Diesel quality testing is an essential aspect you must embrace, despite how you use it. Poor quality fuel is inappropriate for equipment as it will damage them and impact general performance.
In extreme scenarios, this fuel type leads to equipment failure. Also, contamination can lead to fuel dilution. To avoid such incidences, one needs to conduct regular testing.
Contaminant build-up, combustion speed, and efficiency are factors revealed through quality testing. All these factors impact the level of fuel efficiency.
Planning quality tests for your stored petroleum products will lead to adequate performance, keeping the equipment in good shape, and saving fuel economy. You must have the right equipment, including a test stand, to ensure safety and efficiency. Read on to find out more about fuel testing.
Fuel Analysis
Diesel fuel testing is used to determine the quality and condition of stored petroleum products using a wide range of test kits. Fuel samples are obtained from the storage tank and taken to the laboratory.
In the lab, fuel analysis is done to develop a comprehensive report on contamination levels. Here are the three levels of fuel contamination used in testing for microbial growth:
Negligible
The fuel has minimal levels of microbes. You shouldn’t worry about it, but it is advisable to be vigilant about its state, so it doesn’t deteriorate.
Moderate
The fuel has a fair level of microbes that are dangerous to the equipment and fuel system as they alter functionality. At this point, you need to consider treatment for diesel fuel contamination, like fuel polishing.
Heavy
This means that high levels of microbes in the fuel samples can lead to severe problems in fuel systems.
The Value of Diesel Fuel Testing
There are many essential aspects that one can uncover through fuel quality testing. Below are the things that are measurable through diesel fuel testing.
Oxidative stability
This testing determines the stability of a given fuel sample. Stability is an essential aspect of any diesel fuel. Here, the fuel is passed through accelerated stability to measure sludge. Diesel fuel with high sludge deposits corresponds to low stability levels.
Water content
Water molecules can lead to the degradation of the fuel and the accumulation of microbial life. That is why it is necessary to analyze diesel fuel regularly. It is possible for water content to have a negative impact on equipment, including malfunctioning.
Additionally, water molecules can freeze in the fuel tank, filters, or pipes. To avoid corrosion and clogging, you need to check the fuel/water separator daily, clean, and replace the filters if worn out.
Sulfur content
To comply with the Environment Protection Agency’s regulation, conduct sulfur testing. As per the regulation, all diesel fuel must have a maximum of 15 ppm sulfur content.
The rules were set to protect the environment and promote public safety. By maintaining compliance, you will be safe from liability once you conduct regular sulfur testing.
Microbial content
Through fuel testing, you will be able to address microbiological contamination. Microbial life requires water to survive. Therefore, when you minimize the water content, microbial contamination will be reduced. That is why it is advisable to measure the microbial content during fuel testing.
Fuel Testing And Fuel Sampling FAQ
Can contamination lead to low fuel pressure?
Yes, it can. When the fuel is contaminated, it can impact the fuel pump and damage the regulator. All of these things end up causing low pressure in a diesel engine.
Is it possible to test fuel at home?
Yes, it is possible, as all you need is a test kit; you can purchase one from Bauer Model. Once you have a fuel test kit, you can prepare fuel samples at a high temperature or even examine them immediately.
What leads to the clogging of the fuel filters?
Whenever the fuel filters are blocked, it might be because of contamination caused by the following:
• Particles
• Microorganisms
• Bio content
• Water
After how long should fuel be tested?
The time frame for the analysis tends to differ; for critical fuel storage, testing must be done once a year. It is advisable to have the fuel tested at least twice a year if used as backup diesel.
Gregory Towns, a seasoned Cyber Security enthusiast and writer, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the digital security realm. With a background in Ethical Hacking and a passion for educating others, Gregory’s articles offer insightful and practical solutions for navigating the complex world of cyber threats.
