Types of Fuel Contamination

If your business is run on a simple biofuel like corn, you’re probably not concerned about the types of fuel contamination. According to Conida, if your business runs on a highly refined fuel like gasoline, you’re more likely to be concerned about fuel contamination.

The fuel contamination problem can be a serious matter, especially if you have engines that run off refined fuel. And, if the contaminated fuel is introduced into your engine’s system, you can experience serious damage to your engine or even a fire.

What is fuel contamination

Fuel contamination is where fuel becomes tainted with various organisms, like water, microorganism, rust, organic matter, and sediments. Fuel contamination is quite popular, and it can cause severe issues. There are various forms of fuel contamination, depending on the contaminant.

Types of fuel contamination

Understanding the various types of fuel contamination will help you recognize them and keep the issue from becoming severe. Knowing the different types will also help you find the best solution for them. Below are some of the most common types of fuel contamination;

Microbial contamination

Microorganisms existing in air and water can contaminate fuel. Microbial growth consists of bacteria, moulds, and yeast. The growth of microbes in fuel is primarily promoted by water and moisture. A microbial growth often appears like a sludge substance that corrodes steel tanks and causes other significant issues. Microorganisms like fungi excrete acidic produce sometimes. The acid may corrode the metals within a fuel’s system causing suspended solids in fuel. Corrosion of fuel tanks can lead to leakages, fuel fires, and fatalities. The fungi can also cause pipe filter blockages. Microbial contaminations also lead to sludge formation. Sludge damages pumping systems, constricting fuel flow. Removing moisture and using biocides can help minimize microorganisms from growing in fuel.

Water contamination

Water contamination is one of the most popular forms of fuel contamination. Water can get into fuels in various ways. Moisture in the air also causes fuel contamination by getting into fuel tanks via holes and vents. Damages gas caps can also cause water to get into fuel tanks. Some fuel vendors intentionally add water to their fuel to earn better profits. In a nutshell, water contamination is almost inevitable thanks to the elements above and condensation forming on heating oil tanks.

The most common type of water contamination is emulsified water. Emulsification happens when the water volume is beyond the point of saturation. This type of contamination causes a cloudy appearance. The clouding of the fuel often turns to sludge. Water contamination causes rust and corrosion of iron components. This often results in breakdowns of fuel nozzles and other fuel tank components over time. Water also provides a suitable condition for the growth of microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. Water contaminated fuel can cause engine failures and system degradation.

Abrasive contamination

Abrasive contaminants are common fuel contaminants. Abrasives are hard particles consisting of dust, bugs, insects, and dirt. Abrasives often get into fuel tanks during refills. Particles from clogged filters and materials formed from other types of contamination can also cause particle contamination. The abrasives cause significant damages, which cause corrosion and system degradation. They can cause rusting, which eventually gets into the fuel, causing clogged filters.

Asphaltenes contamination

Asphaltenes are insoluble particles normally less than two microns in size. These insoluble particles emerge from temperature changes and oxidation from the fuel. Sometimes, the particles collect and form larger particles. When this happens, the issues become significant. For instance, the large particles can cause engine filter blockages. You can detect asphaltenes contamination by looking out for sludge in the bottom of your tank. However, most people confuse this sludge with microbial contamination.

Types of Fuel Contamination: Final Word

Fuel contamination is a significant issue that you should not ignore. Ignoring it can cause severe damages to your fuel tank and other components of your fuel system. It can also cause severe accidents and financial losses. You can identify the different types of fuel contamination by looking out for particles, corrosion, mould, blocked lines and sludge at the bottom of your tank. The good thing is that fuel contamination is treatable. You can visit experts for treatment recommendations depending on the type of fuel contamination.