Fuel contamination is a major concern for commercial businesses that rely on diesel and other fuels to power their machinery and equipment. Contaminated fuel can cause serious damage to engines and equipment, leading to costly repairs and downtime. There are several common causes of commercial fuel contamination that businesses need to be aware of in order to prevent and address the issue.
What are the most common causes of commercial fuel contamination?
There are a wide range of factors that can cause commercial fuel contamination and these include:
- Water Contamination- One of the most common impurities in fuel is water, which can originate from a variety of sources. When the weather changes, condensation can form in fuel lines and storage tanks, and improperly sealed tanks can allow rainfall to seep inside. Fuel system failures and lower engine performance can result from corrosion and rust in fuel lines, tanks, and other components brought on by water in fuel. As a result, it’s important to prevent this and to clean the fuel when necessary.
- Microbial Contamination- In fuel tanks, bacteria and other microbes can flourish, especially if there is water present. Corrosion and fuel filter clogging caused by microbial growth can harm engines and limit performance. Additionally, some bacteria have the ability to create acids that might further damage the parts of the fuel system.
- Particulate Contamination- When grit, sand, or other particles enter the fuel system, particulate pollution occurs. This is most likely to occur when tanks are improperly sealed or while being fueled. Particles can clog fuel filters, injectors, and other parts, which can decrease engine performance and efficiency and eventually damage the engine.
- Chemical Contamination- Chemicals that are not handled or stored properly, such as solvents, detergents, and even cleaning products, can contaminate fuel. Chemical contamination can harm engines and limit performance. If the fuel is utilised in high-pressure applications like fuel injection systems, it can also be harmful.
- Human Error- Human error is also a common cause of fuel contamination. This can include improper fuel storage or handling, failure to properly maintain fuel tanks and lines, or using the wrong type of fuel. Human error can lead to costly repairs and downtime, as well as safety hazards if the fuel is used in high-pressure applications.
Preventing commercial fuel contamination
Using the right methods for storage, handling, and maintenance is essential to preventing fuel contamination. Regular tank and line inspections can help find and fix possible problems before they become serious ones. High-quality gasoline filters and additives can also aid in removing impurities and preventing the growth of microorganisms.
Businesses should also develop clear guidelines for filling and maintenance and train their staff on how to handle and store fuel properly. To make sure the fuel is free of pollutants and fulfils performance criteria, this can involve routine inspections and testing of fuel samples.
Fuel polishing and tank cleaning
If your commercial fuel has become contaminated then polishing the fuel and cleaning the tank can allow the fuel to be cleaned and prevent wastage. Here at Network Environmental, we are fully trained and licensed to tackle all tank cleaning and fuel polishing projects. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we are the team for you. Why not get in touch today?
