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Fuel Proof News

Winter Fuel And Storage Tank Maintenance

11/12/2017

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Cold weather can cause problems for everyone, but fleet operators are often hit particularly hard. Heavy snow and ice causes havoc with delivery schedules, with accidents, road closures and breakdowns taking their toll and stretching transport operators to the limit.
​
But it’s not just on the road where vehicle operators have been affected; on-site maintenance staff have an extremely hard job keeping their vehicles up-and-running – and this is certainly the case when it comes to vehicle refuelling and fuel storage.
Picture
In addition to unpredictable winter weather conditions in recent years, the changeover to a new diesel specification since 2009 has given fuel users another headache to contend with, as the combination of low temperatures and a higher percentage of biofuel in the diesel increases the possibility of problems in vehicle fuel systems and filters. The same problems also often arise with the filters and pumping equipment on bulk storage tanks.

The changing fuel specification means that ‘gas oil’ (red diesel) now contains less sulphur, and may contain up to 7% Biodiesel. This low sulphur red diesel containing Biodiesel is a better solvent than diesel from around 3-4 years ago and it will loosen deposits that have built up. If not correctly filtered this can end up blocking vehicle filters and possibly cause damage to engines, resulting in more breakdowns and increased repair costs. Filters may also need changing more frequently, depending on the age and condition of the tank.

It is also worth considering having a full internal tank clean to remove build up of:

– Condensation & water from the tank sump
– Sediment & dirt from the tank sump and walls
– Possible bacterial growth

This should be carried out by a company with specialist equipment and the necessary training and expertise. This is also a good opportunity to have the rest of your fuel delivery system checked over, as they will be able to advise on improvements such as filter upgrades, overfill limiting devices, tank and bund alarms, fuel level monitoring systems and fuel management software, as well as more basic pumps, meters, hoses, reels and refuelling triggers.

Low sulphur gas oil also has the effect of making delivery hoses become rigid, and can cause seals to weep. Check that hoses and triggers are in good condition, and replace any that are old as there is a good chance that they will not be compatible with the current specification of fuel.

Water in tanks provides a breeding ground for bacterial growth, which if left unchecked can form a ‘sludge’ which commonly blocks filters and causes problems with vehicle and machine engines. In addition water can form ice crystals when the temperature is below 0°C which again lead to filter blockages and breakdowns, so good housekeeping of fuel stocks (frequent checking & draining of water etc.) is required to keep your system reliable.

The shelf life of fuel is now also considerably less than pre-2009 as it is more prone to oxidation, which as before, may lead to filter blockages. Fuel stocks should be turned over ideally no longer than 6 months. Find out when your fuel supplier changes from ‘summer’ to ‘winter’ grade fuel (usually at the end of October) and make sure you don’t end up with a tank full of ‘summer’ grade for the winter, as this will ‘wax’ if the temperature drops too low.

Avoid positioning tanks in exposed areas if possible, and make sure pipework and pumps are sheltered to reduce heat loss and waxing. Remember that an old partially blocked filter will be less tolerant to small amounts of wax crystals. A large, high capacity fuel filter fitted to your fuel delivery/storage system will mean fewer problems will occur further down the line, so consider fitting one or upgrading.
​
By taking a proactive approach to your fuel tank maintenance, you not only prevent these potential problems from arising but can also make significant improvements to your whole refueling operation, reducing vehicle and equipment downtime and repair costs, and also maximizing profits by ensuring their vehicles are on the move and not sat in the workshop.
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Fuel Proof Ltd
​Middleton Business Park,
Middleton Road, Morecambe
Lancashire, LA3 3FH
Tel: 01524 850685
​Email: sales@fuelproof.co.uk
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  • Home
  • Products
    • Fuel Tankers
    • Towable Diesel Bowsers >
      • Highway Towable Fuel Bowsers
      • Highway Towable Diesel Bowsers with AdBlue Storage
      • Site Tow Bowsers 1000L to 2500L
      • Site Tow Bowsers 3000L to 9000L
      • Site Tow Bowsers with AdBlue
      • De-Mountable IBC Range
    • Bunded Diesel Tanks >
      • Fuel Stores
      • Fuel Stores with 3 Point Linkage
      • Forestry Spec Fuel Stores
    • Fuelcubes >
      • 900L Fuelcube
      • 500L Fuelcube
      • 250L Fuelcube
      • Fuelcubes with Protection Frames
      • Forestry Spec Fuelcubes
    • Bulk Diesel Tanks >
      • Horizontal Bulk Diesel Tanks
      • Vertical Bulk Diesel Tanks
    • Aviation Fuel Storage >
      • Airfield Tow Aviation Bowsers
      • Bulk Aviation Tanks
      • Containerised Aviation Tanks
      • Highway Tow Aviation Bowsers
      • Mobile Petrol and Aviation Fuel Tanks
      • Static Aviation Tanks
    • Generator Fuel Tanks
    • Waste Oil Storage Tanks >
      • 1400L Waste Oil Tank
      • 2500L Waste Oil Tank
    • Water Storage >
      • 1140L Pressure Washer Bowser
      • 1140L Static Water Tank
      • Highway Tow Water Bowsers
      • Mobile Dust Suppression Bowsers
      • Site Tow Water Bowsers
    • AdBlue Storage
    • Storage Capacity >
      • 250 to 500 Litres
      • 900 to 1500 Litres
      • 2000 to 3000 Litres
      • 3200 to 10000 Litres
      • 12000 to 30000 Litres
      • 32000 to 60000 Litres
    • In-Stock Product List
    • Product Guides
  • Hire
  • Finance
  • About
    • Our Story
    • News
    • Meet the Team
    • Careers
    • Gallery
  • Contact
    • Get a Quote
  • Store
    • Bunded Diesel Tanks
    • Plastic Fuel Tanks
    • Mobile Fuel Tanks
    • AdBlue Storage Tanks
    • Fuel Transfer Pumps
    • Fuel Dispensing Equipment
    • Fuel Tank Filters
    • Fuel Tank Gauges
    • Accessories