Beating the Diesel Bug…
With FUELSTAT® Test Kits – For the rapid and accurate onsite detection of microbial contamination in land based diesel and biodiesel fuels with RESULTS WITHIN 10 MINUTES!!!
“Tried, Tested and Effective” – relied upon in the Aviation Industry by over 330 airlines, and now developed for use in the Marine and Land based diesel industries.
The Problem
Microbes thrive wherever there is food and water. Fuel storage, dispensing and some vehicle fuel systems are therefore dream homes for bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The trend towards greener fuels worldwide is creating pressure to further reduce sulphur and increase biofuel content. With biodiesels attracting additional water changing fuel specifications are set to make diesel an increasingly bug friendly environment. Bugs which grow unchecked can block fuel filters, and cause injection problems. They are so corrosive that over time can damage the structural integrity of the tank and injectors.
The Solution
There is no magic bullet to eliminate the problem. A multi-disciplinary approach to fuel hygiene is the key to avoiding the inconvenience and cost of contaminated fuel tanks and damaged injection systems. Good fuel hygiene entails implementing a regular ‘appropriate to risk’ fuel hygiene regime. The risk of contamination is increased in hot, humid conditions, especially where fuel comes from a source that has fewer quality controls. The chosen regime should consist of regular draining of water, including the hazy layer, and a bug test of each tank at least twice a year, followed by appropriate fuel & tank treatments. Appropriate treatments, best conducted by experienced specialist contractors, include tank cleaning, biocides and fuel polishing.
The Test
All that is required is 10 minutes, a flat surface, a pair of latex gloves and a 200ml fuel sample to discover which, and how many, bugs are living in your fuel. The easy to interpret, pregnancy style test gives a negligible, moderate or heavy reading which clearly indicates your fuel systems current condition and what, if any, actions are required.