Diesel fuel begins to degrade in less than 30 days in your storage tanks.

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Fuel degradation in storage tanks is a significant concern for industries relying on stored fuel, such as transportation, agriculture, construction, and backup power generation. Several factors contribute to fuel degradation over time, including:

  1. Microbial Contamination: Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast can thrive in fuel storage tanks, especially in the presence of water and nutrients. Microbial growth can lead to the formation of biomass, sludge, and corrosive byproducts, which degrade fuel quality and compromise engine performance.
  2. Water Contamination: Water can enter fuel storage tanks through condensation, leaks, or inadequate tank sealing. Water contamination promotes microbial growth, causes fuel oxidation, and facilitates the separation of fuel-water emulsions, leading to fuel instability and corrosion of tank components.
  3. Oxidation: Exposure to air and oxygen promotes oxidation reactions in fuel, resulting in the formation of gum, varnish, and insoluble deposits. Oxidative degradation causes fuel to darken, thicken, and develop a foul odor, reducing its combustion efficiency and engine performance.
  4. Chemical Reactions: Fuel degradation can occur due to chemical reactions between fuel components, additives, and contaminants present in the storage environment. Reactions such as hydrolysis, polymerization, and acid-base reactions can alter fuel composition, viscosity, and stability, leading to engine fouling and corrosion.
  5. Temperature Fluctuations: Temperature fluctuations in storage tanks can accelerate fuel degradation processes by promoting water condensation, microbial activity, and chemical reactions. Extreme temperatures can also cause fuel to expand or contract, leading to tank corrosion and structural damage.
  6. Light Exposure: Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can accelerate fuel degradation by promoting oxidative reactions and photochemical degradation of fuel components. Light exposure can degrade fuel quality, reduce its shelf life, and compromise engine performance over time.
  7. Contaminant Buildup: Accumulation of contaminants such as rust, sediment, and debris in storage tanks can accelerate fuel degradation by catalyzing chemical reactions, promoting microbial growth, and clogging fuel filters and delivery systems.

To mitigate fuel degradation in storage tanks, it’s essential to implement preventive measures such as:

  • Regular fuel testing and analysis to monitor fuel quality and detect signs of degradation.
  • Proper tank maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and corrosion prevention measures.
  • Implementing fuel additives and stabilizers to inhibit oxidation, microbial growth, and chemical degradation.
  • Installing tank vents, filters, and water separators to prevent water ingress and remove contaminants.
  • Implementing storage tank management practices such as proper tank design, ventilation, and temperature control to minimize degradation risks.

By addressing these factors and implementing proactive maintenance and monitoring practices, industries can minimize the impact of fuel degradation in storage tanks, ensure fuel quality, and maintain the reliability and performance of their equipment and vehicles.

Contact Dieselcraft to discuss your fuel issues and testing. Call or Text 530 613 2150 Email sales@dieselcraft.com