Maintaining diesel oil has always been a science, but with the advent of commercially prepared biodiesels, new threats have arisen from the depths of your fuel tank in the form of algae, sludge and other contaminants.
Dangers of Biofuel: Biofuel contamination occurs when organic compounds are left clinging to the sides of a fuel tank which, over time, evolve into an algae-like growth. When a fuel tank runs low, biomass begins to grow and the continuous die-off will accumulate in your filters and injectors, eventually causing engine problems and equipment downtime. Even the finest micron filters will leave behind particles suspended in oil that will begin to grow. Once the contaminated fuel makes its way to the combustion chamber, the tiny particles that do not burn will embed themselves into the valve seats, guides and piston tops, ultimately reducing a diesel engine’s life.
Prevention and Maintenance: Several forms of maintenance are available and should be used regularly, such as fuel additives, routine engine filter changing, storage tank cleaning and truck fuel tank cleaning (sweeping and polishing). The best methods only require a few minutes of service at regular intervals.
When looking for a fuel transfer and filtration system, look for a system that is compact, portable and include input and output hoses with special attachments for accessing saddle tanks on fleet trucks and up to 55-gallon drums. Orifice reduction in the intake and output wands creates an extremely high vacuum and pressure stream capable of blasting most contaminants from the fuel tank walls.
You’ll also want to look for a system that is a turnkey solution that quickly filters, polishes and transfers contaminated fuel and hydraulic oil. Specifically designed for servicing fleet and construction equipment, the fuel system sweeper systems should remove debris, impurities, and standing or emulsified water from contaminated fluids, including diesel fuel, fuel oil, kerosene, hydraulic oil and motor oil (with appropriate filters). It can be used as a preventative maintenance or service tool that extends the life of oil and system components. The unit should be strategically built with a spill-free design that allows a clean and complete purge of all the fluid from machine parts, hoses and filters.
This article was sponsored by Innovative Products of America, Inc. For more information, please visit our website at www.ipatools.com
