Hydrophilic coalescer membranes do attract water and allow diesel to pass, causing droplets to merge and fall out by gravity.

But they only remove free and emulsified water — not dissolved water.

The widely advertised “99.99% water removal” is a marketing claim, not a field verified spec.

Actual published data shows:

•             99.5% single pass removal at 5 microns

•             Efficiency drops sharply with:

•             Biodiesel blends (B20 holds 3–4× more dissolved water than B5)

•             Surfactants in ULSD and additives

•             Microbial byproducts

•             High solids loads

Because biodiesel is hygroscopic and modern diesel contains surfactants, 99.99% is only achievable in ideal lab fuel, not real world diesel.

Why Dieselcraft Outperforms Coalescers

Proprietary Media (Unique Advantage)

Dieselcraft is the only purifier using a proprietary media bed engineered to:

•             Break water out of suspension

•             Capture heavy solids

•             Stabilize flow

•             Increase separation efficiency

This media:

•             Is not a filter

•             Does not plug

•             Never needs replacement

No coalescer or filter system offers an equivalent mechanism.

Immune to Coalescer Failure Modes

Coalescers fail when exposed to:

•             Surfactants in ULSD

•             Biodiesel blends

•             Additives

•             Microbial growth

•             High particulate loads

Dieselcraft’s purifier is unaffected by all of these.

It maintains performance in real‑world diesel, not just clean test fuel.

Consistent, Long Term Performance

Coalescers degrade as:

•             Elements load

•             Membranes saturate

•             Flow changes

•             Additives reduce coalescing

Dieselcraft remains stable because:

•             No media to saturate

•             No element to plug

•             No chemical sensitivity

•             No flow dependent coalescing behavior

It performs the same on day 1 and day 1,000.

Bottom Line

The Dieselcraft Fuel Purifier is superior because it is:

•             Filter less

•             Low maintenance

•             Highly efficient

•             Unaffected by modern diesel chemistry

•             Designed for realm world contamination

•             Proven to reduce engine wear and extend service intervals

It is the only purifier combining mechanical separation with a proprietary media bed, delivering unmatched reliability and performance. MORE INFO

The post Coalescer Technology: What Works and What Fails in the Field appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Fuel polishing and fuel maintenance are related concepts in the context of stored fuels (especially diesel), but they differ in scope, frequency, and approach. These terms are most commonly used for backup generators, marine vessels, emergency power systems, or any application where fuel sits in tanks for long periods and can degrade.

What is Fuel Polishing?

Fuel polishing is a specific, targeted process (often a one-time or periodic service) that involves recirculating (or “polishing”) the fuel through a multi-stage filtration system to remove contaminants. It typically includes:

• Drawing fuel from the bottom of the tank (where water, sludge, sediment, and microbial growth—”diesel bugs”—accumulate).
• Passing it through progressive filters (e.g., coarse to fine, often down to 4 microns or better), water separators, and sometimes coalescers.
• Returning the cleaned fuel to the top of the tank to avoid remixing contaminants.
• The goal is to restore the fuel to meet standards like ASTM D975 (for diesel) by removing water, particulates, microbial biomass, and sometimes reversing oxidation effects.

It’s essentially an advanced cleaning/filtration procedure to salvage contaminated fuel without replacing it. It’s proactive or corrective, often done when fuel has degraded (e.g., dark color, sludge buildup) or as scheduled maintenance (e.g., annually for standby tanks). It’s cheaper, greener, and less disruptive than dumping and replacing the fuel.

What is Fuel Maintenance?

Fuel maintenance is the broader, ongoing program or strategy to keep stored fuel in good condition over time. It encompasses multiple practices to prevent degradation, including:

• Regular fuel polishing (as one key component).
• Fuel testing and sampling (e.g., checking for water, microbes, clarity).
• Adding stabilizers, biocides, or conditioners to prevent oxidation and microbial growth.
• Tank inspections, water draining, filter changes.
• Proper tank design/venting to minimize condensation.
• Monitoring usage and turnover (fresh fuel helps, as does avoiding long stagnation).

