Clean Diesel Relies on Clean Diesel Systems

Fluid Polishing Inc.
www.fluidpolishing.com
847-518-2222

Clean Diesel Relies on Clean Diesel Systems

Every year, the US uses nearly 61 billion gallons of diesel fuel in all its forms. Diesel is an integral part of the US economy running everything including over-the-road trucks, massive locomotives, and power generators.

Diesel engines were invented in Paris over the course of years starting in 1885. In 1897, Rudolph Diesel demonstrated an engine that gave 26.2% efficiency under load, versus the 10% from the steam engine that was in use at the time.

After that, the engine that bears his name has been improved upon by companies and inventors all over the world. Today’s diesel engines convert 45% of fuel energy into mechanical energy, as compared to gasoline engines that only convert 30% of fuel to mechanical energy.

Diesel Degradation
The average diesel car driver doesn’t realize that diesel fuel degrades quickly and that this can lead to issues and problems.

Time is the thing that destroys diesel fuel most quickly. Temperature has a great deal to do with it as well. Some diesel fuels degrade as quickly as 2 months. Degradation leads to high acid numbers, high viscosity, and gums and sediment.

Temperature can also have an effect on fuel degradation. The addition of biodiesel to the traditional diesel supply can cause more rapid degradation.

At 68℉, fuel is negligibly degraded after 6 months. At 77℉, it is degraded after 6 months. At 88℉, it only takes 4 months to degrade.

What Degrades Fuel
Once fuel becomes unstable it’s more than a simple inconvenience; it can destroy engines, reduce fuel efficiency, and, of greatest interest to most businesses, can cost a great deal of money.

Sticky varnishes, called gums, can develop that clog injectors and can corrode the system. Gums can cause under and over fueling due to inconsistent flow of fuel. Sediments build up in tanks, lines, and injectors. This is sometimes contaminants, but it’s also microparticles that were suspended in the fuel. Acid build up can erode the entire fuel and engine system. Thickening can occur, making the fuel more viscous than it should otherwise be, creating clogs, slow performance, and reduced combustion.

Water in fuel is also a common problem. Condensation, leaks in tanks, even rain when the tank is opened can all put water in the fuel tank. More troublesome is the fact that water promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms create acids and leave behind a black sludge that clogs filters and fuel lines.


The Dangers of Bad Diesel Fuel to Engines

There are several different contaminants that can affect engines.

Hard particulates are significantly concerning. Things like dirt, sand, and rust in your diesel fuel can seriously damage your engine and parts. These particulates can get caught in fuel lines, can gather into a sludge in the bottom of a tank, and can clog injectors. One of the places where the worst of it can happen is in the pump. The particulates will be leave scratches and scores in the metal parts. This can cause a weaker seal and cause the parts to be replaced sooner than otherwise necessary.

All of this results in a reduction in the lifespan of the parts and even the entire engine.

Where do all of the particles come from?

Storage tanks - The large tanks that diesel are stored in can be filled with contaminants. The biggest concern is that if the tanks aren't cleaned consistently, they can make good fuel bad. Most major companies will clean their tanks regularly, but it can be difficult to make sure that the fuel you purchase came from a clean tank.

Pipelines - Pipelines can be notoriously difficult to clean. Most pipelines are old and their condition might not be ideal. Diesel fuel can be rough on steel, so that over time rust can develop and contaminate the fuel.

Barges, rail car, and delivery trucks - Most moving delivery vehicles aren’t cleaned as often as they might be. Overtime, these vehicles will build up sediment from the constant open and closing, as well as dispensing process itself, dirt, rust, and other contaminants can get caught up in the tanks.

How to Clean Up Your Tanks and Systems
The most effective way to reclaim your fuel tanks is fuel polishing from Fluid Polishing Inc, since this is what we do, we can take you through the process as we do it.

Step 1: Testing

Our first step is testing your fuel. We take a sample of your fuel and look for various contaminants:

Solid particulates - We look for solid matter in your fuel tanks. This type of material can settle to the bottom, but often, it’s light enough to float throughout the fuel.

Water - Few things are as damaging to an engine and fuel system as water. Looking for where water has collected inside of the fuel system can extend the life of equipment.

Automated fuel polishers - Testing the existing fuel polishers is important. If your current fuel polishing systems aren’t working perfectly, you might have a false sense of security.

Pumps - Pumps are sometimes the source of contamination through leaks that allow in water and soil.

Step 2: Removal

The next step is to remove water and sludge from the tank. These items can be pumped from the tanks. This is a vital step to making sure that the fuel system is working well.

Removing sludge,water and contaminated fuel will make all the difference in the world. As old fuel degrades, it loses its power. By completely fuel polishing the tanks, we are able to take out sludge,water and contaminated fuel.

Step 3: Replace

Replacing items in your fuel system will extend the life of all of your equipment.

Filters - Replacing fuel filters will help to keep the system clean and ensure the only clean fuel is delivered to your engines.

Pumps - If your pumps are allowing in water, dirt, or other contaminants can reduce the life of your engines. We can replace your pumps and put the system back to new.

Step 4: Additions

Adding fuel treatments and Anti-Gel and Biocides will keep your fuel system clean in the future. These additives treat the new fuel being put into the system to prevent another build-up of sludge and water.

Step 5: Processing

Processing your existing fuel will revitalize it by taking out all of the bad stuff and leaving only powerful, renewed fuel. At Fluid Polishing Inc, we can process up to 57,000 gallons of fuel in just 8 hours with a single machine. Clean fuel into a clean system will increase profits by increasing fuel efficiency.

Step 6: Planning

The final step in the process is to create a plan that will keep your tanks and fuel system clean and running at peak efficiency. Fluid Polishing Inc. can keep your system clean, but regular maintenance we can help keep everything running well.

Conclusion

There are billions of diesel tanks and engines in the world and most of them are not running at peak efficiency. With a great Fuel Polishing plan from Fluid polishing Inc.and regular maintenance, diesel engines and the machines that they run can be much more efficient.

A single Fuel Polishing from Fluid Polishing Inc. can make your business much more efficient. The savings in fuel and damage to equipment easily covers the expense of having us Fuel Polish your entire system.