There will be some dissolved water in all diesel fuel; it is impossible to totally eliminate it. The fuel begins to accumulate free water after it is totally saturated with dissolved water. The presence of free water gives the gasoline tank a hazy or cloudy look, and it collects at the bottom.
What can I do if my diesel is cloudy?
Your fuel should be clean and bright, whether it’s road diesel or red diesel. You should be able to see through it like water, regardless of whether it is yellow or red. If you’ve taken a sample of your gasoline and are wondering why it’s hazy, or even worse, why it’s lost all transparency and is now a milky consistency, you may have a water contamination problem. This article will explain what causes hazy and milky diesel fuel and how to remedy it, as well as how to avoid it from happening again.
So, what causes diesel fuel to look cloudy?
It’s crucial to know the difference between free, suspended, and emulsified fuel to understand why your fuel is milky or foggy.
As you may be aware, fuel can be polluted with water due to rain, humidity, and the natural water content in today’s biodiesel. You may not be aware that water contamination in diesel fuel can take two forms: free versus suspended and emulsified water. So, what’s the distinction?
- Free water – As the name implies, free water is present in the tank but exists independently of the fuel. It settles to the bottom of the tank, forming a water layer beneath the fuel. The diesel bug thrives here, putting your equipment, cars, and engines at risk.
- Suspended water – Your foggy diesel fuel is now the result of this form of water pollution. Suspended water is water that is bound to the fuel molecules and is mixed in with the fuel, giving it a murky appearance. When the diesel tank becomes too full to hold any more water, it begins to leak free water to the bottom of the tank.
- Emulsified water – As the fuel passes through pumps and filters, it is subjected to pressure variations, agitation, and strong cavitation, which causes the water content to totally emulsify, turning it from hazy to milky diesel fuel. There is essentially little separation between the fuel molecules and the water content at this point.
If you’ve taken a hazy diesel fuel sample and found it, we recommend taking a sample from the bottom of the tank as well, as you’re likely to have a problem with free water. Both types of water pollution must be addressed immediately, as they can have disastrous consequences such as diesel bug/nasty sludge growth, clogged filters, damaged pumps, engine failure, and fuel system corrosion.
How to fix cloudy diesel fuel?
If you notice milky or hazy diesel fuel, you must act quickly to avoid costly repairs and downtime. But how do you go about doing it?
1. Filters for fuel tanks
Standard fuel tank filters that remove water before it is poured into your vehicle or equipment are an excellent solution for removing free water, but they do not remove emulsified water. While they are a cost-effective method for dealing with one aspect of fuel pollution, they cannot remove the water that causes your diesel to seem hazy. Furthermore, ordinary gasoline tank filters only address the issue after the fuel has been delivered. They do not alleviate the difficulties associated with diesel bug growth and sludge formation since they do not aim to eliminate the water content while it is resting in the tank.
2. Polishing of the fuel
Fuel polishing is a method of removing cloudiness from diesel fuel. This service is normally performed by a professional on a regular basis and entails withdrawing the fuel from the tank and passing it through highly effective filters that remove impurities to EN590 diesel fuel quality standards. Both the free and emulsified water content in the fuel will be reduced to the required 200ppm after fuel polishing. But what happens to your tank’s water content between fuel polishing services?
3. Water absorber for the Aquafighter fuel tank
While alternative diesel tank water absorbers are available, Aquafighter is the only fuel tank water absorber that also eliminates the suspended and emulsified water that creates hazy and milky gasoline.
The beauty of this solution is that all you have to do is drop Aquafighter into a storage tank, genset belly tank, or vehicle fuel tank through the biggest aperture, and the diesel tank water absorber reduces water content levels to less than 75ppm. As a result, the EN590 diesel fuel specifications of 200ppm are met and exceeded. The Aquafighter fuel tank water absorber works in this way to maintain your fuel tank free of water and foggy fuel at all times, without the need to remove the fuel first.
Now that you know what milky or foggy diesel fuel is, you’ll understand why it’s so important and how to address this water contamination side effect before it becomes a major problem.
How can you tell if your diesel fuel is contaminated?
Many people have experienced or know someone who has experienced a circumstance when the “The “check engine” light in their vehicle appears out of nowhere. They slow down their driving at first, nervous, to check whether they can detect any differences in the vehicle’s performance.