In many sources, fuel polishing is described as part of a fuel maintenance program—especially for long-term stored diesel in generators or boats. A good fuel maintenance plan might include periodic polishing sessions, but also preventive steps to reduce how often heavy polishing is needed.

The post What is the difference between Fuel Polishing and Fuel Maintenance? appeared first on Dieselcraft.

1. Dirt and Dust: Dirt and dust can enter the engine through the air intake system, leading to abrasion of engine components such as piston rings, cylinder walls, and valves. This can result in increased friction, reduced compression, and decreased engine efficiency.
2. Water: Water can cause serious damage to engines, particularly in diesel engines where water contamination can lead to injector and fuel pump damage. Water can also cause corrosion of metal components, leading to premature wear and failure.
3. Fuel Contaminants: Contaminants in fuel such as dirt, rust, and water can clog fuel filters, injectors, and fuel lines, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency. In severe cases, fuel contamination can cause engine stalling or failure to start.
4. Oil Contaminants: Contaminants in engine oil, such as dirt, metal particles, and sludge, can accelerate wear on engine components, reduce lubrication effectiveness, and cause overheating. This can lead to increased friction, premature component failure, and costly repairs.
5. Coolant Contaminants: Contaminants in engine coolant, such as dirt, rust, and air bubbles, can lead to corrosion of cooling system components, blockages in the radiator and hoses, and decreased heat transfer efficiency. This can result in engine overheating, coolant leaks, and potential engine damage.
6. Exhaust Contaminants: Exhaust contaminants such as carbon deposits, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides can accumulate in the exhaust system, leading to restricted airflow, increased back pressure, and reduced engine performance. Additionally, emissions of harmful pollutants can lead to environmental concerns and regulatory issues.
7. Combustion Chamber Contaminants: Contaminants in the combustion chamber, such as carbon deposits and oil residue, can interfere with the air-fuel mixture, combustion process, and exhaust gas flow. This can result in reduced power output, increased fuel consumption, and elevated emissions levels.

To mitigate the impact of contaminants on engine performance, regular maintenance is essential. This includes changing air, fuel, and oil filters at recommended intervals, using high-quality fuel and lubricants, flushing and replacing coolant as needed, and performing periodic inspections and cleaning of engine components. Additionally, proper storage and handling of fuel, oil, and coolant can help prevent contamination before it reaches the engine.

MORE INFO

Contact Dieselcraft to solve any contamination problem you have. Call or text 530 613 2150 Email sales@dieselcraft.com

The post Contaminants on Engine Performance appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Addressing the Issue

In every fuel tank, microbial colonies have the potential to flourish. While microbes are ubiquitous, they require fuel and water to proliferate. When water is present in the tank, these microbes find optimal conditions for growth, leading to fuel contamination and tank degradation. Factors such as warm weather and the use of biofuels can exacerbate this issue. Once established, eradicating these colonies becomes challenging. Some assessments suggest that microbial activity can consume up to 1% of the fuel investment while rendering the remainder unusable.

Understanding Microbial Needs

Microbial colonies thrive at the junction of fuel and accumulated water at the tank’s base, forming a conducive “rag layer.” This layer provides an ideal environment for their proliferation. Elevated temperatures further expedite their growth. Microbial growth isn’t restricted to diesel fuel alone; biodiesel, derived from organic sources, offers rich sustenance for these organisms, contributing to the uptick in biological growth incidents. Even petrol diesel isn’t immune, particularly when fuel remains stagnant.

Addressing the Challenge

In the depths of fuel tanks, microbial colonies find a fertile ground where fuel and free water meet, fostering their growth. This symbiotic relationship between microbes and water creates what is known as a “rag layer,” a perfect habitat for their proliferation. Warmer climates and the presence of biofuels further encourage this process, making it even more crucial to tackle the issue.

Microbial growth isn’t discriminatory; it can thrive in any diesel fuel. However, biodiesel, derived from plant and animal fats, offers an especially nourishing environment for these organisms, contributing to the escalating instances of biological contamination observed in recent times. Petro diesel is not immune either, particularly when left stagnant.

Left unchecked, microbial colonies can wreak havoc, devouring fuel reserves and causing significant damage to the tank structure. Some estimates suggest that they can consume up to 1% of your fuel investment, leaving the rest compromised.

