Sylvie Willis
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water contamination can lead to the formation of acids, sludges, and other harmful by-products that impair the fuel's lubricity and combustibility. This can cause severe damage to fuel system components and reduce engine efficiency. Water can enter the fuel system through condensation or external environmental factors, and diesel fuel's hygroscopic qualities mean it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level. To prevent water contamination, it is important to fill up diesel fuel tanks to minimize the space for air, reducing condensation risks. Water removal methods include draining the tank, using water separators and filters, and fuel additives such as demulsifiers and emulsifiers.
Methods to get water out of diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Draining the tank | Regularly drain the bottom of the tank through the drain plug to get rid of accumulated water |
| Water separators | Fuel/water separators are designed to separate water from diesel fuel by passing the fuel mixture through a filter that traps water molecules |
| Filters | Water coalescing filters are effective at capturing and isolating water droplets so they can be drained away. However, these must be changed regularly |
| Fuel additives | Additives designed to demulsify water from diesel cause water to separate out more efficiently from the fuel. However, do not use an emulsifier as this will cause the fuel and water to mix |
| Proper storage conditions | Keep the diesel fuel tank full to minimize space for air, which reduces condensation risks. Ensure the tank is well-sealed and protected from the elements |
| Centrifuges | Centrifuges separate particles in a liquid by spinning it at high speed. This can be used to separate water from diesel fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Draining the tank
The process of draining the tank involves regularly emptying the accumulated water from the bottom of the tank through the drain plug. This is a simple yet important task, as it helps prevent water from settling at the bottom of the tank, which can lead to rust and algae growth.
To make the process more efficient, it is recommended to use a water separator or a coalescing filter in conjunction with draining the tank. A water separator, also known as a fuel/water separator, is designed to separate water from diesel fuel by passing the fuel mixture through a filter that traps water molecules while allowing diesel fuel to pass through. This device must be regularly emptied as part of routine maintenance.
Some water separators also have detection sensors that notify the operator when to drain the separator. Additionally, coalescing filters are effective at capturing and isolating water droplets, allowing them to be drained away.
It is also important to note that while draining the tank is crucial, it should be complemented by other measures to ensure optimal results. Maintaining proper storage conditions, such as keeping the diesel fuel tank full and well-sealed, can help minimize condensation and reduce the risk of water intrusion.
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Water separators
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Diesel fuel has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water. Water contamination can lead to the formation of acids, sludges, and other harmful by-products that can impair the fuel's lubricity and combustibility. This degradation can cause severe damage to fuel system components and reduce engine efficiency.
The AirDog® FPII system is another option that passes fuel through a water separator before sending it to a particulate filter. Their previous-generation water separator used a 144-micron wire mesh screen to remove water from the fuel before sending it to the AirDog® Champ™ High-Pressure Fuel Air Separator, which filters particulates to 6 microns.
Other ways to remove water from diesel fuel include draining the tank regularly, using fuel additives designed to demulsify water, and maintaining proper storage conditions by keeping the diesel fuel tank full to minimize air space and reduce condensation risks.
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Fuel additives
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Diesel fuel has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water. The key is to minimize the water level by managing the more substantial sources of water contamination and filtering out the remaining water to maximize fuel efficiency and protect your engine.
One way to remove water from diesel fuel is by using fuel additives. There are two types of additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. A demulsifier will cause the water and fuel to separate, and your fuel-water separator will catch the water and keep it from reaching the engine. An emulsifier, on the other hand, will cause the fuel and water to mix, which can lead to potential damage to your fuel system as the water droplets can reduce the lubricity of the fuel and harm fuel pumps. Therefore, it is recommended to use a demulsifier additive to remove water from diesel fuel.
Some popular demulsifier additives include Opti-Lube, Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Stanadyne, and Diesel 911. These additives help ensure the water remains separated from the diesel and can be removed by the water separator unit. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended additive-to-fuel ratio and not overuse additives.
