesel, which attracts more water and is less resistant to microbial growth. Diesel fuel has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water.
One way to remove water from diesel fuel is to use a fuel-water separator. This device passes the fuel mixture through a filter, trapping water molecules and allowing diesel fuel to pass through. The Racor water separator filter is one such product that can be used. The AirDog® FPII system is another example, which passes fuel through a water separator before sending it to a particulate filter. The new PureFlow™ Technologies WS200-HS Water Separator/Pre-Filter from AirDog® uses Hydrosorb media to achieve a water removal efficiency of over 99%. It filters particulates to 30 microns before passing the fuel to a 6-micron particulate filter.
It is important to note that while fuel-water separators can be effective, they require proper maintenance to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, other methods such as using water-removing additives, draining the fuel filter, and practicing proper fueling procedures can also help remove and prevent water contamination in diesel fuel.
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Add a commercial biocide
Water contamination in diesel fuel is a critical issue. Modern diesel fuel systems are less tolerant of water in the fuel, so it is crucial to minimise the possibility of water entering a truck's fuel tank and to eliminate any water that does enter the tank before it reaches the engine.
Water can enter a diesel tank in various ways, including rain, snow, condensation, and human error such as leaving the fuel tank cap off or poor tank seals. Water is an essential element for microbes (bacteria and fungi) to establish themselves and multiply, and it can also cause damage to boilers by creating sludge, oxidation, and removing lubrication, resulting in excess friction.
One effective method to remove water from diesel fuel and prevent microbial growth is to use a commercial biocide. A biocide is a chemical substance that kills living organisms. In the context of diesel fuel, biocides are used to kill microbes that contaminate the fuel. Here are some important considerations and steps to take when using a commercial biocide to remove water from a diesel fuel tank:
Choose the Right Biocide
Select a biocide that is specifically designed for diesel fuel, such as Bio Kleen, Bellicide, Biobor JF, or Racor. These products are effective in killing microbes in diesel fuel and preventing further contamination.
Calculate the Correct Dosage
Refer to the product instructions to calculate the correct dosage of the biocide. The dosage will depend on the volume of fuel in the tank and the severity of the contamination. For example, Bellicide recommends a concentration of 1 ounce per 40 gallons to shock and kill existing microbial contamination.
Add the Biocide to the Fuel
Add the calculated amount of biocide directly to the fuel in the tank. It is important to follow the product instructions for safe handling and addition of the biocide.
Fill the Tank to Capacity
After adding the biocide, fill the tank with more fuel to reach its full capacity. This helps to ensure that the biocide comes into contact with all surfaces of the tank and mixes thoroughly with the fuel.
Allow the Treated Diesel to Settle
Let the treated diesel settle in the tank for a period of time. This allows any dead microbes to settle at the bottom of the tank. You may consider draining the sump to remove any accumulated dead microbes, as they can plug the fuel filters.
Change the Fuel Filters Regularly
Biocides kill the microbes in diesel fuel, but their dead bodies can still cause issues. Change the fuel filters more frequently to prevent plugging and ensure the smooth operation of the fuel system.
Store Diesel Fuel with a Fuel Stabilizer
If you plan to store diesel fuel for an extended period, consider using a fuel stabilizer or antioxidant. This will help interrupt the chemical reactions in the fuel that result from exposure to water and air, reducing the breakdown of the fuel over time.
It is important to note that biocides are pesticides, so users should carefully read the Material Safety Data Sheets and follow recommended safety precautions when handling and using these products. Additionally, regular maintenance and proper fueling procedures are crucial to preventing water contamination and maintaining the performance of your diesel engine.
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Keep the tank covered
Keeping the tank covered is a critical step in preventing water from entering your diesel fuel tank. Water can accumulate in diesel fuel due to natural or human-made reasons, and exposure to water can cause significant issues for your engine.
One of the most common ways water enters a diesel fuel tank is through rain or snow. If your tank is outside and exposed to the weather, water can reach the fuel. To prevent this, ensure your tank is placed inside a building or structure that shields it from the elements. Regulations for diesel tanks require that tanks be protected from rain, sun, and other weather conditions.
Another way water can enter the diesel fuel is through condensation. This occurs when there is empty space in the upper part of the tank, and the humid air produces condensation, which can then drip onto the diesel fuel. To avoid this, always keep the tank covered and full of fuel to minimize the empty space where condensation can form. It is also important to note that opening the tank increases the chance of condensation, so only open it when necessary.
Additionally, human error can play a significant role in water entering a fuel tank. Leaving the fuel tank cap off or having poor or degraded tank seals can invite water contamination. Ensure that proper fueling procedures are followed, and regularly inspect and maintain your tank seals to prevent water ingress.
By following these measures and keeping your tank covered, you can effectively prevent water from entering your diesel fuel tank and avoid the issues associated with water contamination.
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Use a filtration system
Water can enter a diesel fuel tank in several ways, including rain, condensation, or human error. To remove water from a diesel fuel tank, one effective method is to use a filtration system. Here are some steps and considerations for using a filtration system to remove water from diesel fuel:
Firstly, it is important to choose a high-quality filtration system specifically designed for diesel fuel, such as the AirDog® FPII system or the Clearflow Filtration Systems. These systems typically use a water separator to remove water from the fuel before passing it through a particulate filter. The water separator acts as a barrier, allowing the denser water to sink to a collection bowl at the bottom of the filter while the fuel continues through the system.
Some filtration systems, like the PureFlow™ Technologies WS200-HS Water Separator/Pre-Filter, use Hydrosorb media to achieve impressive water removal efficiency. This system combines water separation with particulate filtration, ensuring that both water and contaminants are effectively removed from the diesel fuel.
To maintain the effectiveness of the filtration system, proper maintenance is crucial. For example, the water separator and particulate filter may need to be replaced after a certain mileage interval, typically between 35,000 and 40,000 miles. By replacing these components together, you can achieve optimal water separation and reduce engine wear and tear.
Additionally, it is essential to minimize other sources of water contamination. This includes following proper fueling procedures, such as keeping the fuel tank covered and avoiding human errors like leaving the fuel tank cap off. By combining a high-quality filtration system with preventive measures, you can effectively remove water from diesel fuel and protect your engine.
In summary, using a filtration system is a comprehensive approach to removing water from diesel fuel. By choosing an appropriate system, maintaining it properly, and minimizing external sources of water contamination, you can ensure the purity of your diesel fuel and protect your engine from water-related issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Water exposure is a problem for any liquid fuel, not just diesel. If your boiler has been exposed to water for a long time, it may be damaged as it creates sludge, oxidation and removes the lubrication, resulting in excess friction. Before knowing what to do if there is water in your diesel tank, you should first test the fuel for water. You can do this by extracting a small amount of the fuel and letting it sit in a clear container in a dark place for about 24 hours. Water is denser than diesel, so if it is present then it will sink to the bottom of the container.
If water is left in diesel for too long, bacteria and microorganisms can start to grow and produce a layer of slime that can clog filters. Bacteria can also move through the entire fuel system and cause corrosion and damage to various components. Microbes can be hard to remove from a fuel system so they should be addressed immediately.
One way to reduce condensation is to top off the tank before parking it. Removing as much of the water content as possible is crucial to ensure the purity of your diesel fuel and prevent free water from infiltrating your engine’s injection system. The best method to accomplish this goal is to use a high-quality filtration system that effectively separates air and water from the fuel entering your engine. You can also use a fuel-water separator to drain off any water that has accumulated.