The initial step in combating this challenge is to accurately diagnose its presence and severity. From there, effective strategies can be implemented to mitigate further damage and restore the integrity of the fuel system.

The post Fuel Problem…algae in the tank and plugged filters? appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Proactive measures, including the use of effective biocides, are key. Avoid the temptation of “maintenance dosing,” as these sub-lethal treatments can exacerbate the issue. Instead, opt for periodic “kill doses” to systematically target and eliminate microbial colonies. Establishing a testing program can determine the frequency of these treatments based on the system’s susceptibility to re-infestation.

Water removal is paramount in preventing future contamination. Implementing a robust water removal program significantly reduces the risk of microbial proliferation.

For severe infestations, a multi-step approach is recommended:

1. Drain the tank to remove all free water.
2. Administer a potent biocide to shock the contaminated tank.
3. Conduct a thorough tank cleaning to eradicate any remaining traces of microbes.
4. Maintain a proactive regimen of periodic biocide treatments to safeguard a clean system.
5. Install efficient filters at tank outlets or dispensers to prevent the passage of microbes into equipment, where they can cause blockages and engine deposits.

Follow dosing instructions diligently and periodically retest the tank to ensure the effectiveness of the antimicrobial protocol. While some may opt to forgo tank cleaning due to logistical challenges, be mindful that this decision could lead to an accumulation of dead microbes, necessitating frequent filter replacements.

Remember, microbes require water to proliferate. By diligently maintaining a water-free environment within the tank, microbial growth can be effectively mitigated. MORE INFO

The post Eradicating Microbial Colonies in Your Fuel appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Fuel polishing is a process that involves filtering and purifying stored fuel to remove contaminants, water, and sediments that may have accumulated over time. It is commonly used for diesel fuel and other types of stored fuels to ensure their quality, maintain optimal performance, and prevent damage to engines or equipment.

1. Filtration: The fuel is passed through a series of filters to remove solid particles, such as dirt, rust, or microbial contaminants. These filters can range from coarse to fine, depending on the level of filtration required.
2. Water Separation: Water is a common issue in stored fuel, and it can cause corrosion, microbial growth, and fuel degradation. Fuel polishing systems often include water separators that separate and remove free water from the fuel.
3. Decontamination: Some fuel polishing systems incorporate technologies, such as centrifuges or coalescers, to remove microbial contamination or emulsified water from the fuel. These technologies help break down and remove microbial organisms or emulsified water, ensuring cleaner fuel.
4. Fuel Conditioning: Fuel conditioning additives may be used to enhance the stability, lubricity, and combustion characteristics of the fuel. These additives can improve the fuel’s performance and extend its shelf life.
5. Testing: After the fuel polishing process, samples of the polished fuel may be taken for laboratory testing. This testing helps verify the fuel’s quality, including its cleanliness, water content, and compliance with specifications.

Fuel polishing is particularly important for stored fuels that are not frequently used, such as emergency backup generators, stored fuel tanks, or equipment that operates seasonally. By removing contaminants and water, fuel polishing helps prevent clogged filters, fuel injector issues, engine damage, and other problems associated with poor fuel quality.

Regular fuel polishing as part of a preventive maintenance program can help ensure the reliability and longevity of engines and equipment that rely on stored fuel. The frequency of fuel polishing depends on factors such as fuel usage, storage conditions, and the fuel’s susceptibility to contamination or degradation.

The post What is Fuel Polishing? appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Here is a sample purchased at a national brand truck stop that was delivering B20 fuel, meaning 20% Biodiesel and pulled from the trucks water separator.

B20 is a common blend because it represents a good balance of cost, emissions, cold-weather performance, materials compatibility, and ability to act as a solvent. Most Biodiesel users purchase B20 or lower blends from their normal fuel distributors or from Biodiesel marketers. Regulated fleets that use Biodiesel blends of 20% or higher qualify for Biodiesel fuel use credits under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

B20 must meet prescribed quality standards as specified by ASTM D7467.

We are told that the state regulators passed the fuel. It is oblivious they did not use step one of a fuel test. LOOK AT THE FUEL. It is not clear and it not bright and would fail all tests as to quality immediately.

