Do you have any questions? These are the most frequently asked questions regarding the topic. The FAQ section will give you more insight into what is involved in the filtration process and its benefits.
What is fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing refers to a technical cleaning process used to clean stored fuels. The process removes contaminants, such as water, sludge, debris, and diesel bugs, to restore quality.
What are the benefits of fuel polishing?
- Increases efficiency – Clean fuel is essential for the optimum performance of engines. Through polishing, you can minimize the risk of engine breakdown due to blocked filters and other contaminant-related issues. That is particularly important in the case of emergency power generators for institutions such as banks and hospitals.
- Reduces operational and maintenance costs – Using clean fuels minimizes damage to engine parts, reducing operation and maintenance costs.
Other benefits include reduced replacement costs (as fuel ends up to waste), increased safety, and minimized adverse impact on the environment. Regular fuel testing can identify potential issues before they become serious.
What is a fuel polishing system?
A fuel polishing system refers to all the units attached to the tank that facilitate the ‘polishing’ process. Common components of these polishing systems include
- A timer – to set time or schedule fuel cleaning on a regular basis.
- A pump – pumps fuel through filters and back into the tank.
- Filters – these remove debris and other contaminants.
- Piping/tubing – facilitates the flow of fuel from one component to the other.
How long does fuel polishing take?
There are several factors that determine how long fuel polishing will take. These include:
- Tank size/gallons in storage
- Current quality of fuel
- Capacity of the polishing system
What are the common contaminants?
The three primary contaminants are water, debris, and, microbial growth (diesel bug).
Water is the most common contaminant because there are a lot of opportunities for moisture to form in storage tanks. This type of contamination can result from free water in pipelines, leaks through broken seals, and moist air entering through tank vents.
Debris (also particulates) are hard contaminants, such as dust, dirt and brittle particles, that settle at the bottom of the storage tanks. These can cause serious equipment damage by speeding up wear and blocking filters.
Microbial contamination (diesel bug) is arguably the most damaging type of contamination in fuels. It leads to the formation of a sludge-like substance that damages oil filters and causes corrosion in storage tanks.
Is tank cleaning necessary after fuel polishing?
It is essential to clean your tank before you restore fuel. A significant amount of contaminants settle at the bottom of the tank and along the walls. Putting clean fuels in such a tank would almost instantaneously contaminate it again. That’s why polishing and tank cleaning services go hand in hand.
Will the process interrupt my daily operations?
The polishing process will not interrupt your workflow as the equipment will keep working as normal while the filtration system runs. You don’t have to suspend your operations to give way for the filtration process.
How often should I schedule fuel polishing?
There is no standard recommendation on how often you should carry out the process. However, you should have the service performed when needed. Experts recommend that filtration be done yearly as a preventative measure against contamination. But you can get away with performing the filtration every 1-3 years.
Do I still need a fuel polishing service if I add additives in storage?
Additives are products that help minimize contamination. Unfortunately, they don’t eliminate the tank’s contaminant build-up problem. So, whether or not you use any additive product, ensure you schedule a filtration date with your local service provider.
How can I find a fuel polishing service near me?
Online polishing services are available for boat, generator, and other equipment fuel. Open your browser and type ‘fuel polishing near me’ in the search box. Hit enter and compare the results to find the right option that suits your needs.
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