Katerina Swanson
Water in diesel fuel is a serious issue that can cause engine failure, fuel system corrosion, and other problems. There are two main methods for dealing with this issue: using a demulsifier or an emulsifier. Demulsifiers cause water to precipitate out of the fuel so that it can be separated mechanically, while emulsifiers encapsulate water droplets and pass them through the fuel system to be vaporized and expelled during the combustion cycle. This paragraph will explore the pros and cons of these two methods and discuss how to remove emulsified diesel fuel.
Characteristics and Values of Removing Emulsified Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | Water in diesel fuel |
| Impact | Fuel contamination, algae, blocked filters, damaged pumps, engine failure, fuel system corrosion |
| Solution | Fuel additives, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, fuel polishing |
| Additives | E-ZOIL's Diesel Aid, Diesel Plus, Schaeffer's diesel fuel additive, Aquafighter |
| Benefits of Emulsified Fuels | Reduced pollutants (PM and NOX), fuel savings, improved combustion |
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What You'll Learn
Using fuel additives
Fuel additives are a common method for dealing with emulsified diesel fuel. There are two types of additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. Demulsifiers cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to be caught by the DFCM (a mechanical fuel separator) and preventing it from reaching the engine. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, cause the fuel and water to mix, which can lead to issues with the fuel system if the water is not properly separated before reaching the engine.
Some examples of demulsifiers include Stanadyne, Opti-Lube, and Power Service Diesel 911. Diesel 911 is a water solubilizer that combines free water with the fuel, resulting in a clear mixture. It also prevents water from falling out of the fuel. Another recommended product is Schaeffer's Diesel Treat 2000, which can separate moisture from fuel and disperse water to prevent fuel icing.
Emulsifiers such as E-ZOIL's Diesel Aid use hydrogen bonding to keep water in emulsion with the diesel fuel. This additive acts as a coupling agent, bonding the water and fuel together into a homogeneous mixture. While emulsifiers can be effective in some cases, it is important to ensure that any water is properly separated before reaching the engine to avoid potential issues.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that fuel additives may not be necessary for removing small amounts of water, as modern fuel filters often have built-in water separators. Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with a “Water In Fuel” warning light to alert operators of the presence of free water.
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Fuel polishing
The process of fuel polishing involves recirculating the fuel and using specialised filtration systems to remove these contaminants. This restores fuel quality, protects equipment, and ensures compliance with industry standards. Fuel polishing is particularly important for industries that rely on clean, high-quality diesel fuel, such as healthcare, data centres, aviation, and industrial operations.
There are two main methods for dealing with water in diesel fuel: emulsification and demulsification. Emulsification uses additives to keep water in emulsion with the diesel fuel, allowing it to pass harmlessly through the fuel delivery system and be vaporised in the engine's combustion chambers. This prevents water from coming into contact with the engine and reduces the risk of algae growth. However, critics argue that emulsified water can come out of suspension and cause problems.
On the other hand, demulsification causes water to separate from the fuel, allowing it to be mechanically removed using water separators. This method ensures that water is completely extracted from the fuel flow.
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Using fuel tank water absorbers
Water contamination in diesel fuel can lead to several issues, including engine system corrosion, equipment damage, and poor fuel efficiency. One effective method to remove emulsified diesel fuel is by using fuel tank water absorbers.
Fuel tank water absorbers, such as the Aquafighter and Cim-Tek, are designed to remove both free and emulsified water from diesel fuel. These absorbers are suitable for various applications, including storage tanks, agricultural and industrial machinery, generators, and oil heating tanks.
The Aquafighter, in particular, stands out as the only fuel tank water absorber on the market that addresses emulsified water. It employs a three-step process: first, it induces a chemical reaction to separate the bound water from the fuel molecules; second, it captures the water inside its fabric membrane by bonding it to a special polymer; and finally, it releases clear and bright fuel back into the tank. This not only ensures that your diesel fuel is water-free but also offers long-term benefits by reducing downtime and repair costs.
To use the Aquafighter, simply place it into the tank through the largest opening. It is important to choose the right model based on the size of your tank opening and its capacity. The Aquafighter is designed to be lowered directly to the bottom of the fuel tank, with the cord secured outside for easy retrieval and inspection.
While fuel tank water absorbers are an effective solution, it is worth noting that they may not be suitable for significantly contaminated fuel with high levels of particles, dirt, and bacteria. In such cases, it is recommended to first professionally clean the fuel and tank before employing the absorber to prevent future water contamination issues.
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Using fuel-in-water microemulsion
Water-in-oil emulsified fuels, such as diesel and biodiesel-water emulsions, are widely used in Europe. These emulsions usually contain between 5% and 30% water by mass. Water-in-diesel emulsions can serve as alternative fuels, offering lower emissions and improved brake thermal efficiency.
Water-in-diesel microemulsions are often utilised in contexts where safety or enhanced commercial returns justify the additional costs. The main benefits of using emulsified fuels instead of conventional fuels include environmental and economic advantages. Introducing water into the combustion process reduces temperatures and NOx emissions. Research comparing water injection and emulsified fuels in diesel engines has shown that emulsified fuels are particularly effective at simultaneously decreasing NOx and particulate matter emissions.
One example of a fuel-in-water microemulsion is Purinox by Lubrizol, which is a 10% fuel-in-water emulsion where the emulsifier causes the water droplets to be surrounded by the fuel. This is why the fuel appears clear and not white as would be the case in a water-in-fuel microemulsion.
To create a stable diesel microemulsion, hydrophilic ionic liquids and hydrophobic ionic liquids with TX-100 (nonionic surfactant) and water were used. This mixture was then added to various organic solvents. The usage of ionic liquids as surfactants is attracting researchers' attention due to their ability to act as good amphiphiles, making them perfect for the formation of specific microemulsions.
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Using demulsifiers
Water in diesel fuel is a serious problem for diesel equipment owners and operators. Water can enter the engine through condensation or external environmental factors, and it can cause numerous issues, including rust and corrosion. It can also freeze, which is disastrous for your fuel system. Therefore, removing any water as soon as possible is necessary.
One way to remove emulsified diesel fuel is through the use of demulsifiers. Demulsifiers work by separating water from the base fluid into two liquid bodies. They help water molecules join together and become large enough for the fuel-water separator to remove them more efficiently. Demulsifiers are essential if you need to prevent water from damaging your diesel engine and impacting fuel quality.
To use a demulsifier, first test the fuel for water accumulation. Then, add the demulsifier as a fuel additive. This will cause the water to separate from the fuel, allowing you to remove it from your engine.
It is important to note that demulsifiers are just one method of removing emulsified diesel fuel. Other methods include mechanical removal using water separators and filters and the use of emulsifiers, which keep water in emulsion with the diesel fuel so that it passes harmlessly through the fuel delivery system. Ultimately, the choice between using a demulsifier or another method will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Emulsified diesel fuel is a blended mixture of diesel fuel, water, and other additives that lowers combustion temperatures and reduces emissions of PM as well as NOX. The additives also prevent water from contacting the engine.
The main benefits of using emulsified fuels instead of conventional fuels include environmental and economic advantages. Introducing water into the combustion process reduces temperatures and NOx emissions.
Fuel polishing is a solution that will fix cloudy diesel fuel. This service involves removing the fuel from the tank and passing it through highly efficient filters that remove contamination down to the EN590 quality standards of diesel fuel. After fuel polishing, both free and emulsified water content will be removed.
