Tag Archives: diesel oil contamination

The Reasons for Diesel Oil Contamination and the Methods of its Purification

There are two main problems facing the owners and operators of diesel fueled equipment; (1) diesel fuel loss and (2) degradation of the equipment’s performance characteristics.   Both problems will lead to increased costs and lowered efficiency.

All oil product contamination may be divided into the followoing groups:

(1)    organic (fuel oxidation products) and

(2)    non-organic (mineral dust, corrosion products of metals).

In theoretical terms, fuel may become contaminated at oil refineries, during transportation and when the equipment is being serviced.  Dusty air is the main reason for atmospheric contamination of diesel fuel.  Atmospheric dust consists of silicon and metal oxides.  These components are very solid and therefore, may accelerate the wear process of internal parts.  Very often, acclerated wear of precision parts in the fuel injection pump will lead to the following consequences:

(1)    fuel feed consistency is disturbed;

(2)    air tightness of nozzles is damaged; and

(3)    oil leaks/dribbles.

If one of the nozzles fails to supply fuel properly, there may be a 25 to 35% fuel overrun.  Clogging of the fine mesh filter may also lead to the reduction of fuel system pressure that prevents atomizing and combustion.  Additionally, cylinder liners and piston rings wear out if there is unwanted contamination in diesel fuel.

In practical terms, it is advised to increase fuel feeding or gear down to avoid such consequences.  Sometimes, to prevent ingress of atmospheric dust, there are special fuel tanks with a gas-holder (made of polyethylene) mounted into the equipment.  It prevents oil products from making contact with atmospheric air.  Such a device however, does not remove mechanical impurities from the oil.

Another way to protect oil products from dust is to improve the design of filling tubes and openings.  It is much more difficult to reclaim diesel fuel from sulphur and hydrogen sulphide.  This problem however, may be successfully solved by use of GlobeCore’s UVR units.  They are used to purify and decolor different oil products such as diesel fuels, stove fuels, gas condensates, benzines and kerosenes.  Diesel fuel, reclaimed on the UVR units is of a high purity class, does not have an unpleasant odor or a negative impact on the engine and fuel supply system.

GlobeCore knows how to keep your diesel fuel clean and with the utmost pleasure will teach you how to put this knowledge to practical use in your business.