Bacteria and Clogged Arteries
By Earl Kauffman
Bacteria and clogged arteries are concerns not unique to humans but also to the
machines we depend on. Managing your fuel's condition, like practicing a Healthy Heart
Vitamin and Exercise program can help extend your equipment's length of service and
production.
Diesel fuel originates from crude petroleum oils containing everything from
methane and propane, to gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt, and heavier components. Diesel
fuel is on the heavy end of a barrel of crude giving it a high BTU content, but causing
difficult operation in cold weather when conventional diesel fuel can gel. In an attempt to
clean up the air, sulfur in on-the-road fuels have been reduced eighty-three percent by
EPA's Phase II reduction. (www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel.htm) resulting in aggressive growth of
bacteria, fungus, and yeast in fuel and storage tanks. Phase III will reduce the lubricant
content to 15 ppm. The reduction of the fuel's BTU's and Cetane levels will increase the
consumption of diesel fuel according to American Clean Energy Systems, proponents of
fuel catalysts. Less fuel lubricant means more wear increasing the cost of operation.
E-Diesel or Oxydiesel and Biodiesel technologies are touted as possible
answers. Biodiesel, contains a renewable resource; a mixture of 80% No. 2 diesel with
20% methyl ester made from either soybeans or corn. These products don't overcome
the cold weather gelling, bacteria, and yeast problems. "System Lab Services, a division
of Williams Pipeline, provided a Bio Diesel fuel blended at 5%, tested at the Agricultural
Utilization and Research institute in Mankato, Minnesota. The Bio diesel fuel tested - 28
degrees (F) CFPP's compared to -22 degrees (F) CFPP's for a 50/50 blend of No 1 and
No. 2 fuel," according to the National Bio Diesel Board. Blending No. 1 diesel fuel or
kerosene with No. 2 fuel oil, adding an additive that improves cold flow properties, using
heaters on the fuel tank, filter or fuel lines, and storing the unit in or near a building
when not in use are ways of combating the gelling issue.
A manufacturer of fuel conditioners FTTP, makes several products that address
these issues. Killem is an EPA approved oil soluble biocide for the use of controlling
bacteria and fungi growth in oils and refined fuels. Killem reduces tank corrosion, slime
mats, odors, fuel oil filter deposits and plugging. Vehicle fuel tank deposits, corrosion,
fuel-water separator deposits, injector plugging, excess carbon deposit and exhaust gas
smoke are also reduced. Sixteen-ounces treats 1620 gallons of fuel. Agri Fuel
Treatment is an all-around fuel treatment that addresses the bacteria issue but also
removes condensation, stabilizes the fuel, cleans the injectors, lubricates the entire fuel
system and prevents acid formation. A winter diesel treatment Total Power removes
water, lowers the pour point and cold filter plugging point (CFPP's), raises cetane and
cleans the injectors without any alcohol. Emergency road treatment Meltdown is the
choice when waxing and gelling conditions already exist. It is specifically formulated to
dissolve gelled fuel into solution and return the flow in approximately twenty-minutes
without harming fuel pumps or any other pre-combustion components. STP and Howes
make similar products that lower CFPP's.
Plan to change to the EPA "green diesel technology." BP has a ultra low-sulfur
highway diesel fuel that meets the 2006 fuel standard in the EPA's rule. In March of
2004 EPA's review of industry progress shows that engine manufacturers are on target
to introduce "green technology" engines in 2007.
Paying attention to keeping water, bacteria, and fungus out of your fuel storage
can keep your machine up and running in today's changing environment. Clean and
healthy fuel and storage conditions reduce down time and increase equipment length of
service.
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