Bulk Fuel Filtration
Changes in emission regulations have driven changes in current and future diesel engines. The increased fuel system operating pressure requires, reduced component clearances in the order of 2-4 micron thereby placing a higher demand on fuel cleanliness. There are many types of contamination but let’s consider the most damaging (Particulate). Particulate contaminants consist of hard abrasive particles (e.g. silicates) soft deformable materials (e.g. Asphaltenes and biological debris) and water. Silicates: Typically rigid in nature, can cause severe wear to a fuel injection system Asphaltenes and biological debris: Soft sticky stuff, this can occur naturally or as a result of fuel degradation and can reduce filter life and wax at low temperatures Water: can cause engine part corrosion, erosion, fuel lubricity deterioration, fuel pump and injector cavitation's, fuel injector pipe deposits build-up and fuel filter plugging. Microorganisms are usually present in fuel. The most important requirement for microbial growth in fuel is water, this is almost always present for the following reasons Water dissolved in the fuel can condense on the tank walls Moisture in the air can enter through floating tank lids or other vents Poorly designed tanks without water drains. Donaldson advise that you: Clean, Protect, Polish Clean the fuel before it enters your storage tank. Protect it from airborne contaminants and ambient humidity. Polish fuel on the outlet before fuelling your equipment.
