Sylvie Willis
Water in diesel fuel tanks can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water is the essential element that microbes need to establish themselves and multiply, as they live in the water-diesel interface. This can lead to the corrosion of tanks, the destruction of injector tips, and the clogging of fuel filters. To remove water from diesel fuel tanks, one can either send the water into the engine to be vaporized out of the exhaust or filter the water out of the fuel tank. The first method involves using fuel additives to emulsify the water into the fuel body, while the second method utilizes a fuel polishing system or service. Fuel filtration systems can also be employed, using either a water separator or filter media to capture water as the fuel flows back into the tank. Preventative measures include keeping fuel levels high to minimize air space and mitigate condensation, ensuring tanks are tightly sealed, and regularly inspecting and repairing any leaks.
How to remove water from a diesel fuel tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention methods | Keep fuel levels high, seal tanks, inspect and repair leaks, choose reputable fuel suppliers, install fuel maintenance systems, replace fuel filters |
| Fuel additives | Fuel additives can emulsify water into the fuel body to be vaporized out of the exhaust, but these can damage injectors |
| Fuel filtration systems | Use a water separator or filter media to capture water as fuel flows through the system and back into the tank |
| Drainage | Drain water from the drainage plug, cut a hole in the bottom of the tank to drain water, tilt the tank to allow water to run out |
| Heating | Heat the tank to thaw and drain water, or wait for warmer weather |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel filtration system
Water in diesel fuel tanks is a common issue, mainly caused by condensation, but also by human error, ingress during refuelling, and water leaks. If left unaddressed, water contamination can cause serious problems, including corrosion, microbial growth, and blocked fuel lines. Therefore, it is important to regularly check for and remove water from diesel fuel tanks.
One effective method for removing water from diesel fuel is to use a fuel filtration system. There are two main types of fuel filtration systems: water separators and filter media. Water separators use centrifugal force to separate water from diesel fuel, while filter media captures water as the fuel flows through the system and back into the tank.
Water separators are a good option for those who want to remove water from their diesel fuel without the use of chemicals. This method is also suitable for those who want to avoid the potential issues associated with fuel additives, such as emulsification, which can damage injectors. Water separators work by using centrifugal force to separate the water from the diesel fuel. The water is then collected at the bottom of the separator, where it can be easily drained. This type of system is often built into diesel fuel filters and can be drained by releasing a vent valve or loosening the uppermost fuel pipe.
Filter media, on the other hand, is a more expensive option but is the only effective method for remediating serious water contamination, especially in bulk storage applications. This type of filtration system uses a special filter that captures water as the fuel flows through the system. The filtered water is then returned to the tank, leaving clean diesel fuel behind. This option is often used for commercial and mission-critical applications, where permanent, automated filtration systems are installed to continually filter the fuel in the storage tanks.
In addition to using a fuel filtration system, there are several other measures that can be taken to prevent and address water contamination in diesel fuel tanks. These include keeping fuel levels high to minimize air space and mitigate condensation, ensuring tanks are tightly sealed, regularly inspecting and maintaining fuel tanks, and choosing reputable fuel suppliers. By combining these preventative measures with a fuel filtration system, diesel fuel tank owners can effectively remove water from their tanks and avoid the serious problems that water contamination can cause.
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Employ fuel additives
Water exposure is a problem for any liquid fuel, not just diesel. Diesel oil naturally contains water, but exposure to excess water can cause problems for your boiler. Long-term exposure to water can damage the boiler's mechanism by creating sludge, oxidation, and removing lubrication, resulting in excess friction. Water can enter a diesel fuel storage tank through condensation, leaks, or a contaminated fuel source.
To remove water from a diesel fuel tank, you can employ fuel additives designed to demulsify water from diesel. Demulsifiers cause water and fuel to separate, allowing your diesel fuel water separator to catch the water and prevent it from reaching your engine.
There are several fuel additives available on the market that can assist in removing water from diesel fuel tanks. Here are some options:
- Diesel 911 Winter Fuel Treatment: This additive is safe to use and can help dry up any remaining water in your fuel tank.
- Power Service Diesel Kleen: This product is readily available in most retail stores and can assist in keeping water separated from your diesel fuel.
- Opti Lube XPD: While this product needs to be ordered online, it can also effectively keep water and diesel fuel separated.
- Water Eliminator: This product is designed to remove water from diesel fuel storage tanks. It includes absorptive crystals that absorb water, helping to maintain fuel quality and performance.
- Wood Alcohol: According to a user on a boating forum, wood alcohol works great to absorb any remaining water in the tank.
It is important to note that some sources advise against using emulsifying agents as fuel additives. Emulsifiers cause the fuel and water to mix, which can lead to potential damage to your fuel system. Additionally, if you have significant water in your diesel, using an additive that emulsifies the water may lead to injector tip damage when the emulsified water turns to steam and expands violently.
While fuel additives can be helpful, it is also important to address the root cause of water accumulation in your diesel fuel tank. Here are some preventive measures:
- Keep the diesel fuel tank full to minimize air space, reducing condensation risks.
