Sylvie Willis
Algae cannot grow inside a diesel fuel tank due to the absence of sunlight. However, microbes like bacteria, mould, and fungi can enter the tank and cause significant damage. These microbes thrive when water separates from diesel fuel, creating a distinct layer for them to breed and feed on hydrocarbons. To prevent and address this issue, several methods can be employed, including the use of biocides, fuel additives, and fuel maintenance systems. Biocides, such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, are effective in killing microbes but may have drawbacks like the development of biocide-resistant microbes and corrosion of fuel systems. Fuel additives help prevent phase separation, while fuel maintenance systems proactively filter out contaminants and water. Regular maintenance, testing, and cleaning of fuel tanks and lines are also crucial to prevent microbial growth and maintain diesel fuel health.
Characteristics and Values of Methods to Kill Algae in Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal of Water | Drain water from the tank and use water-absorbing chemical treatments to clean the tank |
| Biocide Treatments | Use fuel biocides to kill microbes, including bacteria and fungi. Examples include Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment |
| Fuel Additives | Use fuel additives to prevent phase separation and the conditions for microbes to thrive |
| Fuel Maintenance Systems | Automated fuel maintenance systems can regularly pull fuel from the tank to filter out contaminants and prevent microbial growth |
| Fuel Polishing Systems | Circulate fuel out of the tank, filter it, and return it |
| Fuel Stabilizers | Adding a fuel stabilizer can prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination |
| Testing and Maintenance | Regularly test stored fuel for microbial growth and maintain the fuel tank and fuel lines to prevent the buildup of debris |
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What You'll Learn
Use a biocide treatment to kill microbes
Biocide treatments are the most common method for killing algae in diesel fuel. Biocides are toxic chemicals that kill microbes such as bacteria and fungi. They work by being poured directly into the fuel tank.
Biocide treatments are heavily regulated and controlled as they kill active living organisms. They are effective at killing microbes in both diesel fuel and water. However, they do not address the root cause of microbial contamination, which is the presence of water in the tank. If biocides are used too frequently, they can lead to the creation of biocide-resistant microbes. They can also corrode fuel systems over time, causing damage to the fuel tank and other components.
To use a biocide treatment effectively, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, ensure you are using the correct amount of biocide for your tank size. You should add enough biocide to treat the maximum amount of fuel in the tank, not just the amount currently in there. For example, Bellicide recommends a concentration of 1 ounce per 40 gallons to kill an existing microbial contamination. You should then fill the tank up to capacity with more fuel.
After adding the biocide, allow the treated diesel to settle in the tank. This gives time for any dead microbes to settle at the bottom. You may want to drain the sump to remove them. It is also important to note that the dead microbes will plug the fuel filters, so you should be prepared to change the filters more often.
To enhance the effectiveness of the biocide, you can add a biomass dispersant chemical at the same time. This will break up the biomass formations, allowing the biocide to penetrate and kill more microbes. Circulation of the fuel is critical to ensure the biocide is completely blended and reaches all areas.
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Remove water from the fuel
While algae cannot grow in diesel fuel tanks due to the lack of sunlight, microbes can. These microbes thrive in the water that has separated from the diesel fuel, causing a "phase separation". This results in a dark layer of biomass, often referred to as the "diesel bug", which can cause issues for your engine.
To prevent and address water contamination in diesel fuel, it is important to remove water from the fuel. Here are some ways to do this:
Fuel Filtration Systems
Fuel filtration systems employ one of two methods: a water separator that uses centrifugal force, or filter media. The water separator method is more affordable, while the filter media method is the only effective option for serious water contamination, especially for bulk storage.
Fuel Polishing Systems
Fuel polishing systems are suitable for smaller, non-commercial, and some commercial cases. They periodically filter contaminated fuel without the need for expensive filter elements.
Fuel Maintenance Systems
Fuel maintenance systems are permanent installations that use automated filtration to continually remove water and contaminants from the fuel. These are ideal for commercial and mission-critical applications.
Fuel Additives
Fuel additives can be used to either separate water from the fuel or emulsify it. Demulsifiers cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing your water separator to catch the water. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, cause the fuel and water to mix, which can be detrimental if your water separator fails to catch the water before it enters your engine.
Keep Fuel Levels High
Minimise air space and mitigate condensation by keeping fuel levels as high as possible.
Seal Tanks
Ensure tanks are tightly sealed to prevent moisture from entering.
Inspect and Repair Tanks
Regularly inspect your fuel tank for leaks or damage and repair any leaks to prevent water from entering.
Choose Reputable Fuel Suppliers
Select fuel suppliers with a history of quality control to reduce the risk of water contamination.
Avoid Contaminated Fuel Sources
Do not fuel from tanks that may be contaminated with water.
While removing water from diesel fuel is important, it is just one step in addressing diesel algae. After treating the water issue, be sure to follow up with a dedicated biocide to kill any remaining microbial contamination.
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Use high-quality diesel fuel
While algae cannot grow in diesel fuel tanks due to the absence of sunlight, microbial growth, often referred to as "diesel algae", can occur. This microbial growth is a result of bacteria, mould, and fungi consuming hydrocarbons from the diesel fuel. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to use high-quality diesel fuel. Here are some reasons why:
High-quality diesel fuel is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities that can contribute to microbial growth. By choosing high-quality fuel, you reduce the risk of introducing foreign substances that can serve as food sources for microbes. This proactive measure is an important step in maintaining the health of your diesel fuel tank.
