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The Impact of Fuel Contamination on Engine Performance and Longevity

It is common for vehicles and heavy-duty machinery to fail to start up properly after being stored for a long time. These are symptoms of engine contamination caused by contaminated fuel. If you fail to notice these symptoms, later repairs could become too costly. Below, let's look at engine fuel contamination and maintenance tips.

The fuel quality can diminish if left in the tank when the vehicle is stored. There are many possible reasons for this, such as the deterioration of ethanol in the fuel and different contaminants. When this happens, the engine performance is affected, which shows up through these signs:

• Engine starts poorly
• Higher fuel consumption
• Loss of power when accelerating
• Loss of power going up a slope
• Loss of power while towing
• Sudden acceleration/deceleration while driving
• Engine stops abruptly

What are the signs of fuel contamination?

Gas contamination occurs due to dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants present in the fuel. Chemical changes that occur in the fuel over time can cause its quality to degrade. For this, effective fuel quality management is crucial. 

Although the contamination effects are apparent in your engine performance, some signs can be observed in other parts of your vehicle, which include-

1. Blinking Check Engine Light
   A blinking "Check Engine" light indicates issues under the hood caused by contaminants. Yet, many ignore the light if "there's no difference in the engine's performance." Under the hood, engine damage increases due to continuous operation under not-so-ideal conditions. This is detrimental to the machine and can lead to costly breakdowns when left to operate the same way.
   
   
2. Clogged Fuel Filters
   Fuel filters capture particulate matter in the fuel before it passes into the engine. When these are frequently clogged, it's usually a primary sign of diesel contamination. As contaminated fuel passes through these filters, contaminants like clumps of sludge and metal particles can form and block the passage of fuel into the engine.
   Possible sources of the issue are corrosion in the gas tank or the fuel itself. It is when you need an engine fuel filtration service from reliable providers.
   
   
3. Failing Fuel Pump
   When fuel filters are clogged more often, fuel pump failure is common, as restrictions in the flow of fuel cause the pump to work harder than usual. When this happens, the continuous fuel delivery to the engine is interrupted, which then affects the engine's different functions. This interruption can be felt during acceleration when there is high demand for fuel delivery.
   
   
4. Partial and Total Injector Failure
   Even minor failure in the fuel injection system can cause many inefficiencies in the engine. This is caused by prolonged exposure to contaminated fuel that builds up within the injector, causing wear on the valve surface. 

   Eventually, the needle component of the fuel injector will fail partially and turn into total failure if left unchecked. However, this is difficult to diagnose and requires proper fuel injector maintenance tools and expertise.

When you notice any of the above signs, ask an expert for fuel contamination prevention.

What are the common causes of fuel contamination?

• Water Contamination caused by condensation or leaks, leading to corrosion and engine issues.
• Microbial Contamination , due to bacteria growth in water-contaminated fuel, causes corrosion and clogging.
• Particulate Contamination , caused by grit or sand clogs in filters, damages engine parts.
• Chemical Contamination due to improperly stored chemicals impacts fuel and engine performance.

How to prevent diesel fuel contamination?

Proper fuel system maintenance and regular professional checks are key to reducing the risk of fuel contamination. At Njord Filtration, we conduct fuel testing following necessary fuel cleanliness standards. We also specialize in industrial tank cleaning, allowing us to provide an all-in-one solution to protect your engine system. 

Call us today at +31-13-7640706 to speak to our fuel experts and learn about our range of fuel system maintenance services.

FAQs

1. What is fuel contamination?
   Fuel contamination is the presence of water and bacteria in fuel, which can cause fuel system damage in vehicles and machinery, including engine failure.
   
   
2. How can I avoid fuel contamination?
   
   • Fill up at a reliable service station 
   • Avoid filling up while the station is being refueled 
   • Try to change your fuel filter regularly 
   • Use a fuel stabilizer 
   • Use a dedicated fuel storage container 
   • Drain the tanks when not in use
   
   
3. How can I clean contaminated fuel?
   To clean contaminated fuel, you can:
   
   
   • Drain the tank into a suitable container 
   • Clean the tank inside out
   • Inspect the tank for damage and replace if necessary
   • Pour fresh fuel into the tank
   
   
4. What is fuel polishing?
   Fuel polishing is a technical cleaning process used to remove the impact of water in fuel and other microbial particles. It also removes harmful sediment like rust and soot. For expert service, hire professionals from Njord Filtration.
   

The Importance of Fuel Polishing Systems for Diesel Generators

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-

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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 .
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.

Fuel System Maintenance: Best Practices for Maintaining Reliable Fuel Quality

Maintaining a well-oiled fuel system is critical to the safety, efficiency, and operations of any industry that uses fuel-dependent machinery, generators, and other equipment. Fuel maintenance systems ensure consistent fuel quality and prevent significant breakdowns. In addition to being good practice, maintaining your fuel systems regularly is crucial for safety, regulatory compliance, and asset longevity.

What is a Fuel System?

