Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel is a popular choice for powering large vehicles due to its high energy content and efficiency. However, it is not immune to contamination. One of the most common issues is microbial growth, often referred to as diesel algae. This sludge-like substance is caused by bacteria, mould, and fungi, which feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and can cause significant engine damage. While it is called diesel algae, it is not actually algae as algae require sunlight to grow, and diesel tanks are too dark. This article will explore the options for addressing this issue and preventing future contamination.
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What You'll Learn
It's not actually algae
The growth that occurs in diesel fuel tanks is often referred to as "diesel algae" or "fuel algae". However, this term is misleading as the substance is not actually algae. Algae are microscopic plant organisms that require light to grow, and fuel tanks are typically too dark to support algae growth.
The substance found in diesel fuel tanks is more accurately described as "microbial growth" or "biomass". It is composed of various species of bacteria, moulds, fungi, and other microbes that can cause significant problems for diesel engines. These microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produce waste products that contribute to corrosion and engine fouling. Additionally, they can form a slimy film that coats fuel tanks and lines, impeding fuel flow and leading to equipment malfunctions.
The growth of these microbes is facilitated by the presence of air, water, and favourable temperatures. Even a small amount of water at the bottom of a fuel tank can provide enough moisture for microbes to thrive. Regularly draining water from the tank and using diesel additives that remove water from the fuel can help prevent microbial growth. Additionally, maintaining the fuel tank and fuel lines by removing debris and sediment can also inhibit the growth of microbes.
To determine if a diesel fuel tank is contaminated with microbes, regular testing is essential. ATP testing is recommended as it is fast, accurate, and less prone to false positives and negatives compared to other methods like culture tests. While biocide treatments are commonly used to eliminate microbes, overuse can lead to the development of biocide-resistant strains and corrosion of the fuel system. Therefore, proactive measures, such as fuel polishing and proper maintenance, are emphasised as the best strategies to combat the issues caused by microbial growth in diesel fuel tanks.
In summary, while the term "diesel algae" is commonly used, it is a misnomer. The substance is a complex combination of microbes that can cause significant issues in diesel fuel tanks. Understanding the true nature of this problem is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies, emphasising the importance of proper fuel care and maintenance.
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Microbial growth
Although often referred to as "diesel algae", the substance that grows in diesel fuel is not actually algae, as algae require sunlight to grow, and diesel tanks do not provide this. Instead, what grows in diesel fuel is a combination of species of bacteria, moulds, fungi, and other microbes. This growth is often referred to as "microbial growth" or "diesel bug".
To prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel, it is important to limit the amount of water in the storage tank. This can be done through the routine discharge of water bottoms, fuel filtration and polishing, and the use of fuel tank insulation to stabilise fuel temperature. Regular tank inspections, cleanings, and treatments are also recommended. Preventative doses of diesel fuel biocides approved by the EPA can be used to kill active microbial contamination in the tank. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of using biocides, such as the development of biocide-resistant microbes and corrosion of the fuel system.
If microbial growth is suspected, a microbe test, such as an ATP test, can be performed to confirm the presence of microbes. If contamination is detected, there are several remediation options available, including pumping water out of the tank and using a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate, filter, and return the fuel. In severe cases, a manned entry cleaning may be required, or tank replacement may be more practical than cleaning.
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Testing for microbes
There are several testing methods and kits available to detect microbes in diesel fuel. Here are some of the commonly used approaches:
- ATP Testing: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing is a fast, accurate, and reliable method to detect microbial growth. It identifies the presence of any living microorganism, including those that may not be directly threatening to the fuel, such as E. coli and the flu. While ATP testing can be costly and require specialised equipment, it is effective in identifying a wide range of microbes.
- Immunoassay Antibody Tests: These tests, such as FUELSTAT®, are quick and easy to use. They can be conducted on-site and provide results within minutes, making them a convenient option for operators to test diesel fuel before use. Immunoassay antibody tests specifically detect microbes that threaten fuel, reducing the risk of false positives.
- Microbial Test Kits: Microbial test kits, such as the FT-BUG Test Kit, are designed specifically for diesel fuel testing. They use a unique paddle formulation that can identify the presence of common bacteria, fungi, yeast, mould, and algae cells in diesel fuel. The results can be determined by visually comparing the paddle to the provided charts. These kits are safe and easy to use, providing valuable information about the amount of microorganism present.
