Ice formation in fuels containing water creates severe fuel line and filter plugging problems. It’s important to regularly remove water from storage tanks, vehicle fuel tanks and filter bowls, and to follow these guidelines:
- Tilt tanks to direct water and debris away from the outlet
- Pressurize tanks to keep vapor and air inside
- Drain and remove all contaminants every three months
- Install proper filtration systems on bulk tanks
- Replace fuel filters according to manufacturer recommendations; if filters have a drain valve, periodically drain water that may accumulate from condensation
- Clean pump screens regularly
- Request periodic fuel sampling for quality assurance purposes
- Have tanks cleaned annually
Proper use of cold flow improvers can extend the operability of fuels without the use of #1 fuel. They serve two functions: 1) changing the wax structure of diesel fuel so it can pass through filters more readily, and 2) keeping wax crystals dispersed longer when fuels are stored below the "cloud point" (temperature at which paraffin in fuel begins to form cloudy wax crystals and reduce flow).
When blending fuels, biofuels and additives, the components must all be at least 10 degrees above their cloud point – otherwise the additives will not blend in and therefore may clog filters.
Let us help you with all your winter fuel needs.
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