What makes your fuel dirty?

Contaminants such as asphaltenes, solid particles, and sludge cause damage to your fuel system components through direct abrasive wear, erosion, and fuel filter blockage. Asphaltenes are introduced during the diesel-fuel refining process, solid particles are most commonly introduced during transportation of the fuel, and sludge typically develops in your tank from a combination of solid particles, bio-organisms, waxes, and other contaminants. Diesel-fuel contamination can only be fixed with proper, thorough fuel cleaning. Fuel cleaning is the only process that removes the contaminants themselves rather than merely treating the symptoms caused by the contaminants.

Water is readily absorbed by diesel-fuel and has many detrimental effects. It can damage the fuel system directly by corroding steel components such as your fuel injectors, it promotes the growth of other contaminants, like bio-organisms and fungi, and it raises the temperature diesel-fuel ignites which leads to incomplete combustion and less efficiency. It’s best to prevent as much water as possible from entering your tank by making sure all seals, gaskets, openings, and the tank itself is in good working condition. It is impossible to prevent all water from getting into your diesel-fuel, however. That’s why Fuel Clean Canada’s unique seven step fuel cleaning process separates water from your diesel and removes it, leaving your fuel in great working condition with little water content.

Bacteria and fungi grow along the walls and bottom of your storage tank. As the fuel ages these bio-organisms break away to float freely within the diesel-fuel and clog fuel lines or filters when you start the engine. Bio-organism contamination follows one simple rule: There must be water. Bio-organisms need water to live. So, there is only one way to prevent microbial growth: remove the water from the fuel. There are many products on the market claiming they can remove and prevent microbial growth. But, the fact of the matter is, if there’s water in the tank, there is going to be bio-organisms. Fuel Clean Canada can help you remove the bio-organism catalyst (water) from your fuel and prevent contamination, bringing your fuel up to code, ensuring its safety, and increasing its efficiency.

The environment of your diesel-fuel storage tank is your main source of contaminants. Wind introduces solid particles that make their way into your tank and cause abrasive wear, erosion, and clog your fuel filter while rain and snow bring water into the tank through any unsealed openings or cracks in the storage container. The temperature and humidity of the storage site also play a role. Warm moisture in the air condenses when it meets the walls of the storage container adding water to the diesel-fuel. The more humid the air, the more water will end up in the fuel. Water in the fuel then provides the perfect environment for bio-organisms to flourish. Contamination is unavoidable. That’s why the Alberta Fire Code requires annual fuel cleaning. Fuel Clean Canada can help you remove contaminants from your fuel to ensure your emergency backup generator is working properly when you need it.

It is impossible to prevent diesel-fuel contamination. Some contaminants are going to find their way into your fuel and this only increases with time. For these reasons, the average shelf-life for diesel-fuel is six to twelve months, which can be even shorter depending on the storage conditions of your tank. If your diesel-fuel is sufficiently contaminated, you run the risk of your engine and everything that relies on your engine for power not operating when you need it to. The Alberta Fire Code requires annual fuel cleaning to remove contaminants from your diesel-fuel so your emergency backup generators perform properly in the case of an emergency. Fuel Clean Canada has been cleaning fuel for over twenty years and we would love to help keep your fuel up to code and operating safely.