If you know the different types of fuel contamination, you are much closer to solving your fuel contamination problem!
Fuel contamination refers to bacteria and water that inhabit fuel. If you suspect your fuel is contaminated, it is important to act quickly to avoid damage to your system.
Firstly, you will have to identify the type of contamination you are dealing with. Once identified, you can begin treating your fuel with the appropriate additive solutions and measures. This knowledge will also help you confirm that your fuel is contaminated, and inform you of the best preventative measures to avoid future contamination.
We can help you deal with the different types of fuel contamination so that you can deal with it effectively.
Abrasives
Abrasives are the most concerning contaminants because they are known to cause a lot of damage. They are generally hard particles of dust and dirt that cause corrosion and degradation of systems.
Asphaltenes
These hard, insoluble particles are normally less than 2 micron in size. They emerge from changes in temperature and oxidation from fuel. They sometimes collect and become larger particles which block engine filters. You will normally find them as sludge in the bottom of your tank, which is sometimes mistaken as microbial contamination.
Microbial
Microbial growth consists of bacteria, moulds, and yeasts, which cause the most damage of all fuel contamination. Fungi and bacteria often flourish and grow in water and fuel, where it can feed on alkanes and additives. The result of this microbial growth is a sludge substance that corrodes steel tanks, degrades systems, and breaks filters.
Water
Water is a common culprit for causing havoc in fuel systems. There is a level of water that is inevitable for stored fuels, such as condensation forming on your heating oil tank. Water can enter your stored fuel from rainwater, overhanging branches, condensation, pipes, and seals.
When too much water enters the tank, it attracts bacteria and causes fuel and system degradation. Signs of water contamination include clouding of the fuel, which then turns to sludge when it attracts and feeds bacteria.
The most damaging form of water contamination is ‘Emulsified Water’. The emulsification happens when the volume of water is beyond the point of saturation, and has likely entered the fuel system. The sign of this type of water contamination is a cloudy appearance.
‘Free Water’ Contamination is still damaging, but not as damaging as Emulsified Water. Free Water contamination involves water that gathers at the bottom of the tank, after falling out of suspension in the fuel.
The presence of water in your system can lead to damage of the system and engine, and the growth of bacteria.
Find out how you can prevent water contamination in our blog.
How to Identify The Different Types of Fuel Contamination?
Keep a look out for any of the following for signs of the above contaminations:
- Particles: Some may be smaller than others, but if you find particles of rust, grit, or dirt, then these are abrasives or asphaltenes, which cause corrosion and degradation to engines and fuel injection systems.
- Mould: The presence of mould means your fuel has been contaminated by microbial growth. This can cause blocked filters, system and fuel degradation, sludge, and blocked lines.
- Sludge – Sludge appears due to a combination of any of the above contaminants and gathers at the bottom of your tank. Sludge damages your fuel and system.
How to Treat Contaminated Fuel?
Now you have identified the possible causes of your fuel contamination, you can take action to treat your fuel and system.
You can find fuel additives on our Web Shop for fuel contamination, which treat the fuel and kill and prevent bacteria growth.
If you are unsure of what is causing your fuel contamination, please get in touch with your local Depot, who will be happy to help you identify and solve the issue using their expertise.