Refueler
Well-Known Member
Ok - but care to choose what you are trying to dispel ...
True if all you add is Biocide. That is basically just a killer. What is needed is an Enzyme that breaks down the bug debris to minute size and capable of being burnt.
True in case of debris not broken down.
Fuel Polishing has no effect other than removing physical particulate and most systems I read on forums / online actually have micron size filters LESS than a decent engine fuel filter. I conducted a trial in my own lab for my own interests ... this was back in 2008 where I used various retained samples of Gasoils (Heating Oils through to ULSD).
First a small amount of each was passed through lab filtration to determine levels. Second large part of each was contaminated and allowed to develop. No biocide or additives were given. Filtration again of part of that part to determine change.
The remainder of the 'infected' samples were each passed through a system of pump / filters that had same micron size as a contributor on these forums had been advocating all those years ago ... the circulation was repeated many times.
Finally all samples were again checked for levels and also visual appearance.
Results ? Particulate was barely changed. Colour was slightly clearer in the darker grades.
Why did I do it ? I had over 1000 litres of retained Gasoil that no longer needed to be kept and I wanted to use in the boat ... plus I had already suffered blocked filters. That fuel in the end was used as fire starter and blended off slowly .....
That which was blended off and used in the boat - had Enzyme added .... even though the ratio of that to 'fresh clean fuel' was extremely low.
You can now understand my view on Fuel Polishing ...
Problem is most tanks cannot be cleaned as you suggest - take my 80 ltr tank ... its a truck tank that has 3 compartments to it with through flow lower sections ... designed to reduce fuel movement and fuel starvation. Only way to try clean that is circulating fuel ..
ALL middle distillates and heavys have Bug ..... even Lubricating oil in fact. Reason Lub Oil does not usually end up showing it - is due to the blending and production processes that near eradicate it.
If people don't believe about Lub Oil ............... I can relate an event :
Petroship A ...... 40,000 ton Motor Tanker. On sampling the Lub oil of the main engine ... particulate was observed. Ship was then suspended from ops and we were anchored while main engine was drained ... and we then did internal inspection ... yes we could poke head in and look ! The special paint on the sump walls was seen sliding down as if there was goo between it and the steel. The goo was living organism that had grown in the Lub and then got behind the paint.
Engine was steam cleaned and then fresh oil added.
The old was blended off into the fuel ........ not my decision ...
It may be a ship - but that Lub Oil is not much different to what you have - other than it being larger volume and Industrial Grade.
Just to comment ...