- Ensure the tank is well-sealed and protected from weather elements like rain and snow.
- Regularly inspect and measure water levels to detect and mitigate water contamination early.
- Understand the maximum water content your fuel system can handle to establish a benchmark for when to take corrective actions.
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Drain the tank
If your diesel fuel tank has a drain plug, you can drain the water by opening the plug and letting the water run out. Water, being denser than diesel, will settle at the bottom of the tank, so opening the drain plug will allow the water to flow out while retaining most of the diesel fuel. You can keep draining the tank until only diesel fuel comes out. This method is only possible if the water inside the tank is not frozen, as frozen water will block the flow of water out of the tank.
If your tank does not have a drain plug, you can try tilting the tank towards the outlet to allow water to flow out. This method may be more effective if the tank is heated, as heating will melt any ice inside the tank and allow the water to flow out.
Another method to drain the tank involves cutting a hole in the bottom of the tank and welding a fitting. This will allow you to drain the water once it has thawed.
It is important to regularly inspect your fuel tank for leaks or damage and to repair any leaks promptly to prevent water from entering the tank. Additionally, keeping fuel levels high can help to minimise air space and mitigate condensation, reducing the amount of water that enters the tank.
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Use a fuel polishing system
Fuel polishing is a critical process for maintaining fuel quality and preventing engine issues. It is a technical cleaning process that helps remove water, sediment, and microbial contamination from diesel fuel. This process is especially important for stored diesel fuel, as contamination can occur over time, leading to costly repairs and system failures.
The fuel polishing process typically involves three stages: fuel analysis, water removal, and filtration. During fuel analysis, samples are collected from different levels of the tank to assess contamination levels. Any water present in the tank is then pumped out before the filtration stage. This ensures that further contamination does not occur during the filtration process.
The filtration stage of fuel polishing involves progressively smaller filters that trap suspended solids while allowing fluids to pass through. This helps remove sludge, debris, and sediment from the fuel. Some filters are specifically designed to absorb water, ensuring that it is effectively removed from the diesel. While filtration is essential, relying on it alone can overwhelm the filters, so it is just one component of the fuel polishing process.
Fuel polishing systems may also include additional features such as fuel heaters to address issues caused by cold temperatures. Biocides are sometimes used to address microbial contamination, but it is impossible to perfectly sterilize the fuel, and microbes will repropagate, especially with water still present. Therefore, fuel polishing is a more effective method for addressing microbial growth and preventing re-contamination.
For those who plan on storing diesel for an extended period, fuel polishing is a special process that can prevent contamination and reduce the chances of damage. It is a necessary step to ensure the longevity of diesel fuel and the proper functioning of generators and engines. By investing in fuel polishing, individuals and businesses can avoid costly repairs, minimize downtime, and maintain the integrity of their fuel sources.
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Prevent water from entering the tank
Water in a diesel fuel tank can lead to several issues, including engine damage, fuel degradation, corrosion, and operational inefficiency. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to prevent water from entering your diesel fuel tank:
Keep the Tank Covered and Full
Condensation is a common cause of water entering a diesel fuel tank. To prevent this, always keep the tank covered and avoid leaving it open. Fill the tank to capacity whenever possible to minimize air space and reduce the likelihood of condensation. If the tank is not consistently full, fluctuations in temperature can cause condensation to form, leading to water accumulation.
Store the Tank Indoors
If your diesel tank is outside and exposed to weather events such as rain or snow, water can enter the fuel. To prevent this, store your tank indoors or in a sheltered area protected from the elements. Regulations for diesel tanks require that they be shielded from rain, sun, and other weather conditions.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regularly inspect your fuel tank for any signs of leaks, damage, or water accumulation. Set a consistent routine for inspecting and measuring water levels to enable early detection and mitigation. Repair any leaks immediately and ensure that the tank is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from entering.
Choose Reputable Fuel Suppliers
Water can also enter your tank through contaminated fuel sources. Purchase diesel fuel from reputable suppliers with a history of quality control and well-maintained systems to minimize the risk of water contamination. Avoid fueling from tanks that may be contaminated with water.
Install a Fuel Maintenance System
For larger tanks, consider installing a fuel maintenance system to filter out contaminants regularly. Additionally, invest in a top-tier filtration system to protect your engine and improve fuel efficiency. Regularly replace fuel filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
By following these preventive measures, you can effectively minimize the risk of water entering your diesel fuel tank and maintain the longevity and efficiency of your engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Water in a diesel fuel tank can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. It can also lead to corrosion, injector tip damage, and microbial growth.
There are several methods to remove water from a diesel fuel tank. One approach is to use a fuel filtration system with a water separator or filter media. Another method involves adding fuel additives, such as emulsifiers or demulsifiers, to either combine or separate water from the fuel. Additionally, draining the water through a drainage plug or tilting the tank to allow water to run out through the outlet are also effective methods.
To prevent water contamination in your diesel fuel tank, maintain high fuel levels to minimise air space and condensation. Ensure the tank is tightly sealed and regularly inspect it for leaks or damage. Choose reputable fuel suppliers and always use clean and well-maintained fuel delivery equipment.