It doesn’t feel any different than before, so they convince themselves it’s nothing more than the car or truck being a little sluggish “picky.”
A few days pass, followed by a few months. The light is still on, and while the vehicle doesn’t appear to be operating any differently, it’s running as frequently and as hard as usual.
However, components under the hood are not performing as intended, and the continued operation of worn parts is causing damage to the systems that keep the car functioning.
At this point, catastrophic engine failure might occur in a matter of weeks, turning a couple hundred dollar fix into a thousand-dollar one.
Clogged Fuel Filters
Fuel filters that are frequently blocked are one of the first symptoms of suspected diesel fuel pollution. The filter’s purpose is to catch particles in your gasoline before they enter the engine. These particles can be clumps of sludge, metallic particles, or other undesired particulates.
If a fuel system’s fuel filter replacements are occurring in an unusually high frequency, the issue could be due to the quality of the fuel being provided to the filter.
Particulates and other undesirable contaminants would be continually present in heavily contaminated fuel, clogging filters quickly and perhaps causing additional problems in the fuel system.
This contamination could be caused by the gasoline source or the internal corrosion of the fuel tank that is being used to feed the engine.
Failing Fuel Pump
Fuel pump failure is often the result of repeated fuel filter clogging. The fuel pump may be working harder than necessary to distribute fuel from the tank to the engine due to the restriction imposed by clogged filters.
When a fuel pump fails, it is unable to supply a consistent flow of fuel, causing the engine’s mechanical stroke and operation to be disrupted. This is especially obvious during acceleration, when the gasoline demand rises yet the fuel pump is unable to supply the desired amount of fuel.
When a gasoline pump fails, it’s past the point where routine maintenance can get the engine up and running again. When a fuel pump malfunctions, the fuel line pressure is lost, and the engine is unable to receive any gasoline. At this stage, equipment downtime for substantial repairs is expected to have the fuel flowing correctly again.
Partial Injector Failure
Unfortunately, partial engine failure sometimes goes unrecognized until it is far too late.
Engine inefficiencies are rarely noticed by the user, but they can result in significant operational and revenue losses.
The partial breakdown of an engine’s fuel injection system is a key cause of engine inefficiency, which the majority of people are unaware of.
In many sectors, partial functional injector failure isn’t well-documented, resulting in a misunderstanding of the symptoms that accompany this type of failure.
A partial functional failure of a fuel injection system usually results in a reduction in engine efficiency or performance, even though the equipment is still operational. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of injection system failures:
Many of the symptoms listed above are difficult to identify without the right tools and equipment, which means that necessary repairs are frequently neglected.
The user is exposed to the danger of catastrophic engine or component failure if the equipment is operated continuously.
To comprehend the mechanical purpose of fuel injection in an engine, one must first comprehend the stroke cycle, as shown below.
Fuel is fed into the cylinder and ignites during the power stroke, generating the energy needed to transfer to the mechanical output that drives the vehicle or equipment.
Diesel fuel injectors are developed with specific functional tolerances before being manufactured. The fuel spray trajectory within the combustion chamber is dramatically impacted if these injectors begin to fail or deviate from the intended tolerances in any manner.
By introducing tainted gasoline into injectors, they can depart from their limits. Contaminated gasoline can corrode and damage the metal surfaces in injectors, which is more likely after lengthy periods of operation.
Any of these situations can cause a fuel injector’s engineered functionality to be altered, resulting in a cascade of internal engine damage that could finally lead to major engine failure.
Catastrophic Engine Injector Failure
When catastrophic engine injector failures occur, the engine is unable to continue operating as a result of these unexpected events. Typically, these traumatic occurrences may only be resurrected through expensive repairs, which typically result in extended equipment downtime.
To preserve sales margins and business profitability, operations and equipment managers rely on adequate equipment functionality. For these reasons, emphasis should be placed on managing, forecasting, and preventing equipment failures through effective equipment maintenance and operation.
Equipment specialists and OEMs often run their machines in accordance with approved maintenance practices, which are intended to reduce component failure and extend the life of the machine.
OEMs frequently advocate certain maintenance methods in order to maintain warranties. Fuel injector replacements are an important part of these OEM warranties, with recommendations coming at the half-life of the engine.
This is advised because OEMs are aware that most engines are not supplied with high-quality fuel, but rather with contaminated gasoline, which can harm injectors over time and threaten reliability.