The term "fuel system" describes the interconnected network of parts in industrial machinery that store, transport, and control the fuel used to run machinery such as engines, generators, and machines. It keeps machinery running at peak efficiency by regulating fuel flow to combustion engines and other devices. Reasons why this system is crucial are:

• The uninterrupted supply of power is guaranteed for essential industrial processes.
• Preventing fuel contamination to keep equipment in good working order.
• Lowers operating expenses while increasing fuel economy.
• Improves environmental compliance and safety.

Fuel quality control plays a significant role in maintaining the overall efficiency and safety of the system.

Why is Fuel System Maintenance Crucial?

• Ensuring Safety
  Maintenance of fuel equipment should be prioritized for the sake of safety. Leaks, spills, or faults involving fuel, which are extremely combustible, can result in disastrous mishaps. Preventing problems from becoming dangerous requires routine fuel system cleaning, inspections, and maintenance.
  
  
• Regulation Compliance
  Industries that deal with gasoline must follow several safety and environmental rules. Ensure your equipment fulfills these criteria with regular maintenance to avoid penalties, legal issues, and potential shutdowns.
  
  
• Maximizing Productivity
  Fuel tank maintenance improves equipment performance. It ensures regular fuel flow, preventing equipment malfunctions and operations interruptions. Clean fuel keeps engines, generators, and other machines running smoothly, increasing production. Regular tank maintenance prevents contaminants from blocking filters and injectors, reducing engine efficiency and improving fuel usage.
  
  
• Cost Savings
  Preventive maintenance saves money. Scheduling routine inspections may seem like a hassle, but it's much more cost-effective than fixing broken equipment. A breakdown can cause expensive repairs, disruptions to operations, and a loss of income. Reliable fuel management systems extend the lifespan of equipment.
  
  
• Protecting the Environment
  Fuel equipment leaks and spills can contaminate soil and water sources and cause major environmental damage. Routine maintenance and proper fuel storage solutions can safeguard the environment and save money on cleanup costs.
  

How to Maintain Fuel Equipment for Reliable Fuel Quality

Industrial operations must keep fuel quality consistent to keep the machinery running smoothly, safely, and without expensive breakdowns. You can keep your fuel equipment clean, run it more efficiently, and make it last longer by following these maintenance best practices.

1. Plan Maintenance
   A detailed maintenance plan should include regular checks, cleaning, testing, and repairs. To avoid missing any steps, strictly adhere to this schedule and use fuel tank cleaning services to keep the equipment in shape.
   
   
2. Keep Fuel Storage Tanks Clean
   Clogged filters or damaged injectors might result from silt, sludge, and moisture building up in fuel tanks. To avoid this, do the following:
   
   
   • Remove any buildup from fuel storage tanks by cleaning them periodically.
   • Use items that soak moisture and check for damage, rust, or leaks.
   
   
3. Train Your Staff On Fuel Handling Practices
   Mishandling fuel can result in pollution, leaks, or broken machinery. Make sure your employees know how to do daily operational inspections and how to spot the early warning signals of equipment problems. Staff members with the proper training can see issues coming before they get out of hand.
   
   
4. Using Quality Fuel Filters
   Quality filters keep contaminants from the fuel system, safeguarding the engine's delicate components. Always use high-quality fuel filtration systems and filters designed to remove water and fine particles and replace them as the manufacturer directs.
   
   
5. Set Up a System for Polishing Fuel
   Fuel polishing is an essential part of diesel fuel maintenance. By removing impurities, fuel polishing ensures that stored gasoline is clean and stable for a long time. For diesel tanks or long-term storage, install a system that polishes the fuel regularly to reduce microbial growth and degradation. Also Read: The Role of Diesel Fuel Polishing in Data Centers: Preventing Downtime
   
   
   
6. Prevent Water Contamination
   Water in fuel can reduce equipment performance, lead to corrosion, and grow microorganisms (the "diesel bug"). Tanks should be regularly emptied to prevent this, and filters should be used to separate water. Also, the tank's seals should be checked to ensure no water can get in.
   
   
7. Test Your Leak Detectors
   Ensure that the mechanisms for detecting leaks are entirely functional and tested. These devices are essential for finding leaks quickly so you can fix them before they cause expensive or environmental damage.
   
   
8. Record Details
   Document every fuel system inspection, repair, and maintenance in full detail. Not only are thorough records helpful for regulatory audits, but they also allow you to track the history of your equipment.

The Bottom Line

Fuel maintenance systems are not an option but an absolute must. By prioritizing routine maintenance, operators can maximize performance, avoid expensive repairs, prolong equipment lifespans, and reduce downtime. In industries where efficiency and dependability are essential, a well-cared-for fuel system can lead to success!  You can sign a Fuel Maintenance Contract with Njord to check fuel quality without installing permanent fuel filtering equipment. Contact us for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is industrial fuel system maintenance essential?
   Fuel system maintenance is essential to maximize machinery efficiency. Unclean fuel clog filters can damage injectors and lower engine performance.
   
   
2. How often should fuel tanks be cleaned and inspected?
   Fuel tanks should be inspected twice yearly and cleaned as needed, depending on usage and environment. Regular examinations avoid silt, water pollution, and microbiological growth.
   
