Guide & Treatment of Diesel Fuel Sludge & Bug Problems

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All Diesel fuel tanks are prone to contamination from a variety of bacteria, algae and microbes technically known as hydrocarbon utilizing micro-organisms, yep that’s some big words – let’s call them diesel fuel bugs for the sake of keeping it simple in this article.

 PDF – All you need to know about diesel fuel sludge and bugs


All you need to know about sludge & bugs in diesel fuel

 Diesel tanks most at risk of bug contamination are the ones that have poorly maintained and tested fuel tanks and systems, tanks that sit in high humidity areas are more prone to issues like marine fuel tanks and generators that don’t operate often allowing old fuel to “go off”. Even large fuel storage facilities are common to bug infestations also.

 Water can and does enter tanks through air vents or during the transport of fuel to and from sites or just during the day to night cycle of hot to cold temperatures as water condensates on the inside walls of the tanks.

 All tanks must breathe to atmosphere, if they did not have a vent the tank and fuel system would go into a vacuum and stop. The engine needs to maintain the low-pressure delivery loop of supply to the pump at all times.

 The formation of thick, slimy clusters of bugs can block fuel filters and produce acidic components that can damage fuel systems and cost you heaps of money in repairs and also downtime.

 Talk about rabbits reproducing, these bugs can replicate faster than bunny rabbits given the right conditions with water and warm temperatures being the ideal factors.


Warning signs to watch for

 The most common tell tales of fuel bugs are regular filter blockages which result in low engine power or your engine stopping completely.

 An easy test is to draw a fuel sample and check it with our diesel fuel bug tester or remove a filter, cut it open and inspect the cartridge element for sludge which is quite messy and a lot more work.

 Other more serious issue tell tales can include rusting and disintegration of metallic and rubber fuel system parts.


Testing for water problems in diesel


Treatment options for sludge & bug problems

 The big daddy treatment of major problems includes the draining / pumping out of all fuel, pressure cleaning of the tank and changing of all filters. This may be complicated if the tank does not have a good access cover.

 The old fuel may need to be replaced or cleaned with a fuel polisher unit to be re-used and pumped back into the clean tank.

 The use of biocide alone is not recommended if you have major bug issues as it can lead to ongoing fuel system blockages from the bugs being dislodged “shocked” from the bottom of your tank and entering the filtration system.

 Always use the right biocide amount when treating, more than needed does not equal better results.

 If you have light bug problems the treatment with just a biocide may be possible.


Ongoing preventative maintenance tips

 The addition of a biocide to prevent regrowth of bugs should be a part of your regular maintenance program.

 Your local fuel seller can assist with the best brands of suitable biocide additives.

 If you don’t deal with contaminated diesel fuel systems or storage tanks you will have on-going problems.

 You should drain off any water from fuel tanks and filters on a regular basis.

 Consider adding more water filtration devices to your fuel system like Racor filter units that trap water like a sponge.

 Don’t let fuel sit in tanks for extended periods, use it or lose it in some way.

 Run your standby generators on load to turn over your fuel loads before they start to “go off” over time.


Diesel Fuel Sludge & Bug Problems Infographic


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