Although maintenance workers are in charge of maintaining engine equipment and resolving any problems, not all can be predicted or avoided. This is frequently the case with polluted fuel, as operations managers’ fuel procurement options are often limited.
The use of tainted gasoline is likely to cause erosion of the injector valve seat, resulting in a partial functional failure that will eventually lead to the fuel injector valve failing completely.
The Failure Chain Reaction
There are three primary components within a high-pressure common rail fuel injector that are the most impacted by the impacts of diesel fuel pollution. These are the following:
Fuel Injector Nozzle
Fuel injector nozzles pour a fine mist of fuel into the cylinder to aid piston compression and combustion. The SAC (area surrounding pintel tip) nozzle and the VCO (valve-covered orifice) nozzle are the two most common types of gasoline nozzles.
The VCO type is commonly used in high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) injectors. As the injection is completed, the injector can rapidly and completely shut off the fuel supply. This enables for more precise fuel injection management, which is crucial in HPCR injectors.
This design allows the injector to quickly and totally shut off the gasoline at the end of an injection event, allowing for more severe fuel injection management. The two designs can be seen in the gallery below.
VCO injection needle valves are noted for their exceptionally tight tolerances and sensitivity to partial failure during rise and fall operations.
In a diesel engine, the rise and fall injection actions might happen dozens of times per second. As a result, injector tolerances are vital for maintaining dependable operation and avoiding fuel injection function partial failures.
Fuel injector nozzle holes are often vulnerable to two situations that can cause injector failure. Blockages and erosions are the two conditions.
Although amazing, the accuracy required to operate HPCR fuel injectors results in delicate components that require certain conditions for combustion to occur as intended.
When everything goes according to plan, the fuel mist sprayed into the combustion chamber is burned away before the fuel droplets reach the engine cylinder liner. This guarantees that the fuel combustion does not cause damage to the cylinder, which is especially important for fuel injection systems to work properly.
Soot builds up within the engine when fuel fails to complete combustion as it should, resulting in damaging exhaust pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Matter.
HPCR fuel injectors typically have 5-8 holes cut into the injector tip that allow fuel to be injected into the combustion chamber and atomized.
Diesel fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber when the fuel injection action takes place. The piston moves downward during the power stroke, pulling injector fuel spray deeper into the combustion chamber.
Fuel droplets from the injector nozzle may not be able to complete combustion if injector tolerances are compromised, resulting in smoke and soot emissions. Soot will build up on the injector tips if the problem is not handled, eventually causing blockages. The engine valves, cylinder walls, and exhaust system are all susceptible to obstructions.
Because more fuel is forced to depart the injector through the remaining unobstructed holes when injector nozzle holes are blocked by this build-up, fuel velocity through the open nozzle holes increases.
Ineffective atomization is caused by blockages in the injector nozzle, which contributes to engine inefficiency and hazardous emissions.
When partial injector functional failures occur, it is thought to be best practice to employ diesel fuel additives that are chemically engineered to clear soot build-up from the injectors.
Although the use of these additives can be beneficial, they do not address the fundamental underlying issues that cause injector clogs. Injectors will still wear out if the gasoline is contaminated, and the fuel additive remedy may merely be a bandage for a more serious problem.
Fuel Injector Needle & Control Valve
In modern engines, there are two types of fuel injectors: electronically controlled unit injectors (EUI) and high-pressure common rail injectors (HPCR). After the fuel injection process, the needle valve in both of these fuel injection types is designed to stop the fuel from going into the injector tip.
Fuel will dribble down into the engine cylinder and onto the piston if a needle valve fails to seal properly (s). This oozing fuel has the potential to cause serious engine issues and catastrophic breakdowns.
The fuel injectors in HPCR injection systems are constantly under sustained pressure while the engine is running. As a result, if a fuel injector’s needle valve malfunctions, there is a greater risk of injury.
The timing of fuel injection sequences is managed by a control valve in both types of electronic fuel injectors.
An electronic solenoid controls the control valves in EUI injectors. A Piezoelectrically operated valve controls HPCR injectors. These Piezoelectric valves are frequently regarded as the most important injector component because they allow the injection system to better manage the distance and speed of valve movement.
Fuel contamination is extremely harmful to Piezoelectric valves because it wears out and destroys the components, compromising the injection tolerances.
