With environmental and sustainability considerations driving forward the use of Biofuels as an option to fossil fuels, it may become all too easy to ignore the fact that Biofuels have their own issues which need to be addressed if they are to be a real alternative.

In 2007 the UK Government set a mandate that all Diesel fuel has a minimum of 2.5% Bio Diesel content and this percentage will rise to 5% in 2010. For those storing fuel in standby generator tanks for longer than six months, this can lead to major problems.

Under storage conditions Bio Diesel can become contaminated with microbiological growth. These microbes flourish in water, absorbed from the atmosphere by the diesel, and feed on the biofuel content. Given the right temperature and reduced light levels, the microbes have practically perfect conditions in which to thrive. If left untreated, the presence of these microbes can have two major effects:

In the short term, the contamination can produce a sludge which can clog filters and fuel lines and cause engine damage. The degradation of the fuel can also result in starting problems, higher emissions and injector failure.

In the longer term, the effects can be even more serious. Some organisms combine with moisture to produce sulfous acid that can literally eat through steel and aluminium in fuel system components, pipes and tanks.

FDL offers fuel testing procedures and preventative maintenance for storage tanks to help address the problem before it becomes critical.

Do you have concerns about diesel you may be storing?

Contact us to find out more.