Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is a popular choice for powering large vehicles and equipment due to its high energy content and efficiency. However, diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination by microbes, often referred to as diesel algae. This sludge-like substance can cause significant damage to diesel tanks and engines. To address this issue, it is crucial to understand the nature of the contamination and its sources. While commonly mistaken for algae, the dark sludge forming in fuel tanks is actually a result of microbial growth, specifically bacteria, mould, and fungi, which thrive in the presence of water and diesel fuel. To treat and prevent diesel algae, several methods can be employed, including regular testing, mechanical processes such as fuel polishing systems, and the use of biocides to kill microbial contamination. Maintaining clean fuel tanks and preventing water ingress are also essential steps in managing diesel algae.
How to Treat 'Algae' in Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Keep the fuel system clean and free of water |
| Detection | Monitor fuel filters and how often they need to be replaced; test the fuel regularly |
| Treatment | Mechanically drain water from the tank; use water-absorbing chemical treatments; use biocides to kill microbes; use fuel polishing systems to filter the fuel; clean the tank with hot water and soap; use fuel maintenance systems to prevent microbial growth |
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What You'll Learn
Drain water from the tank
Draining water from your fuel tank is a necessary procedure due to a variety of issues, including contaminated fuel, fuel degradation, maintenance, and repairs. Before draining your fuel tank, it is important to understand your vehicle's fuel system, which includes the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors or carburetor.
To determine if your fuel tank requires draining, there are several methods you can use:
- Visual Inspection: Check for a cloudy or hazy appearance in the fuel, which may indicate the presence of water.
- Water Finding Paste: Apply this paste to a dipstick, which will change colour if water is present.
- Drain Samples: Periodically drain a small sample from the bottom of your tank, as water settles below the diesel.
- Electronic Sensors: Utilise electronic sensors to continuously monitor water levels in the tank.
Once you have confirmed the presence of water, you can proceed with the following steps to drain your fuel tank:
Prepare the Necessary Tools
- Siphon Pump: Use a hand-operated or electric siphon pump to transfer fuel from the tank to a container.
- Fuel Container: Choose a container made of a material suitable for storing flammable liquids to collect the drained fuel safely.
Drain the Water
- Regularly drain the bottom of your tank through the drain plug to remove accumulated water.
- Consider using water-absorbing filters or automated water separators to minimise fuel loss during the drainage process.
- Ensure you dispose of the drained fuel correctly by taking it to a certified disposal facility or recycling centre.
Clean the Fuel Tank
- After draining the tank, thoroughly clean it using a fuel-safe cleaner to remove any remaining sludge, dirt, or debris.
- Rinse the tank with water and allow it to dry completely before refilling it with fresh fuel.
- Inspect the tank for any signs of damage, such as rust, cracks, or leaks, and address any issues immediately to prevent safety hazards.
By following these steps, you can effectively drain water from your fuel tank, maintaining optimal engine performance and prolonging the life of your fuel system. Remember to consult a professional if you have any concerns or questions about the process.
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Use a biocide treatment
Biocide treatments are the most common method of treating algae in diesel fuel. Biocides are chemical agents used to control the proliferation of harmful organisms. They are often poured into the fuel tank to control the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which contribute to fuel contamination.
Before using a biocide treatment, it is important to first remove water from the fuel tank, as the presence of water creates the perfect environment for microbial growth. This can be done through mechanical means, such as using a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter it, and return it. It is also important to test for microbial growth in the fuel through methods such as ATP testing, which is fast, accurate, and less prone to false negatives or positives.
When using a biocide treatment, it is recommended to add enough biocide to treat the maximum amount of fuel in the tank, not just the amount of fuel currently in the tank. This ensures that when more fuel is added, it will contain the right amount of biocide to kill any microorganisms it comes into contact with. It is also important to note that biocides do not address the root cause of microbial contamination, which is the presence of water in the fuel. As such, they must be used frequently to prevent future microbial outbreaks.
One example of a biocide treatment is Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, which is effective in both diesel fuel and water. It is important to follow the instructions on how much additive to use for a specific tank size. However, it is also important to be aware of the drawbacks of using biocides. If biocides are introduced into the tank too often, it can lead to the development of biocide-resistant strains of microbes. Additionally, biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the diesel algae, potentially corroding the fuel system over time and leading to expensive repairs.
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Use a mobile fuel polishing system
While algae cannot grow inside a diesel fuel tank due to the absence of sunlight, microbes such as mould, bacteria, and fungus can enter the tank and cause contamination. This contamination is often referred to as diesel "algae". To prevent and treat diesel algae, a mobile fuel polishing system can be used.
A mobile fuel polishing system circulates fuel out of the tank, filters it, and then returns it. This system removes water and solid contaminants from the fuel, reducing the need for replacement filters. The filtered fuel is then returned to the tank, free of contaminants. This process helps to prevent and treat diesel algae by removing the water and contaminants that allow microbes to grow.