Contaminants can build up inside the injector after prolonged exposure to tainted gasoline, causing the needle valve to move slowly. This wears down the valve and eventually causes the needle component within the fuel injector to fail partially, if not completely.
What is the appearance of tainted diesel fuel?
Biomass (the buildup of microbial cells) is formed when diesel fuel is contaminated, and it might appear as a thick, slimy substance. Even when you can’t see it, biomass can be present. Biomass can impede engine systems, causing the engine to perform inefficiently or possibly cease to function.
What removes the water from diesel fuel?
The answer to how to remove water out of diesel fuel varies depending on the extent of the damage. Water in the diesel fuel tank can be dealt with in a number ways. For the following issues, seek professional assistance.
Empty And Fill It Up
Draining, cleaning, and reloading the tank with high-quality fuel would be the optimum answer. This method is more expensive, but it provides superior results.
New Filters
A fuel filter acts as a barrier between water in the fuel tank and the engine of the vehicle. If water gets stuck inside the filter, however, it may lose its efficiency. In this case, replacing the old fuel filter with a new one can assist.
Rubbing Alcohol
Water can be removed from a diesel fuel tank using rubbing alcohol, a chemical that settles at the bottom and absorbs water. A chemical like this will eventually travel through the engine and burn.
Adding Fuel Additives To The Tank
In the tank, water in diesel fuel additives can be used. As a result, the gasoline and water will be diluted. Methanol-based additives should work. However, this method should only be used when there is a small amount of water present.
Hay forma de eliminar el agua del combustible diesel con un aditivo?
Antes de considerar la creacin de un producto, nos aseguramos de que funciona.
Considere ofrecerlos a nuestros clientes. Si no funcionan, se les devuelve una nota pensada.
Los aditivos de combustible son uno de los productos ms probados de todos esos productos, si no el ms.
Slo por las numerosas afirmaciones en la etiqueta de cada nueva botella.
Los aditivos de separacin del agua slo mejoran las composiciones fsicas polarizadas del combustible y del agua, sin eliminar la humedad de las reservas de combustible. Aunque estos aditivos ayudan a separar las dos sustancias, tambin las hacen interactuar.
No hay nada que se pueda hacer para sacar el agua del tanque, que es la raz del problema.
El K-100, un aditivo de combustible de 50 aos, realmente permite que el agua se emulsione; cuando se aade al combustible, el K100 se une a las molculas de agua y las encapsula, convirtindolas en un compuesto orgnico que se quema. Mientras su motor est en marcha,
Cuando el agua y el combustible se combinan, se produce vapor, que ayuda a limpiar su motor.
Dado que el agua es ms densa que el combustible, se asentar en la parte inferior de su depsito de combustible en su estado separado. El agua puede obstruir las lneas y los filtros del combustible, daar los tips del combustible, causar corrosin y formacin de cido, e incluso apoyar el crecimiento de los microbios en el combustible disel, lo que hace que el caso del K-100 sea ms convincente.
K-100 es un aditivo multipropsito para gasolina y disel que limpia, elimina agua, lubrica, reduce las emisiones, estabiliza el combustible viejo y aumenta la calificacin de octano. Los tratamientos de combustible K100 estn formulados para su uso con todos los combustibles, incluidos los E-10, ULSD, Off-Road, Bio-Diesel y los combustibles para la calefaccin domstica, en todos los equipos alimentados por gasolina y disel.
What is the appearance of diesel fuel bacteria?
If you wish to prevent, or at the very least, limit the spread of diesel bug within your storage tanks, it’s important to check your own fuel supply from time to time.
There are certain things you can do to check your own fuel supply, as we’ll show you below, but for a more thorough examination, you should consider hiring a professional (such as crownoilenvironmental.co.uk) to test the fuel for germs, bugs, and microbes that aren’t apparent to the naked eye.
- In the glass ball on the tank, you might be able to see traces of black muck and water. If you can see a lot of water in the glass ball, the tank will need to be cleaned and emptied, since this could suggest that there is water in the tank. Diesel bacteria contamination will almost probably be indicated by black sludge.
- When replacing the filters on the fuel tank, look for remnants of black sludge in the previous fuel filters.
- Pour some into a glass or a clear plastic container if your fuel tank has a drain tap. Allow it to settle for a few minutes before inspecting the container for any signs of water or black muck.