Diesel fuel is typically stored in the fuel tank for later use or for safety. Hence, over time, the fuel tank can accumulate microbial and other external contaminants that pollute the fuel, and when you use it, you find it is already polluted. Once the fuel is contaminated, you cannot use it because it can clog the filters and the injectors. Eventually, it will shut down the engine. In such situations, fuel additives at Njord Filtration can improve fuel quality, allowing engines to run properly without shutting off. During any emergency, if the generator doesn't perform well, it can hamper the operations.
Table of contents:
- Why does diesel fuel degrade over time?
- What happens to engines when degraded diesel fuel is used?
- How do fuel additives help prevent diesel degradation?
Why does diesel fuel degrade over time?
Diesel fuel reacts with oxygen when it comes into contact, causing oxidation. As a result, it forms gums and sludge, which make the fuel thicker and heavier. Heavy-weighted fuel cannot perform well. Another contaminant that can damage the fuel is water particles. The presence of water can promote fungal, microbial and rust growth that can degrade fuel quality. Bacterial growth in fuel tanks can cause more slides and eventually clog the filters and fuel injectors, disrupting fuel flow. The temperature change also affects the fuel's consistency and nature. Excess heat tends to break down the fuel faster. Over time, dirt and sediment particles settle in the fuel, making it dirty. At present, the use of low-sulfur diesel has increased, but compared with old diesel, it is more prone to rapid degradation. As a result, even if you save the fuel in the tank for future use, it will end up contaminated and unusable. Here comes the role of the fuel additives from Njord Filtration: to upgrade fuel quality and keep it ready to use.
What happens to engines when degraded diesel fuel is used?
Using degraded fuel can damage the engine from the inside and, over time, increase your repair and maintenance costs. Sometimes excessive damage may require replacing the engine, which is very expensive. In this section, we will explain exactly what happens when you use contaminated fuel through degraded means.
- Contaminated or degraded fuel burns inefficiently, reducing overall engine power and performance.
- The presence of water particles and sludge clogs the fuel filters, restricting fuel flow through the pipelines and damaging internal components.
- External particles such as dirt, soil and wax can clog the fuel injectors and affect the spray patterns.
- Water in fuel can cause rust and corrosion in the fuel system, leading to poor engine performance.
- The more contaminants in the fuel, the more friction they cause, damaging the parts.
- The incomplete combustion leads to more smoke and other harmful emissions.
As an end note, during any emergency, the engine might stop working, and as a result, operations will be hampered, including safety in many sectors.
How do fuel additives help prevent diesel degradation?
The fuel additives help prevent fuel degradation by protecting it from the key causes of breakdown and keeping it stable for future use. Let’s see how the fuel additives help. The first thing it does is slow down the oxidation process by reducing the reaction with oxygen, resulting in less sludge and gum formation. Biocide additives control and kill microbial growth, including bacteria and fungi, in the fuel. Fuel additives, such as fuel stabilizers, help keep fuel stable longer. Some fuel additives help separate the water particles to keep the fuel free from contaminants. Detergent fuel additives remove deposits from tanks and other engine parts. One of the most important roles of fuel additives is to protect fuel from rust and damage on metal surfaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fuel additives from Njord filtration play a crucial role in keeping your stored fuel clean so that you can use it anytime, including in an emergency. Contact us to learn which additives can protect your fuel from damage. It will save you money and reduce fuel waste.
FAQs
- What are fuel additives used for?
Fuel additives are used to improve the fuel quality so that it can be stored for long-term use. - Which additives are best for long-term fuel storage?
Fuel stabilizers and biocides are commonly used to keep fuel safe and free of contamination. - Do I still need filtration if I use additives?
Yes, the fuel additives are for storage purposes, but filtration with them works best.