- Visual Inspection: In addition to specialised tests, visual inspection of the fuel can provide warning signs of microbial growth. If you notice a significant depth of water phase in the fuel tank or an increased rate of filter consumption, it may indicate the presence of microbes.
It is important to choose an appropriate testing method to accurately identify microbial contamination in diesel fuel. While some tests may be more accessible and affordable, they might also be prone to false positives or negatives, leading to unnecessary costs and actions. Regular testing and proactive fuel system maintenance are crucial to prevent and manage diesel algae effectively.
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Biocide treatments
There are a few different types of biocides available, including:
- Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide: This biocide is dual-phase, meaning it is effective in both diesel fuel and water. It kills microbes in fuel, including bacteria and fungi, and helps prevent fuel-filter plugging and fuel system failures.
- Diesel Fuel Algaecide: This product is designed to kill algae in diesel fuel.
- Magnetic bug killers: These are an alternative to biocides, but they have not been found to be effective in killing microbes.
While biocides can be effective in killing microbes and preventing future microbial growth, they do have some drawbacks. One significant drawback is that biocides do not address the root cause of microbial contamination, which is often water in the fuel. Biocides cannot remove water from the fuel tank, so users remain vulnerable to the negative effects of water contamination and future microbial outbreaks. Additionally, the frequent use of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant strains of microbes. Furthermore, biocides are toxic and can harm components other than the targeted microbes, potentially corroding the fuel system over time.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to take proactive measures to keep the fuel system clean and prevent microbial growth in the first place. This includes regularly testing for microbial growth, removing water from the fuel, and using fuel filtration equipment to mechanically remove solid contaminants and water from diesel fuel.
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Preventing microbial growth
The growth of microbes, often referred to as "diesel algae", in diesel fuel tanks is a common issue that can cause significant problems. This growth is not actually algae, as algae require sunlight to grow, but rather a combination of bacteria, moulds, fungi, and other microbes. These microbes feed on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and produce waste that can cause corrosion and engine fouling. They can also create a slimy film that coats fuel tanks and lines, reducing fuel flow and causing equipment to malfunction. Therefore, preventing microbial growth is of utmost importance.
The first step in preventing microbial growth is to reduce the amount of water in the diesel fuel tank. Water can enter the tank through condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air, and it provides the ideal environment for microbes to grow. By regularly removing water from the tank, you can make it harder for microbes to thrive. This can be done through fuel filtration and polishing techniques that separate water from the fuel without the need to remove the fuel from the tank. Additionally, fuel tank insulation can help stabilize fuel temperature, creating less favourable conditions for microbial growth.
Another way to prevent microbial growth is to treat the fuel with a diesel additive that removes water and inhibits microbial growth. These additives, known as diesel biocides, are designed to kill active microbial contamination in the tank. When using biocides, it is important to add enough to treat the maximum amount of fuel in the tank, as recommended by experts. However, it is worth noting that overuse of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and corrosion of the fuel system over time. Therefore, it is crucial to follow instructions and seek professional advice when using these products.
Regular testing and inspection of the fuel tank is also essential for preventing microbial growth. ATP testing is recommended as it is fast, accurate, and less prone to false negatives and positives compared to other methods. By testing the fuel at least once a year, you can detect the presence of microbes early on and take appropriate action. Additionally, scheduling routine tank cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the buildup of sludge and biomass, reducing the risk of microbial growth.
In summary, preventing microbial growth in diesel fuel tanks requires a comprehensive approach. By reducing water exposure, using appropriate additives and biocides, and implementing regular testing, inspection, and cleaning routines, you can effectively minimize the risk of microbial contamination and maintain the health of your diesel fuel system.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a common misconception that the dark sludge forming in your fuel tank is actually "algae". However, algae require sunlight to grow, and fuel tanks are too dark. Instead, the sludge is microbial growth, a combination of species of bacteria, moulds, fungi, and other microbes that cause problems.
There are some simple ways to tell if you have "algae" growing in your tank. You can keep an eye on your fuel filters and track how often you need to replace them. If microbes are present, your fuel filters may clog faster than normal. You can also run tests on your diesel fuel tank on a regular basis to see if there are microbes in it.
The best diesel algae treatment is prevention. You can take proactive measures to keep the fuel system clean. You can also use fuel additives that remove water from the fuel and frequently drain the water from your water separator.
To get rid of algae, you must first remove the water and clean your tank. Then, you can use a dedicated biocide to kill the active microbial contamination in the tank. Biocide treatments are the most commonly used method of getting rid of diesel algae. However, biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the diesel algae in your fuel.