Using high-quality diesel fuel is a preventative measure that can save you time and money in the long run. Once diesel algae form, it can be challenging and costly to eradicate. By investing in high-quality fuel, you reduce the likelihood of microbial growth and avoid the need for expensive corrective treatments.
High-quality diesel fuel often includes additives that help inhibit microbial growth. These additives may work by removing water from the fuel, as water provides an ideal environment for microbes to thrive. By eliminating water, these additives create an unfavourable condition for microbial proliferation.
Additionally, high-quality diesel fuel typically undergoes rigorous quality control measures to ensure it meets industry standards. This means that the fuel has likely been handled, stored, and treated correctly, reducing the risk of contamination. Reputable fuel suppliers will prioritise fuel stability and purity, giving you greater peace of mind.
Finally, by opting for high-quality diesel fuel, you benefit from a more efficient and reliable performance from your engine. High-quality fuel promotes optimal combustion, enhancing engine performance and fuel efficiency. This not only improves your operational capabilities but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly operation by reducing emissions and fuel wastage.
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Regularly clean and maintain the fuel tank
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your fuel tank is essential to prevent the growth of algae and microbes in diesel fuel. Here are some detailed steps to effectively clean and maintain your diesel fuel tank:
Drain and Inspect the Tank:
Start by draining the entire contents of the fuel tank into a suitable container. Use a tank stick and water paste to measure the water level in your tank; if there is more than half an inch of water, it's important to mechanically drain it. After draining, use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the tank for any debris, sediment, or signs of corrosion.
Clean the Tank:
There are various methods to clean a diesel fuel tank, and the chosen method may depend on the severity of the contamination and your personal preferences:
- Hot Water and Soap: Pressure washing the tank with hot water and soap is an effective way to remove built-up grime and debris.
- Dish Soap and Water: Create a mixture of dishwashing liquid (such as Dawn) and water, using a ratio of about 70% water to 30% soap. Add some small rocks with rounded edges, such as pea gravel, into the tank along with the mixture. Then, move the tank around to allow the rocks to dislodge any residue at the bottom. Finally, rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water and let it dry.
- Biodiesel: If biodiesel is available in your area, using a couple of gallons of it can effectively clean your diesel fuel tank. You can agitate the biodiesel by adding broken side window glass or shattered tempered glass to scrub the interior of the tank.
- Fuel Additives: Using a diesel additive that removes water from the fuel can help address phase separation and prevent the conditions that microbes need to thrive.
Use a Fuel Stabilizer:
If you know your engine will be inactive for an extended period, consider using a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers can prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination by maintaining the quality of the fuel.
Implement a Fuel Maintenance System:
For Tier-4 engines, automated fuel maintenance systems are highly effective in preventing microbial growth. These systems work on a programmed schedule to regularly pull fuel from the tank, filter out contaminants, and maintain fuel quality.
Test for Microbial Growth:
It is recommended to test the stored fuel for microbial growth at least once a year. ATP testing is a fast, accurate, and reliable method to detect the presence of microbes and algae in your fuel.
Remember, regularly cleaning and maintaining your diesel fuel tank is a critical aspect of diesel fuel algae treatment and prevention. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of algae and microbial contamination in your fuel system.
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Use a fuel stabilizer
While it is important to note that the dark sludge in your fuel tank is not actually algae, as algae require sunlight to survive, it is indeed a problem if you do not maintain your diesel fuel tank's health. This sludge is caused by microbial contamination, which occurs when water in the diesel separates into a distinct layer below the fuel, creating the perfect breeding ground for various bacteria and fungi to thrive. This results in a visible biomass, also known as the
To address this issue, it is recommended to use a fuel stabilizer, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbial contamination. A fuel stabilizer is especially useful if you know your engine will be sitting for a while. By adding a fuel stabilizer to your diesel fuel, you can maintain the health and cleanliness of your diesel tank.
It is also important to remember that preventing diesel algae is much more cost-effective than trying to get rid of it. Therefore, taking proactive measures to keep your fuel system clean is crucial. This includes regularly cleaning and maintaining your fuel tank and fuel lines to prevent the buildup of debris and sediment. Additionally, using high-quality diesel fuel that is less likely to contain contaminants and impurities can also help reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
While biocides are commonly used to kill microbes in fuel, they have their drawbacks. Frequent use of biocides can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and can also corrode your fuel system over time, resulting in costly repairs. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of using biocides and explore alternative options, such as fuel stabilizers, to effectively manage microbial contamination in your diesel fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel algae, or "diesel bug", is a term used to refer to microbial contamination in diesel fuel. It is a misconception that algae can grow inside a diesel fuel tank as it requires sunlight to grow. However, microbes like mold, bacteria, and fungi can contaminate diesel fuel.
You can check your fuel filters and track how often you need to replace them. When microbes are present, fuel filters may plug quicker than normal. You can also run tests on your diesel fuel tank regularly to check for microbes.
To prevent diesel algae, it is important to keep your fuel tank clean and maintain the fuel system. Use high-quality diesel fuel, treat with a diesel additive that removes water, and regularly drain water from your water separator.
To get rid of diesel algae, first remove and drain any water from your tank. Then, use a biocide treatment to kill the microbes. Give the dead microbes time to settle and filter them out with extra fuel filters.