   
3. What are the common causes of fuel contamination?
   Water from leaks or humidity, dirt and debris during refueling, and diesel bugs in stored fuel can contaminate fuel. Another factor of contamination is fuel degradation from storage.
   

How Diesel Fuel Polishing Helps in Preventing Engine Failures

Diesel engines are essential to many industries, and the fuel's quality significantly affects how well they function. Diesel fuel contaminated with water, sediments, or microbes can cause the engine to fail due to clogged filters, damaged injectors, and other issues. This is where a Diesel fuel filtration system can be a game changer.

What Is Fuel Polishing?

Fuel polishing technology cleans fuel of impurities such as water, sediments, and microorganisms. Equipment that doesn't get used very often (like most generators) should have its fuel polished to prevent the growth of microbes.

The Key Benefits Of Fuel Polishing

If fuel gets dirty and isn't polished soon enough, it could be expensive to drain and dispose of the entire tank. On top of that, it's severely harmful to the environment. Regularly polishing your fuel is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to avoid this issue. There are many fuel polishing benefits for engines, including:

• Preventing engine breakdown and mechanical damage.
• Putting less load on diesel pumps and injectors extends their longevity. 
• Enhancing the efficiency of diesel engines.
• Lowering the environmental impact. 
• Preventing fuel system clogging and fuel shortage.
• Preventing fuel from going bad. 
• Getting rid of sludge, water, bacteria, and rust. 
• Avoiding expensive repairs caused by fuel system problems.

The Role Of Diesel Fuel Polishing In Engine Failure Prevention

1. Improve Fuel Quality
   Fuel polishing and regular diesel engine maintenance improve fuel quality by removing contaminants, including water, sediment, and other impurities. By removing these contaminants and pollutants, fuel polishing reduces the likelihood of clogs and blockages that could cause engine systems to malfunction or even fail. Removing impurities decreases friction and wear, so the equipment lasts longer and works better.
   
   
2. Increase Fuel Efficiency
   Another advantage of fuel polishing is improving the efficiency of fuel-powered systems. Clogged fuel injectors and filters caused by contaminated fuel make the engine work harder to produce the same amount of power. This might lead to a drop in fuel efficiency, which is costly. Fuel polishing is an important part of engine failure prevention as it fixes these problems by removing contaminants and impurities.
   
   
3. Enhanced Durability Of Engines
   In addition to improving equipment efficiency, fuel polishing can increase longevity by reducing corrosion and other forms of wear and tear. These impurities can cause corrosion, leading to costly repairs or replacement. Regular diesel fuel maintenance lowers this risk by removing these impurities and contaminants.
   
   
4. Better Environmental Performance
   Diesel fuel contamination prevention helps equipment operate more sustainably and reduce environmental impact. Fuel contamination can result in dangerous emissions, contributing to air pollution and other environmental issues. Fuel polishing reduces emissions and improves fuel-powered system efficiency by removing contaminants and pollutants.
   
   
5. Get Rid Of Water Contamination
   Condensation or storage tank leaks can cause diesel fuel to absorb water. Water promotes microbial growth and fuel deterioration. Bacteria and fungi can flourish in such conditions, leading to the formation of biofilm and sludge. These impurities plug fuel systems and corrode engine parts, causing wear and tear over time. Fuel polishing for engine protection involves filtration and water separators that remove moisture, keeping the fuel clean from microbe infestation.
   
   
6. Clears Out Debris And Particles
   Sediments, including grime, rust, and microbiological waste, eventually sink to the base of storage tanks. When these particles get stuck in fuel injectors and filters, they can cut off the fuel supply to the engine, leading to inefficient combustion or misfires. Polishing systems use multi-stage filtration to remove micron-sized particles, ensuring thorough sediment removal in diesel fuel.
   
   
7. Prevents The Growth Of Microorganisms
   Diesel, when unused for a long time, becomes the ideal place for microbes to thrive. These microbes degrade fuel quality and damage storage tanks with their acidic byproducts. Fuel polishing is essential to keep water content below 70 ppm, remove microbial colonies, prevent sludge, and stabilise the fuel.

Summing Up

Fuel polishing is an essential preventative maintenance process for diesel systems to run at their best. A Diesel fuel filtration system can improve engine performance, prolong equipment life, increase fuel efficiency, eliminate pollutants, and prevent engine problems. Fuel polishing equipment and services are a good investment for diesel-powered equipment.

Njord Filtration has the greatest diesel fuel filtration systems on the market. Buy now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is fuel polishing?
   Fuel polishing uses filtration and circulation to remove water, sludge, and microbiological contaminants (diesel bugs). Fuel is filtered back into the tank or a replacement tank in its best state without disruption to equipment or machinery. Commonly polished fuels include red diesel, diesel (derv), biodiesel and kerosene.
   
   
2. Is it necessary to do fuel polishing?
   Fuel polishing is required to prevent contamination, avoid expensive repairs, protect critical equipment, and maintain fuel quality and usability.
   
   
3. How long does gasoline polishing take?
   A fuel polishing service's duration relies on factors like:
   
   • Tank size
   • Fuel quality 
   • Equipment used
   • Fuel polishing amount