New specification diesel an added challenge for hauliers
09 February 2011
FACTS magazine asked Andrew Hargreaves, director of leading tank manufacturer Fuel Proof Ltd and operator of the company’s fleet of delivery vehicles,
what the implications of the change to new specification red diesel are for haulage companies and what other issues they are faced with at present:Fuel tank ‘housekeeping’ and the new specification red diesel
The changeover to a new diesel specification, which began back in November for red diesel and over 12 months ago for DERV, has given on-site maintenance staff another headache to contend with.
The changeover to fuel specification in line with EU Directive 2009/30/EC means that ‘gas oil’ (red diesel) is now almost sulphur free, and will also contain up to 7% Biodiesel. This low sulphur red diesel containing Biodiesel is a better solvent than current diesel and it will loosen deposits that have built up inside diesel tanks and fuel lines. If not correctly filtered this can end up blocking vehicle filters and possibly cause damage to engines. Storage tank filters and vehicle fuel filters now containing the loosened deposits should be replaced soon after the change over, and spare filters stocked. The filters may need changing several times over the first few months, depending on the age and condition of the tank.
It is worth considering having a full internal tank clean of your diesel tank to remove build up of:
o Sediment & dirt from the tank sump and walls
o Condensation & water from the tank sump
o Possible bacterial growth
The shelf life of this new fuel is also considerably less 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’ as temperatures drop. 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.
Bio-diesels can contain up to 25 times more water than petroleum diesel, and is a perfect habitat for microbial growth. The bacteria feed on the fuel – breaking down the carbon chains which reduces the combustible properties. This can lead to:
o Problems starting engines (or engines not starting at all)
o Excessive smoke
o Reduced power output
By employing good housekeeping and ensuring suitable filtration, the above risks will be minimized.
Storage tanks which have large amounts of ‘dormant’ fuel due to their shape or design, are more prone to bacterial growth. This should be taken into consideration when upgrading your fuel storage equipment.
Fuel security
In most cases the cost of filling a diesel tank will be significantly more than the cost of the equipment itself, which highlights the importance of making tank security a top priority. A strong, double skinned tank constructed from steel throughout, with dispensing equipment and inlets and outlets kept secure, is essential for above-ground installations. Plastic tanks, although a cheap alternative to steel tanks, do not provide adequate security and can be easily breached by fuel thieves. Steel tanks also tend to last longer and hold on to their value better than plastic tanks, giving the user peace of mind on their investment.
In addition to this, by following common sense practices such as ensuring tanks are positioned in well lit areas, making sure electric pumps are isolated where possible and using protected fill points and breathers, companies can significantly improve their fuel security for relatively low costs.
By looking closely at your own fuel storage arrangements and planning ahead, you can ensure your fleet stays on the move around the clock and also gain an advantage on your competitors – and the really good news in many cases is that you can do most of this for practically no cost at all!
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 12/09/2019 - What is AdBlue, how does it improve the environment?
- 05/04/2019 - Does your Diesel Bowser meet industry standards?
- 22/03/2019 - A 'Fuel Proof' Partnership for Gulf Aviation
- 08/01/2019 - Fuel Proof launch new bulk fuel tank range
- 16/04/2012 - Keep your business moving
- 16/04/2012 - Keeping up with demand
- 16/04/2012 - New specification diesel an added challenge for hauliers
- 16/04/2012 - Taking fuel control
- 16/02/2012 - Keep your fleet fully fuelled this winter
- 16/02/2012 - Taking fuel control
