Why Preserving Diesel Quality is Essential
The Impact of Degraded Diesel
Diesel fuel is the lifeblood of backup generators, construction machinery, and industrial equipment. However, when stored improperly or for extended periods, diesel can degrade, leading to severe performance issues. Degraded diesel can cause engine inefficiency, injector clogging, and increased fuel consumption. Additionally, contaminated or aged fuel can lead to corrosion within fuel tanks and components, resulting in costly repairs and unexpected downtime.
Microbial growth, oxidation, and water contamination are common problems that deteriorate diesel quality. When microbial colonies, often referred to as diesel "bugs," grow in fuel, they form sludge that can clog filters and injectors. Water, whether through condensation or leaks, accelerates oxidation and creates an environment where microbes thrive. As oxidation occurs, diesel forms harmful gums and sediments, further compromising fuel efficiency.
Understanding Diesel Shelf Life
Diesel fuel typically has a shelf life of six to twelve months under normal storage conditions. However, various factors influence how long stored diesel remains viable. Exposure to heat, light, and oxygen accelerates degradation, while contaminants like dirt and moisture further reduce its usability.
If properly stored and treated with stabilisers, diesel can last for years without significant degradation. Regular maintenance, including monitoring for contamination and using additives, helps preserve fuel quality and prevents costly failures.
Factors Affecting Stored Diesel Quality
Contamination Risks
Contaminants significantly impact diesel quality, leading to poor combustion, engine wear, and equipment failure. Common contaminants include:
- Water: Condensation in tanks introduces water, which promotes microbial growth and corrosion.
- Microbial Growth: Bacteria and fungi feed on fuel, forming sludge that clogs filters and injectors.
- Dirt and Debris: Improper handling and storage introduce solid particles that cause wear on fuel injectors.
- Oxidation: Prolonged exposure to air leads to oxidation, forming gum and sediment deposits.
Environmental Conditions
Storage conditions directly impact diesel quality. Some key environmental factors include:
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme heat accelerates oxidation, while cold temperatures lead to fuel gelling.
- Light Exposure: UV rays break down fuel molecules, reducing diesel’s effectiveness.
- Humidity: High moisture levels introduce water into the fuel, leading to microbial contamination.
Proper storage solutions, such as sealed tanks in climate-controlled environments, help mitigate these risks.
Best Practices for Preserving Stored Diesel Quality
Proper Storage Techniques
Ensuring proper storage conditions extends the life of diesel fuel. Using sealed, clean, and compatible fuel containers helps prevent contamination, while keeping storage tanks as full as possible minimizes condensation. Storing fuel in cool, dark environments reduces oxidation and microbial growth, and ensuring tanks are elevated prevents water ingress from ground sources.
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Routine inspections and proactive maintenance are key to preventing fuel degradation. Inspecting tanks regularly for leaks, water accumulation, and sediment build-up ensures early detection of issues, while testing fuel periodically using quality test kits helps identify degradation before it affects performance. Additionally, draining water separators removes excess moisture from the system, preventing microbial growth and corrosion.
Using Diesel Additives
Fuel additives help extend diesel shelf life and prevent contamination. Common additives include:
- Stabilisers: Slow down oxidation and preserve fuel integrity.
- Biocides: Prevent microbial growth and sludge formation.
- Water Dispersants: Break down water into smaller particles that can be safely removed or burned.
When to Replace or Treat Stored Diesel
Recognising Signs of Degraded Diesel
Identifying fuel degradation early prevents engine damage and inefficiency. Signs of bad diesel include:
- Darkened colour or the presence of floating particulates.
- Sludge build-up in tanks or filters.
- Foul, sour odours indicating oxidation and microbial growth.
- Engine performance issues such as rough idling, excessive smoke, or difficulty starting.
Options for Managing Old Diesel
When diesel starts to degrade, corrective actions can extend its usability. Options include:
- Filtration and polishing systems to remove contaminants and restore fuel quality.
- Chemical treatment with stabilisers to slow oxidation.
- Fuel replacement when diesel is beyond recovery.
Long-Term Storage Solutions
Advanced Storage Systems
For businesses and industries requiring long-term diesel storage, advanced solutions ensure reliability. Double-walled tanks help prevent leaks and external contamination, while climate-controlled storage regulates temperature and humidity to maintain fuel quality. Additionally, professional fuel management services offer large-scale storage solutions that ensure optimal performance and longevity of stored diesel.
Planning for Emergency Use
Backup power systems and emergency generators rely on fresh, high-quality diesel. Best practices for emergency preparedness include:
- Fuel rotation: Regularly cycling stored diesel to maintain freshness.
- Inventory tracking: Keeping logs of fuel age and testing frequency.
- Routine generator testing: Running generators periodically to prevent stale fuel issues.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can extend diesel shelf life, reduce waste, and ensure reliable generator operation when it matters most.
If you need high-quality diesel generators and fuel tanks contact the GFE team. Take a look at our Generator Components and Accessories page to view our current range of fuel tanks.
Call: +44(0)1386 553344 | Email: sales@gfe.uk.com