The most common contamination is from Cladisporium Resinae. These airborne spores which occur naturally in diesel, have an oxygen source from the water and use the elements as a food source to propagate growth. It becomes evident because of the fact that filters clog up, vehicles may lose power and their overall performance deteriorates. The conventional method of eradicating the bug is to use a biocide. However, this has two major drawbacks in that both the water and the dead bug remains in the system and removal is costly.
FUEL PROBLEM SOLVING
What problems are there? and how we can help you...
Some Common Fuel Problems
STORAGE
Water, rust and dirt accumulate in the bottom of storage tanks. Water comes either from leakage and/or condensation. Fuel in storage tanks can sometimes develop a dirty slime at the fuel/water interface. Apart from being unsightly it can block tank strainers and vehicle fuel filters. If left unattended it can spoil the fuel and contribute to tank corrosion.
OXIDATION
The oxidation process of fuel results in the production of gums and sediments.
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
Waxes and Resins
Sulphurous acids cause the build up of waxes and resins on injector pintels and, which may leach into oil components. The warnings are piston rings sticking or the rings and cylinder lines wearing to the point of excessive blow-by or oil consumption. As these warnings are not dramatic but accurate over time, engine users attribute the gradual drop in performance due to the age of the vehicle.
SULPHUR
During combustion, sulphur in fuel forms various sulphur oxides which combines with the moisture in the intake air to produce sulphuric acid. This acid accumulates in the engine lubricating system. Suspended in the oil, it chemically attacks cylinder lines, piston rings, exhaust valve guides and other engine parts.
The problem can get worse:-
The greater the running hours of the engine, the greater the fuel consumption so the greater sulphur intake
The higher the sulphur content through minimal refining, the larger the acid content
High humidity aggravates fuel sulphur wear
When engines operate at lower than normal temperatures, moisture condensation increases. This depletes the oil additives and combines with the sulphur in the fuel to make more acid
Micro-organisms will consume rubber gaskets, O-rings, hoses, tank linings and coatings in an effort to obtain their mineral content. Fuel bugs pose a major threat to equipment. They can double in population every 20 minutes, eventually they will form a mat of black, brown or green slime, which poses a serious hazard to both equipment and storage facilities.
Symptoms:-
Increased oil consumption
Increased crankcase blow-by
Vapour visible in the crankcase blow-by
Black exhaust smoke
Oil analysis showing increase in sulphur and decrease in alkalinity.
HOW WE HELP YOU
We offer a complete Fuel Polishing System, whereby we remove fuel from the tank, clean and decontaminate it, and return the cleaned fuel back to the tank. This service is carried out by Costa Blanca Yacht Services, which are based in the Marina Internacional boatyard in Torrevieja.