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Bio-Diesel and Clogged Fuel Filters. Potential Generator Problems.

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I am currently working for a farmer. His farm manager is experiencing tractor diesel filter clogging on a regular basis. It is claimed that the new bio-diesel mix is to blame. Apparently the bio-diesel mix with normal diesel attracts moisture and that causes growth of algae and bacteria in the diesel which blocks fuel filters. Diesel polishing can clean contaminated diesel fuel. This process filters out the dirt, rust and growths using filters of increasing fineness in stages of filtration. So, if you have a standby generator that is diesel powered it may be advisable to get the diesel fuel cleaned regularly, tanks cleaned and a "biocide" added to stop growth in the fuel, to maintain reliability.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25321913


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  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Chris Pearson:


    Do hospitals and suchlike, which may need to rely on standby generators, do anything to keep the fuel fresh?

     



    Depends on how they are managed, but usually - yes.


    That will be a combination of fuel polishing and regular use of the fuel by diverting "stale fuel" to the one or more dual fuel boiler sets - ie we burn it off for the heat on a regular basis (usually summer) and get fresh fuel to cover the gen sets.


    Usually the sets will also be capable of using fuel with a stated Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) content - so ordering the right fuel (and looking after it) is quite important


    Regular testing of the sets also helps  - as does constant fuel circulation (and back to polishing) from bulk to day tanks


    There is an amount of unintended consequence here - the biofuel is supposed to be "greener" but the industry is now causing environmental havoc by using palm oil - the production of which has been the cause of a lot of deforestation - but hey "splash and cash" as the industry calls it, is a good thing, right


    Regards


    OMS

     
     

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  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Chris Pearson:


    Do hospitals and suchlike, which may need to rely on standby generators, do anything to keep the fuel fresh?

     



    Depends on how they are managed, but usually - yes.


    That will be a combination of fuel polishing and regular use of the fuel by diverting "stale fuel" to the one or more dual fuel boiler sets - ie we burn it off for the heat on a regular basis (usually summer) and get fresh fuel to cover the gen sets.


    Usually the sets will also be capable of using fuel with a stated Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) content - so ordering the right fuel (and looking after it) is quite important


    Regular testing of the sets also helps  - as does constant fuel circulation (and back to polishing) from bulk to day tanks


    There is an amount of unintended consequence here - the biofuel is supposed to be "greener" but the industry is now causing environmental havoc by using palm oil - the production of which has been the cause of a lot of deforestation - but hey "splash and cash" as the industry calls it, is a good thing, right


    Regards


    OMS

     
     

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