In addition to using additives, it is important to implement other proactive measures to reduce the risk of water intrusion. Filling up diesel fuel tanks to their capacity helps minimize condensation by reducing the space for air. Regularly scheduled checks for water presence in the fuel tank are also crucial for early detection and mitigation of water contamination.
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Proper storage conditions
Location and Environment:
- Store diesel fuel in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and ignition sources.
- Keep outdoor tanks covered or insulated to prevent temperature fluctuations that can cause condensation.
- Place tanks in a dry environment to minimize the risk of rainwater leaks.
- Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to mitigate the risk of explosions. No smoking should be allowed within a safe distance of the storage area.
- Avoid low-lying areas where water could pool, as it increases the risk of contamination or corrosion.
Container and Sealing:
- Use clean, sealed containers or tanks made from corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum or treated steel.
- Ensure the tank is well-sealed to prevent improper sealing, which can introduce water and create an environment for bacterial growth.
- Keep tanks as full as possible to minimize airspace where condensation can occur, helping to prevent water buildup.
- Minimize the amount of space left in the tank over time, as this influences how much water from condensation accumulates in the fuel.
Additives and Filters:
- Use additives such as biocides to eliminate bacteria and fungi, stabilizers to prevent oxidation and sludge formation, and water dispersants to maintain diesel stability.
- Install water-absorbing filters or fuel-water separators to capture and isolate water droplets, which can then be drained away.
- Regularly drain water from the bottom of the tank to prevent microbial growth and fuel degradation.
- Inspect and measure water levels consistently, either bi-weekly or monthly, for early detection and mitigation of water contamination.
By following these proper storage conditions, you can effectively maintain the stability and purity of your diesel fuel while preventing water contamination and potential engine damage.
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$32.45
Fuel treatments
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water contamination can lead to the formation of acids, sludges, and other harmful by-products that can impair the fuel’s lubricity and combustibility. This degradation can cause severe damage to fuel system components and reduce engine efficiency. Therefore, it is important to treat diesel fuel with suitable additives to prevent water contamination and remove any accumulated water.
One way to treat diesel fuel is to use a water-removing additive, also known as a fuel additive or fuel treatment. These additives are designed to bond with water molecules in the fuel and then be burned off during combustion without affecting engine performance. It is important to follow the instructions on the package when using these additives. There are two main types of fuel additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. A demulsifier causes the water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to be drained away and preventing it from entering the engine. Demulsifiers are generally recommended for diesel engines as they prevent water from mixing with the fuel, which can cause issues with modern diesel engines. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, work to combine the water and fuel into one solution. While emulsifiers may be useful in some applications, they can cause problems in diesel engines if the water is not properly separated and drained.
Another treatment option is to use a fuel/water separator, which is a device that separates water from diesel fuel by passing the fuel mixture through a filter. Water separators can be installed in the fuel filter assembly or elsewhere in the fuel system. Some water separators have detection sensors that indicate when to drain the separator. Regularly draining accumulated water from the tank, fuel filter, and water separator is crucial to prevent water build-up and potential engine damage.
In addition to additives and separators, maintaining proper storage conditions is essential. Diesel fuel tanks should be kept full to minimize air space, reducing condensation and the risk of water contamination. Tanks should also be well-sealed and protected from the elements. Regularly scheduled checks for water presence in the fuel tank are important for early detection and mitigation of water contamination issues.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest way to get water out of diesel fuel is to drain the water off if the tank is above ground.
Filling up diesel fuel tanks to their capacity is an effective strategy to combat water contamination as it leaves less room for air, minimising condensation.
Water in diesel fuel can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water accelerates the growth of microbial bacteria and fungi in diesel, which can block fuel filters.
A fuel/water separator is a device that separates water from diesel fuel by passing the fuel mixture through a filter, trapping water molecules and allowing diesel fuel to pass through.
There are two types of fuel additives: emulsifiers and demulsifiers. A demulsifier is best for diesel engines as it separates water from the base fluid into two liquid bodies.
