Autumn fuel storage tips from the Fleetguard brand
Atmus Filtration Technologies, the company behind the Fleetguard brand, has provided seasonal advice for operators on fuel storage procedures.
“Autumn is on the horizon, and with its cooler temperatures comes a unique set of challenges for companies that rely on bulk fuel storage,” said Arnaud Le Ven, product engineering director for Atmus Filtration Technologies and Fleetguard products.
“Whether it’s fuel for the fleet or hauling, it’s what keeps your fleet running. It’s obviously important to not let things like dirt, rust, water and other contaminants cause damage to your engines – or your business. There are ways to protect your equipment and avoid unwanted maintenance events by enlisting a few preventative solutions in your fuel storage process.”
Cooling temperatures and rainier weather present more opportunities for water contamination in bulk fuel tanks, says Arnaud.
“If bulk fuel tanks are not properly sealed or maintained, rainwater can seep in. During lower ambient temperatures, water condensation can also accumulate inside tanks, creating opportunities for microbial growth. Over time, some bacteria and fungi can produce acids that affect fuel quality and cause storage tanks to corrode.
“Water in your fuel can have costly consequences like shortened filter life, intermittent engine power loss, and the worst-case scenario, fuel injector failure that could result in a major engine (cylinder) failure.
“During cold temperatures, water in the fuel can freeze, reducing fuel flow in the system. Water also destroys the lubrication properties of fuel, which can lead to scoured or blown-out fuel injector tips.”
He continued: “You can test for the presence of water in fuel storage tanks. The fuel will appear visibly darker than normal if there’s water in it. You may also be able to detect signs of microbial growth, which is often accompanied by a foul smell.
“Water is denser than fuel, so it will sink to the bottom of a tank. By applying a water-detecting paste, to a rod or dipstick that’s dipped to the bottom of the tank, you can indicate if and how much water is present.”
At each transfer point in the fuel’s transportation to the user, there is a risk of dust, dirt, air and other organic matter coming into contact with the fuel inside the tanks and hoses, says Arnaud.
“Filtering these and water out of your fuel before it reaches sensitive engine components is key to reducing the risk of engine damage,” he continued.
“The best defence against contaminants in your fuel is using an effective and efficient fuel filtration system. There are three stages of filtration: stage 0, bulk storage tank filtration; stage 1, vehicle tank filtration; and stage 2, on-engine filtration.
“To meet the ISO 4406 Fuel Cleanliness code level 12/9/6, bulk storage filtration is the most critical and first step to protecting your equipment and its expensive fuel components. Fuel not meeting the ISO 4406 after this first step, stage 0, may contribute to the damage of sensitive fuel system components like high-pressure fuel pumps and rail fuel injectors.
“Filtration at stage 0 and at transfer facilities ensures that the cleanest fuel possible reaches your fleet. The Fleetguard FS1285 spin-on storage tank filter is where protection of your expensive equipment starts.”
Having a bulk storage tank filtration system will help prolong the life of your other filters at stage 1 and stage 2, Arnaud adds.
“By combating most contaminants upfront, you’ll help save your equipment further down the line – and save yourself some headaches along the way.”
Turning to the next stages, vehicle tank filtration and on-engine filtration, Arnaud explained that off-engine fuel filters can be used to filter fuel as it’s transferred from bulk tanks to vehicles.
“With these filters in place, once the fuel reaches the on-engine filter in the final stage, it only needs to remove the small, final contamination particles and remaining traces of water,” he advised.
“Lastly, don’t forget to clean and store your fuel transfer hoses, fill nozzles and fuel tank caps properly to totally eliminate water and other potential fuel contaminants from the process.”