There are several mobile fuel polishing systems available on the market, such as the Algae-X system, which has been praised for its effectiveness in treating diesel algae. The Algae-X system offers a range of flow rates to suit different tank sizes, and its fuel catalyst product has been successful in eliminating slime and gunk from fuel tanks.
Another option is the Dieselcraft FPS system, which features a proprietary and exclusive filter-less purifier that removes water and solid contaminants. This system also includes a water sensor that alerts users when the purifier needs to be drained. With 20 years of experience in building water separators, Dieselcraft's system is trusted by industry leaders like Amazon, Google, and the U.S. Government.
By using a mobile fuel polishing system, users can effectively treat diesel algae and protect their fuel and equipment. This proactive approach to fuel maintenance helps to ensure that diesel fuel remains clean and free of contaminants.
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Keep the fuel system clean
Diesel fuel is a popular choice for powering large vehicles and machinery due to its high energy content and efficiency. However, it is not immune to contamination. Diesel "algae" is a common issue faced by diesel users, but it is not actually algae. Diesel "algae" is a sludge-like substance, a biomass of microbes composed of bacteria, mould, and fungi that grow in the fuel tank. These microbes require water, nutrients, and favourable environmental conditions to grow and thrive. Therefore, removing water from the fuel tank is crucial in preventing the growth of these microbes. Here are some ways to keep the fuel system clean and prevent diesel "algae":
Use a Fuel Additive and Water Separator
Treat your diesel fuel with an additive that removes water. Regularly drain the water from your water separator. This is an important step in remediating diesel "algae" as microbes require water to grow and thrive.
Use High-Quality Diesel Fuel
Opt for high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities. This reduces the risk of microbial growth and keeps your fuel system clean.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintain your fuel tank and fuel lines by regularly cleaning them to prevent the buildup of debris, sediment, and organic matter. This proactive measure ensures that your fuel system remains clean and free from contamination.
Fuel Polishing
Utilise fuel polishing services or systems that employ specialised equipment to remove contaminants, including water, from your diesel fuel. This method helps prevent microbial growth and maintain fuel quality.
Biocide Treatment
Use biocides, or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants. Biocide treatments are effective in eradicating diesel "algae" and other microbes. However, overuse of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and potential corrosion of your fuel system. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and choose a biocide compatible with your fuel system.
Automated Fuel Maintenance Systems
For Tier-4 engines, consider installing automated fuel maintenance systems. These systems work on a programmed schedule to regularly pull fuel from the tank, filter out contaminants, and prevent microbial growth through water removal.
Testing and Vigilance
Conduct regular testing and vigilance to detect contamination early. Perform microbial tests on stored fuel at least once a year to understand the presence and extent of any microbe problem. Additionally, monitor fuel storage conditions, including temperature, to minimise the risk of contamination.
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Test for microbial growth
Although algae require sunlight to grow, microbes like mould, bacteria, and fungus can find their way into your diesel fuel tank and wreak havoc. Microbes need both food and water to survive, and diesel fuel and water give them everything they need to grow their colonies. Microbial growth in diesel fuel is often referred to as "diesel algae".
Testing is essential when it comes to microbial growth in fuel. To get the best picture of the problem, you should test the stored fuel at least once a year. ATP testing is considered the best kind of testing because it is fast, accurate, and less prone to false negatives and positives. However, some of the most popular tests can lead to misleading results, i.e. false alarms, where results appear to show dangerous contamination but are actually indicating microbes that may not be damaging to fuel.
Immunoassay antibody tests are the quickest and easiest available today, reliably detecting the specific microbes that threaten fuel. They require minimal equipment and zero investment beyond simple test kits. They can be conducted on-site, so fuel does not need to be sent anywhere, and they give test results within minutes.
FUELSTAT® is an example of an immunoassay antibody test that lets operators test diesel fuel at the point of uploading. ATP testing, on the other hand, detects any living microorganism present but also tests for microorganisms that aren't dangerous to fuel, which can lead to misleading results. It requires a 'reader' that costs thousands of dollars/pounds, and testing is not conducted on-site, so fuel samples have to be transported as a hazardous good at a high cost.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel algae, also known as diesel fuel slime or diesel bacteria, is a sludge-like substance that grows in diesel fuel tanks. It is not actually algae, but microbes made up of bacteria, mould, and fungus.
You can keep an eye on your fuel filters and track how often you need to replace them. Fuel filters may clog 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 check for microbes.
Take proactive measures to keep your fuel system clean and prevent water from entering your tank.
First, drain the water from your tank. Then, use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter the fuel, and return it. Finally, use a biocide to kill the microbes.
