Do you want to risk backup generators, plant equipment or vehicles failing?

Prevention is better than cure, beware of the “diesel bug”!

You may have a problem if you:

·    Store fuel for long periods
·    Haven’t had your storage systems inspected in a long time
·    Operate in places with extremes of weather
·    Can’t determine the quality of your fuel as delivered to you

Fuel sampling can give an early warning of any potential problem and is cheaper than having to dispose of contaminated supplies.

For some years oil companies have been adding bio-oil to fuel.  From January 2011 EN590, the EU’s Fuel Directive standard for gas oils was changed and new fuel supplies must be low sulphur along with a 7% bio-diesel blend.  In practice it is often much higher and it is this that can exacerbate the problem of bacterial/fungal growth.  Heavily contaminated fuel supplies can prevent your machinery from operating efficiently and even lead to a total breakdown.

Diesel bug is not a single species of microbe.  The various spores which exist in even the cleanest of fuels can remain undetected until it’s too late.  As spores grow and die in suitable conditions they lead to the build up of sludge and floating debris which can block filters and injectors.

“Suitable conditions” means the presence of water.  The bugs live in the water and feed off the fuel.  This problem is particularly bad where fuel is stored for extended periods of time.  Condensation naturally occurs in holding stores through variation of temperature and the act of fuel filling and delivery.

Andel-PPL have introduced various options to help you with the diesel bug problem from a simple on-site fuel test to more comprehensive lab testing.  Once the results have been received we can further assist in the best course of action.

If you’re in any doubt contact us to discuss your options.

 Andel-PPL Fuel Sampling for Microbial Growth (Diesel Bug) (236.4 kB)