Questions continue to be raised concerning the long-term storage limitations of jet fuel in parted aircraft. The industry demands safe and reliable fuel. How long is too long and what are the main issues to consider with long-term storage in aircraft? Fuel compositions vary depending… Read More »Considerations for Long-term Storage of Jet Fuel in Aircraft
Ethanol enriched fuel continues to have its challenges. It is both hydrophilic – easily dissolves in water and hygroscopic – water absorbing. Water is always present in some form, at some level often found suspended in ethanol blended fuel until it becomes heavy enough to… Read More »The Challenges Associated with Ethanol Blended Fuels
In 2016, the EPA released their investigation on corrosion. In it, they say “corrosion increases servicing and equipment maintenance costs.” For the power generation industry, this can mean increased maintenance by as much as 30%. In the same study, they observed 83 percent of the… Read More »How Bad is Your Fuel?
The liabilities and financial risks associated with contaminated fuel are high if ignored. How do I know I have a problem? The warning signs and problems can be complex, but the system history helps to reveal the extent of the problem. Accelerated corrosion, fuel discoloration,… Read More »Generator Fuel Contamination Warnings
Dealing with heavy microbial contamination in a fuel system can be tricky, often requiring a multi-stepped approach that includes both biocide treatments and physical tank cleaning. When high levels of contaminants are indicated through fuel testing, a more complex approach may be required to decontaminate… Read More »Disinfecting Heavily Contaminated Fuel Systems
Admittedly, fuel and fuel systems must be serviced in order to maintain fuel quality. A fuel quality management program that includes both system cleaning and the application of a quality fuel biocide is the secret to maintaining both fuel and equipment. Tank cleaning and fuel… Read More »Dispelling the Fuel Cleaning Myth
DEVELOPING A COST SAVINGS PROGRAM Are you experiencing rising fuel system maintenance costs or higher than normal equipment failures? Consider the fact that studies repeatedly show fuel delivered to end users to be out of spec, containing unacceptable levels of contamination. Additionally, fuel ages and… Read More »Fuel Quality Management, Part 4
FUEL DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE SYSTEMS As I pointed out in a prior article, fuel is in a constant state of flux. From the time it leaves the refinery, through every point of transfer it is exposed to contamination. Once refined, fuel moves through the transportation… Read More »Fuel Quality Management, Part 3
FUEL CONTAMINATION The most common contaminants associated with damage in fuel systems are water, solid particulates and microbes. While microbes are solids, they form a separate category since they are living organisms capable of multiplying and deserve special attention. Different contaminants present varying degrees of… Read More »Fuel Quality Management, Part 2
THE ROLE OF FUEL ADDITIVES Fuel quality management continues to be a major topic among fuel system operators and owners. Whether for a fuel wholesaler, retailer or large fuel user, fuel system maintenance costs continue to rise. One cost savings topic gaining popularity is the… Read More »Fuel Quality Management, Part 1