If you work in mining, you already know how much you need to depend on your generators. Whether you're on-site or working remotely far from the grid, those diesel generators keep everything moving—equipment, lights, safety systems, the whole operation. But here's the thing many don't think about: your generator might be in great shape, but if the fuel running through it is dirty, you're setting yourself up for trouble.
We're talking about unexpected breakdowns, higher maintenance costs, and lost time, which is particularly critical in mining, where every minute counts. Read on to know more about it and how to filter diesel fuel.
So what's dirty or contaminated diesel?
Even if the diesel that gets delivered is clean, it doesn't stay that way forever. In mining, fuel usually sits in big tanks for weeks or months. That's plenty of time for contaminants to get into it.
Here's what happens-
- Water builds up from condensation, especially when the weather changes
- Bacteria and fungi start growing in that water layer
- Rust, dirt, and debris fall in from old tanks, hoses, or sloppy transfers
- Fuel breaks down, especially in heat or over time
So you might think your diesel looks fine, but it could be slowly wrecking your generator every time you turn it on. Also read - The importance of fuel polishing in the mining & construction industry.
What dirty fuel actually does to your generator?
Bad fuel doesn't make your engine run rough—it causes real damage. Here's what it leads to
- Clogged fuel filters
Sludge and particles build up quickly, causing fuel to flow improperly, and eventually, the generator stalls out. - Damaged injections
Fuel injectors are delicate and precise. Contaminants wear them out fast. That means poor combustion, rough starts, and expensive repairs. - Wasted fuel
Contaminated diesel doesn't burn as well. You end up using more fuel to get the same output, which hits your budget hard over time. - Unplanned shutdowns
No one likes surprises—especially in the middle of a shift. Dirty fuel is one of the top reasons generators fail unexpectedly. - Corrosion and long-term wear
Water and microbes inside your tank lead to rust and corrosion, not just in the tank but all through the fuel system. - Risk to safety
Generators don't just power equipment—they often keep critical safety systems online. If they go down, it's more than a productivity issue.
Is Fuel Polishing The Solution?
Fuel polishing provides a deep clean for your stored diesel. Instead of draining and replacing your fuel, polishing cleans it right there in the tank. The system pulls the diesel out, runs it through filters and water separators, and puts it back clean. It removes sludge, water, microbial gunk, and degraded or oxidized fuel.
Mining isn't exactly a clean, easy environment. You've got dust, heat, humidity, and big fuel tanks sitting out in the open. Contamination happens–fast. And because operations rely so heavily on generators, a fuel problem can quickly escalate into a significant, costly headache.
Fuel polishing helps you with the following things-
- Keep your generators running without trouble
- Avoid sudden breakdowns and shutdowns
- Cut down on maintenance and repair bills
- Make your fuel last longer and burn cleaner
- Keep your team safe and your schedule on track
It's not about over-maintaining — it's about avoiding preventable problems before they happen.
The bottom line
At Njord Filtration, we offer fuel-polishing systems specifically for heavy-duty industries like mining. Our systems are tough, simple to use, and made to handle large volumes of diesel in rough conditions. Whether you're running a single site or managing a fleet of generators, our setups help keep engines running smoothly. You wouldn't pour dirty oil into your tank—so why risk dirty diesel? Fuel polishing is an easy, reliable way to protect your generators and keep your operation moving.
Discover how Njord Filtration's diesel fuel polishers can help you filter diesel fuel, stay ahead of problems, and focus on getting the job done!