Fuel polishing is a vital yet overlooked process related to maintaining diesel generators. It involves cleaning and bringing back diesel fuel to its optimal condition. Diesel fuel is naturally unstable and forms sediments over time. As water enters the tank with the consumption of fuel through the air pipe, micro-organism contamination is always a threat. The drastic reduction of sulfur and addition of bio-components to diesel fuel in recent years have further reduced shelf life and increased fuel related headaches. To make sure your engines or generators run reliably and efficiently on (bio)diesel, it is strongly recommended to install a fuel polishing system.
Fuel filtration for generators helps maintain the performance and efficiency of engines that depend on clean, high-quality fuel. Read on to learn the importance of fuel polishing and how it can benefit your generators.
What is fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing is a simple cleaning process that helps remove any harmful sediment in your generator fuel tank to increase diesel generator efficiency. If not eliminated, it can impact your backup power system. A fuel polish involves the following-
- removing the diesel from the storage tank
- filtering it
- reaching at least an 18-16-13 ISO 4406:1999 particle size distribution.
- keeping water content below 70 ppm
Why is fuel oil polishing important?
Clean, high-quality fuel is essential for several emergency systems to run smoothly and reliably. However, when fuel sits in storage for a long time, it accumulates water and other impurities. This reduces fuel quality, potentially blocking the generators.
Water in fuel also leads to problems that will affect your equipment, including
- the growth of bacteria and fungi
- corrosion of metal surfaces
- build-up of harmful acids.
Water causes the fuel to separate, collecting sludge and sediment at the bottom of the tank. These sediments clog filters, injectors, and other engine components, reducing the overall performance and efficiency of the generators.
How does fuel polishing work?
Fuel polishing involves several steps, including filtering, polishing, and treating the fuel. The process starts by filtering the fuel to remove large particles and sediment that may be present. The fuel is then polished by passing it through many fine filters, which remove smaller impurities and water droplets.
Finally, the fuel is treated with additives to enhance its stability, reducing the growth of fungi and other bacteria. These additives include antioxidants, biocides, and other potent chemicals that help maintain diesel generator fuel quality over time.What are the benefits of fuel polishing?
There are several fuel polishing benefits for engines and here are a few of them-
- Improve fuel quality with fuel polishing
The key advantage of fuel filtration is that it removes impurities like grime, rust, water and other contaminants. Removing these contaminants helps lower the chances of blockages and other problems that could cause fuel-powered systems to malfunction or break down. End result? Improved fuel quality. - Increase fuel efficiency
Another benefit of fuel polishing is that it can significantly increase the efficiency of fuel-powered systems. Fuel contamination creates clogs in the fuel injectors and filters, which makes the engine work harder to generate the same power.
If the fuel-powered device is often used, it may lead to a decline in fuel efficiency, which can be costly. Fuel tank polishing improves efficiency and reduces running costs by removing pollutants and impurities from the fuel, preventing diesel fuel contamination . - Extended equipment life
In addition to enhancing the performance of fuel-powered systems, fuel polishing increases equipment life by lowering corrosion and other types of wear and tear. Fuel with impurities causes fuel tank and equipment corrosion, which calls for expensive repairs or equipment replacement.
Fuel polishing helps eliminate pollutants from the fuel, extending the lifespan of the fuel storage tanks. It also keeps the fuel storage tanks in good condition and maintains diesel generator longevity. - Improving environmental performance
Finally, fuel polishing helps fuel-powered systems operate more sustainably and reduce their environmental impact. Fuel contamination can result in emissions contributing to air pollution and other environmental problems.
The process further helps reduce harmful emissions and enhance the environmental performance of the fuel-powered system by eliminating impurities and pollutants from the fuel.
How long will fuel polishing take?
- Tank size
- Equipment used
- Quality of fuel
- Amount of fuel that is polished
The bottom line
Are you able to leverage the best of advanced fuel system cleaning technology? These could be a beneficial add-on to your regular generator maintenance. Rely on the experts at Njord Filtration for all your fuel system polishing needs. We are an industry-leading organization that helps our clients maintain their backup power systems.
Rest assured that your diesel generators are primed and ready to support you when required. Call +31-13-7640706 for a quote for a fuel polishing system.