The Importance of Cleaning Fuel Tanks: Prevent Expensive Repairs and Other Costs

Posted by alina ben on November 15th, 2017

Diesel generators are crucial when it comes to keeping hospitals, data centers, and grocery stores powered. However, maintenance is key to ensuring the consistent performance of fuel tanks.

There are two main enemies of fuel tanks: water vapor, and bacteria. Water vapor condenses in fuel tanks, which incites microbial growth. This may result in severe microbial contaminations of the fuel system, leading to expensive repairs and downtime. Changes in fuel color are glaring signs that suggest that the fuel has been contaminated. Negative effects of microbial growth in fuel tanks can include:

Plugged fuel filters
Elevated pour point and cloud point
Reduced combustion efficiency
Poor detergency
Increased corrosion of fuel components

Microbial contamination of fuel is caused by both bacteria and fungi, which need food and water to survive. In case of fuel tanks, diesel is their staple food. Given the fact that oil and water do not mix, the best place for microorganisms to congregate is the fuel-water interface, which is typically formed at the bottom of the tank. The first step to keeping fuel clean and microbe-free is to clean the tanks at regular intervals: the less water available, the less opportunity for fuel bugs to thrive.

The most effective practice in storing diesel fuel is to minimize exposure to water. Procedures designed to minimize water accumulation include:
Fuel tank insulation to stabilize fuel temperature
Recycling of fuel through water separators
Routine discharge of water bottoms

In addition to all these steps, sludge should be removed from fuel tanks on a regular basis, and periodic tank inspections and cleanings should be scheduled. Regular treatments with preventative doses of EAP approved diesel fuel biocides will go a long way to prolong the time interval between tank cleanings.

When it comes to fuel storage tank cleaning, a proactive approach is best. Unfortunately, many organizations overlook the importance of tank maintenance. This small detail can quickly turn into both a safety hazard and an emergency expense. Like many businesses relying on fuel every day, the storage tanks are a large investment. An investment so large, cannot be left unchecked if you do not wish to spend a fortune on expensive repair services. A fuel storage that is contaminated will pollute the stored fuel and this would result in a poor quality fuel being used or supplied. And one doesn’t need to be Einstein to understand how badly that can affect his/her business. So, if you neglect your tanks and do not get them regularly cleaned, then you may be compromising on your equipment.

About The Author: The author is an avid blogger and the above article states the importance of cleaning and degassing fuel tanks at regular intervals.
For more information, Visit: www.biosolve.com