Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is a popular choice for powering large vehicles due to its high energy content and efficiency. However, diesel fuel is not immune to contamination. One of the most common contaminants is microbial growth, often referred to as algae. This sludge-like substance can wreak havoc on your fuel filters and engine. While it is commonly called algae, it is actually a buildup of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and mould, that feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and water in the tank. This results in a dark, mucky substance that can cause engine damage and reduced fuel flow. To prevent and address diesel algae, it is important to regularly test and treat the fuel, remove water from the tank, and implement fuel maintenance systems to keep the fuel system clean and free of microbial growth.
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What You'll Learn
Why algae cannot grow in diesel fuel tanks
While it is commonly referred to as "diesel algae", the dark sludge that forms in diesel fuel tanks is not actually algae. True algae are plant organisms that require sunlight to grow and reproduce, and diesel fuel tanks are far too dark to support any known species of algae. Instead, the contamination in diesel fuel tanks is caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and mould.
The growth of these microbes is facilitated by the presence of water in the diesel fuel, a phenomenon known as "phase separation". When water separates into a distinct layer below the fuel, it creates the ideal breeding ground for microbes, which consume the hydrocarbons from the diesel layer above. Over time, the accumulation of microbes forms a visible biomass, or "rag layer", between the water and diesel fuel. This biomass can clog fuel filters and cause serious problems, including engine failure and costly repairs.
To prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel tanks, it is essential to remove any water present. While biocides can be used to kill active microbial contamination, they do not address the underlying issue of water presence. Automated fuel maintenance systems are a more effective solution, as they work on a programmed schedule to regularly pull fuel from the tank and filter out contaminants, including water.
Additionally, fuel additives can be used to prevent phase separation from occurring in the first place. However, it is important to use these additives sparingly, as too much can create additional problems. Regular testing for microbial growth is also recommended, with ATP tests being the most accurate and reliable method.
By addressing the root cause of water presence and implementing preventative measures, such as fuel maintenance systems and additives, diesel fuel tank operators can effectively mitigate the risk of microbial contamination and maintain the integrity of their fuel systems.
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What is diesel bug
Although it is commonly referred to as "algae", the dark sludge that forms in diesel fuel tanks is not actually algae. This is because algae are plant organisms that require sufficient sunlight to survive, and fuel tanks are too dark. Instead, the contamination in diesel fuel tanks is caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and mould. This contamination is often referred to as "diesel bug".
Diesel bug is a single or a group of microorganisms that grow on fuels, including bacteria, filamentous moulds, and yeasts. These microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create biomass, biofilms, and damaging by-products. They can live in even small amounts of water, often from condensation, and at the interface of fuel and water, where they can create thick mats of biomass. They can also coat surfaces and climb up storage tank walls by creating biofilms.
The presence of water encourages microbial growth, which can occur at the interface between the oil and water or on the tank walls, depending on the microbes' oxygen needs. Diesel bug can lead to operational issues and serious corrosion, causing holes in diesel tanks and costly repairs. It can also block filters and clog injectors, resulting in problems with fuel gauging systems.
To prevent diesel bug, it is important to restrict the infiltration of water and practise good housekeeping of diesel fuel. Biocides, which are added directly to the fuel tank, can be used to control bacteria and sludge formation. Fuel polishing is another method to remove water, sludge, and microbial contamination through filtration and circulation, but it must be done by a professional. Regular fuel testing is important to detect diesel bug early on, as it can be challenging to notice at first.
In summary, diesel bug is a microbial contamination of diesel fuel that can lead to operational issues and costly repairs. It is important to prevent and treat diesel bug through methods such as restricting water infiltration, using biocides, and fuel polishing to maintain the reliability of diesel fuel and avoid engine damage.
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How to identify algae in diesel fuel
While it is commonly referred to as "diesel algae", it is a misconception that the dark sludge forming in your fuel tank is actually algae. This is because algae are plant organisms that require sufficient sunlight to survive, and fuel tanks are too dark. Instead, the contamination in your diesel fuel is likely to be microbes such as mould, bacteria, and fungi.
- Stick the fuel tank: If you find any significant depth of water phase, this could indicate the presence of microbes. Even a small amount of water at the bottom of the tank, such as a quarter-inch layer, can provide enough moisture for microbes to grow and thrive.
- Filter usage: If you are going through filters at a faster rate than normal, it could be due to microbial contamination. The microbial bodies and the black, slimy biomass matrix they produce can plug the filters. Additionally, the activity of the microbes can cause the fuel to break down faster, further contributing to filter plugging.
- Microbe testing: You can purchase in-field microbe tests, such as ATP tests, to determine the presence of microbes in your diesel fuel. While culture tests are cheaper, they are less accurate and prone to false positives and negatives.