The dark layer at the bottom of the container is glycerine that has continues to drop out of the Biodiesel. This reaction should have been complete at the Biodiesel processor not after it was blended with diesel.

When this hit the engine fuel system, the engine stopped and the arguing started.

Contact the fuel supplier and your insurance company.

MORE INFO

The post Diesel Engine Quit? Mystery Liquid in Fuel System – What to Do appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Here’s the deal: our system uses cutting-edge filter-less purifier technology to remove 99% of water and solid contaminants from your fuel. That means you’ll have clean, pure fuel flowing through your equipment, which translates to better performance and a longer lifespan for your machinery.

But wait, there’s more! Our system is used by leading data centers like Amazon, Google, and Facebook, as well as the US Government, public utilities, hospitals, and boat yards. That’s because we have the lowest operating cost and best reliability on the market.

Plus, we offer equipment financing and lease options, so you can get the fuel polishing system you need without breaking the bank.

So if you want to keep your equipment running like a dream, give our portable fuel polishing system a try. And don’t forget to ask the competition one simple question: “How do you get the water out?” We’ve been building water separators for 20 years, so we know what works.

Fuel Fuel Polishing is the removal of water & sediment from diesel, red diesel and bio-diesel.

But you say “ I do not have a water problem” Prove it.

Any fuel with bio-diesel has water in it. If you have changes in temperature you have condensation that is WATER. Do not think that your fuel supplier has delivered 100% water free fuel. Good luck.

Water leads to bacteria contamination, also known as Algae, Diesel Sludge or Fuel Bugs. Bacteria growth creates its own water if allowed to grow.

Polishing is a process of regularly recirculating and filtering ALL the fuel.

Fuel polishing really works. Do nothing and rely on the hope and pray plan or contact Dieselcraft.com

Have less than 100 gallons of fuel and need a quick and simple way to get the water and large solids out?

BUY NOW

The post Fuel Polishing: What It Is and Why You Need It. appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Where did I get the water? Check the fill port gasket and vents to see if that is how the water entered the tanks.

Water may have been delivered to you but it is hard to prove without going back to the source and inspecting their supply.

Drain the separator and keep a sample of the fuel. Letting the boat sit for a day or two and restart the engine. Compare what you see in the separator now with the sample you kept. If the problem came from water on the tank bottom, after sitting for two days in calm waters the fuel should clear up.

After assuming water is on the bottom of the tanks we must get it out. Steel Camel,  https://www.steelcamel.com/, has a water absorbing sock that will work if you can get it into the tank. Or we must find a way to get a pickup tube to the bottom and suck out the water. No telling of there is 1 gallon of 20 gallons of water on the bottom.

To clean what you have is to install a Dieselcraft Fuel Purifier followed by the Racor and recirculate for as long as it take, 8 hours, and the fuel should clear up.

DO NOT add any additive. Some additive promote “allows the water to be burned off.” Water burns? Engine manufacturers allow ZERO water in the fuel, burnable or not. ZERO water. The only way to remove the water is a mechanical purifier/separator, absorbing media or a vacuum cleaner but not burning.

MORE INFO

The post Cloudy Boat Fuel? How to Protect Your Engine and Restore Fuel Quality appeared first on Dieselcraft.

1. Cleaner oil, GUARANTEED.

2. 30-50% longer oil life. This means cost of oil changes goes down by at least 30%. The cost of oil is going UP. Your $250 change today may be $350 soon.

3. Longer full-flow filter life.

4. Longer service intervals.

5. Reduces engine wear up to 50%.

6. Long-term preventative maintenance.

7. Reduced maintenance costs… If you cut oil changes by 33% how much do you save?

8. Cuts waste disposal costs. A centrifuge is permanent, cleanable and reusable.

9. Improves your regulatory compliance by protecting the environment.

10. No media or filter elements to replace.

11. Reduces total cost of ownership.

12. Helps ensure clean combustion and fuel efficiency.

MORE INFO

The post 12 Benefits of Using an Oil Centrifuge for Diesel Engines appeared first on Dieselcraft.