Over time, stored diesel fuel can degrade due to a variety of physical and biochemical factors. As fuel sits idle in storage tanks, its condition and utility may degrade, resulting in potential problems for the end user. Therefore, it is crucial to understand this process and the role of fuel polishing systems, particularly those featuring chemical blending, in keeping stored fuel healthy.
Physical Degradation of Stored Diesel
The physical degradation of diesel fuel occurs primarily due to temperature fluctuations, water contamination, and oxidation. Stored diesel is susceptible to temperature changes, leading to the fuel’s expansion and contraction. This process can strain fuel storage infrastructure and result in the condensation of water within the tanks.
Water contamination can severely degrade fuel by fostering the growth of microbial contamination and leading to the production of gums and varnishes that clog fuel filters and injectors. Additionally, water presence can cause corrosion within the storage tanks, leading to further fuel degradation. Moreover, the constant exposure of stored diesel to air can lead to oxidation, causing the breakdown of hydrocarbons in diesel, which further forms sediment and gums. These substances can damage engine components, leading to operational inefficiency and potential failure.
Biochemical Degradation of Stored Diesel
Biochemical degradation mainly occurs due to microbial activity. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, can grow in diesel storage tanks, especially at the water fuel interface. These microbes feed on hydrocarbons, producing acidic byproducts, and leading to microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) in storage tanks.
Furthermore, the microbial activity results in biofouling, where the microbes form a layer of slime, leading to clogged fuel lines, filters, and injectors. This, in turn, impairs the performance of diesel engines and increases maintenance costs.
Role of Fuel Polishing Systems
To mitigate the physical and biochemical degradation of diesel fuel, one of the most efficient solutions is the use of fuel polishing systems. Fuel polishing is the process of cleaning and filtering the diesel stored in tanks to remove water, sediments, and microbial contamination.
These systems circulate the fuel through a series of filters and separators to remove impurities and water. They also effectively neutralize microbial contamination, ensuring the diesel remains in a ‘healthy’ state for longer periods.
Chemical Blending Feature in Fuel Polishing Systems
Fuel polishing systems with a chemical blending feature offer an advanced level of protection for stored diesel. They add certain chemicals into the diesel during the polishing process to further enhance its stability, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce emissions.
These additives include stability enhancers, which inhibit the oxidation process, biocides to control microbial growth, and detergents to prevent gum and varnish formation. By blending these additives during the fuel polishing process, the diesel’s shelf-life can be significantly extended, and its performance can be optimized. Furthermore, the use of chemical blending in fuel polishing systems offers a cost effective solution. It reduces the frequency of fuel replacement and the associated costs of engine repair and maintenance due to fuel degradation.
Understanding the physical and biochemical degradation of stored diesel is key to ensuring fuel longevity and efficiency. Fuel polishing systems, particularly those with a chemical blending feature, offer an effective solution in maintaining the health of stored diesel fuel. They not only clean and filter the fuel but also blend it with beneficial additives that enhance fuel stability and performance.
As such, they play a pivotal role in keeping stored diesel fuel ‘healthy’ and ensuring the efficient operation of diesel engines.