When it comes to on-site power, reliability is of utmost importance. Reliability is only as strong as the weakest link.
When it comes to a diesel engine generator, a primary component is the diesel fuel. Proper electrical and mechanical maintenance can be provided to the generator and found to be in perfect working order; but if the fuel supply is compromised, the generator can fail. This being said, diesel fuel is no longer maintenance free and you must protect the power source with a fuel surveillance program. With routine check-ins and maintenance, you can avoid costly issues.
Learn more about the different steps we can perform to ensure the reliability and operability of your fuel source:
Fuel sampling
The first and most important step of fuel maintenance is proper fuel sampling. Proper sampling is low cost health insurance for your fuel system. This process includes not only a visual inspection of your fuel but also a complete analysis monitoring your fuel’s condition when it comes to degradation, contamination, and stability per ASTM test methods. Per industry compliance, fuel is required to be tested at least once a year but based on environmental conditions in New England, we strongly encourage sampling at least once every six months.
Additives
Additives and chemical treatments ideally should begin on the first day after your fuel is delivered. Unlike in on-road vehicles, diesel fuel in generators may sit for up to years at a time. Because of this, the fuel must be chemically treated for long term storage. This is part of fuel maintenance and is critical to ensuring the longevity not only of your fuel, but your fuel tank as well. Fuel additives may include: stability enhancers, biocides, cold weather protection, and more.
Fuel Filtration and Polishing
Fuel polishing is the removal of contaminants such as microbial growth, sediment, water, and sludge by way of a multi-step filtration process. Many could relate this to dialysis for your diesel fuel tank. Fuel polishing may be done through a mobile service which makes “dirty” fuel clean again or through the permanent installation of automatic filtration which keeps “clean” fuel clean. The need for fuel polishing is determined by the results of a proper fuel sample.
Fuel Removal and Tank Cleaning
You cannot make bad fuel good again. You can only make dirty fuel clean again. Diesel fuel degrades over time and can become volatile. Based on the results of the stability test, your diesel fuel may be past the point of no return. If this is the case, the fuel must be removed and the tank must be cleaned prior to the delivery of fresh new fuel. If you do not clean your tank at the time of fuel removal, the sludge and sediment will immediately contaminate your new fuel.
Additional diesel fuel services:
- On-site fuel delivery
- Stationary fuel filtration systems
- Fuel tank protection accessories
