The
performance of a vehicle or any other machine operating on gasoline can be
adversely affected if the quality of the fuel is below par. Contaminants in
gasoline have always been thorns in the skins of fuel handlers. The fuel needs
to be protected. The value of the fuel goes down when it contains contaminants.
Apart from affecting the performance of the machine, it can also be a major
cause corrosion of the tank.
Fuel contamination – Causes
Mixing biodiesels
Mixing
biodiesels increases the chances of contamination as biodiesels are easily
oxidized. Reaction taking place between biodiesels and oxygen result into
peroxides. This eventually results in the formation of acids. These acids
further form resins and gums. Resins and gums can block fuel filters.
Water
The
prevalence of water with biodiesel is more than conventional diesel. People
usually think that the water issue exists with ethanol only. However, biodiesel
absorbs more water. The real potential of microbial colonies is surfaced when a
layer of water is accumulated.
Apart
from these two, there are a few other contaminants contaminating fuel such as:
Dirt
Rust
Sand
Usually,
these contaminants are introduced when you are handling the fuel, for example,
when you are transferring the fuel using a gasoline transfer pump.
Remedies
Contamination
of gasoline is a major issue. However, this issue can be addressed easily.
Following are the suggestions for fuel handlers:
Buy Fuel from a Reputable Store
Reputable
distributors of gasoline take all preventive measures to address this issue.
They turn over higher volumes of gasoline. Therefore, they always make sure
that this problem is not passed to you.
Keep Tank Clean and Well Maintained
Tanks
require regular maintenance. It is important to clean the tank on a regular
basis as rust in the tank can also contaminate the fuel. Even when there is no
additive in the fuel, it can get contaminated when the tank is not clean and
well-maintained.
Keep the Gasoline Transfer Pump Clean
Contaminants
like dust and dirt are also added when you are transferring fuel. Therefore,
make sure that the gasoline transfer pump is clean and well maintained.
Filter Fuel
Run
the fuel through a filtration system when you fill up the tank.
Conduct Regular Test
Testing
the fuel regularly for water and microbes will help in keeping this problem at
bay. Prevent the establishment of microbial contaminates using biocides after
every 90 days.
Contaminated
fuel can damage the engine. Therefore, transfer fuel using a clean gasoline
transfer pump, keep the fuel transfer pump clean and well maintained, and take
the remaining preventive measures.