If you suspect microbial contamination in your diesel fuel, it is important to take action to remove the water and clean your tank. While biocides can be used to kill microbes, they are not a perfect solution and can create resistant microbe strains. Automated fuel maintenance systems are recommended for Tier-4 engines to prevent microbial growth by regularly pulling fuel from the tank and filtering out contaminants.
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How to prevent algae in diesel fuel
While algae require sunlight to grow, making it impossible to thrive in the darkness of a diesel fuel tank, microbes like mould, bacteria, and fungi can contaminate your diesel fuel. This contamination is often referred to as "diesel bug" or "algae". The microbes thrive at the interface between diesel fuel and water, consuming hydrocarbons from the diesel fuel and leading to a visible biomass layer.
Maintain your diesel fuel tank regularly
Keep your diesel fuel tank clean and well-maintained. Regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing microbial growth and keeping your tank healthy.
Use a fuel stabilizer
Adding a fuel stabilizer to diesel fuel can help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination. This is especially useful if your engine will be inactive for a while.
Use a mobile fuel polishing system
Circulate the fuel out of the tank, filter it, and then return it to the tank using a mobile fuel polishing system. This mechanical process helps to remove contaminants from the fuel.
Use biocides or chemicals
Biocide treatments are a commonly used method to get rid of diesel algae. However, frequent use of biocides can create resistant microbes, and they can also be toxic to other components in the fuel. Therefore, biocides should be used with caution and only when necessary.
Use fuel additives
Fuel additives can be used to prevent phase separation, which occurs when water present in the diesel separates and creates an environment conducive for microbial growth. However, it is important to not overuse additives, as too much can create more problems.
Automated fuel maintenance systems
For Tier-4 engines, automated fuel maintenance systems are an effective solution. These systems are permanent installations that work on a programmed schedule to regularly pull fuel from the tank, filter out contaminants, and prevent microbial growth.
Test for microbes
It is important to test for microbes in your diesel fuel regularly. The ATP test is recommended as it is fast, accurate, and less prone to false negatives and positives. Testing helps you identify a microbe problem early on and take preventive measures.
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How to treat algae in diesel fuel
While algae require sunlight to grow, making it impossible to thrive in the darkness of a diesel fuel tank, there are microbes like mold, bacteria, and fungi that can find their way into your diesel fuel tank and wreak havoc. These microbes enter the tank when water gets inside and creates a distinct layer below the fuel, a process known as "phase separation". This water-fuel interface creates the perfect breeding ground for these microbes to thrive, as they live and proliferate in the water while consuming hydrocarbons from the diesel fuel.
Water Removal and Tank Cleaning
The first step in treating microbial contamination is to remove the water and clean the tank. You need to break up and eliminate the algae sludge from your tank. This can be done using a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate fuel out of the tank, filter it, and then return it.
Biocides
Biocide treatments are commonly used to kill bacteria and other contaminants in diesel fuel. However, biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the microbes in your fuel. Over time, frequent use of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and corrosion of your fuel system, resulting in costly repairs. Therefore, it is important to use biocides sparingly and only after removing the water and dissolving the biomass.
Fuel Additives
Another approach to treating microbial contamination is to use fuel additives designed to prevent phase separation from occurring in the first place. While this method doesn't kill the microbes directly, it prevents the conditions they need to thrive.
Fuel Maintenance Systems
For Tier-4 engines, automated fuel maintenance systems are recommended to prevent microbial growth. These systems are permanently installed and work on a programmed schedule to regularly pull fuel from the tank and filter out contaminants.
Testing and Proactive Measures
To effectively treat and prevent microbial contamination, it is important to test your fuel regularly. The Hybrid Approach to Fuel Care recommends using chemicals, mechanical processes, and testing. ATP testing, for example, is fast, accurate, and less prone to false positives and negatives. Additionally, keeping your fuel system clean and well-maintained is crucial for preventing microbial growth.
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Frequently asked questions
The “algae” found in diesel fuel is not actually algae but microbes made up of bacteria, mold, and fungus. These microbes can appear as a dark sludge or a slimy film. Some strains can have a reddish or black color.
There are a few warning signs that may indicate the presence of algae or microbial growth in your diesel fuel:
- Significant depth of water phase in the fuel tank, even a thin layer of water at the bottom can provide a breeding ground for microbes.
- Increased rate of filter replacement due to clogging caused by microbial bodies and the biomass they produce.
- Positive results on a microbe test, specifically an ATP test is recommended over culture tests.
Here are some methods to remove algae or microbial growth from diesel fuel:
- Remove water from the fuel and clean the tank.
- Use a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate, filter, and return the fuel.
- Treat with a diesel additive that removes water and drain the water separator frequently.
- Use biocides or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants, but be cautious as they can have negative effects on the fuel system over time.
