Mid-County Messenger Page 4 www. midcountycoop. com Fall 2007
Mid-County Fuels & Energy Delivery The answer to filter plugging: Biocide
We have been fielding a lot of questions lately about filter plugging in diesel fuel which is common this time of year. The article below is a reprint from Hoon Ge who is a fuel consultant at MEG Corporation, and he does an excellent job of explaining biocide usage. Biocide Hoon Ge, Fuel Consultant, MEG Corp.
Over the past several months of this year, many people nationwide have complained about filter plugging problems due to microbial( which can be either bacteria or fungus) growth in their ultra-low sulfur diesel( ULSD) and biodiesel blend systems. This is not an issue of the fuels themselves, but an issue of proper housekeeping to remove the water. Microbes grow in the water fuel interface within a storage tank down to an individual vehicle fuel tank.
This microbial growth sometimes appeared with black, brown and red coloration and other times as a clear slimy substance. In the worst cases, this microbial growth can clog the system and render it inoperable. It is imperative to the diesel and biodiesel blend user to know how to deal with a microbial contamination in a timely and effective manner.
To help combat microbial contamination in ULSD and biodiesel blends, biocide products are available. There are, however, many myths surrounding these products. As the winter months approach, it becomes necessary for the correct information on these products to be understood now. By following the suggestions outlined in this article, users should not have any trouble dealing with any biocide
Quay Zander Petroleum Operations( 952) 466-3727 quayz @ midcountycoop. com
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Plus discounts on your first fill with tank or equipment purchase!
problem that they may encounter.
The main myth surrounding biocide is that one, microbes don’ t grow in the wintertime and two, biocides are ineffective during the cold weather of the winter months. Both of these myths are absolutely false. It has been well documented that microbial growth can occur at temperatures way below zero, and as long as the biocide has been mixed properly with the fuel, it will work just as effectively as it does during the summer months. Biocide should be applied whenever you have a microbial problem, regardless of what time of year it is.
When applying biocide to your tank, it is important to follow these steps:
• Use a universally soluble biocide( i. e., one that is soluble in both water and in the fuel).
• When preparing a storage system / fuel tank to be treated with biocide, any water at the bottom of the tank should be drained if possible. Removing water should be done routinely anyway to help reduce the chances of microbial contamination.
• The tank should be as empty as possible and no more then 50 percent full, when the biocide products is added.
• Add twice the amount of biocide recommended by the manufacturer.
• Fill the tank up to maximum capacity with the fuel. This will promote mixing and help kill any microbial growth on the walls of the entire tank.
• For vehicle fuel tanks, all filters in the system, including pre-filters and fuel filters, need to be replaced after the biocide has been added.
As a preventive measure, it is important to keep tanks as full of fuel as possible, and to keep the amount of air in the tank minimal. Also, biocide product containers should be kept closed at all times and should not be exposed to water at any time. Water contamination will lessen the effectiveness of these products.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to handle and prevent microbial growth from getting out of hand. Remember that the best way to prevent microbial growth is routine maintenance upkeep; make sure to check your fuel for microbial growth a couple of times a year. Be proactive with your fuel and it will save you money in the long run.
We stock biocides and filters ready to help you in time of need. If you have any issues with your diesel engines, call me at( 952) 466-3727 or Raf at( 952) 466- 3725.