Over any given period of time fuels in storage can develop volumes of unwanted sludge, sediment, bacteria, fungus and water. These contaminants can quite easily find their way into fuel at one of the many exchange points in its journey from source to end user. If the contaminants are left untreated, the levels of contamination will worsen to the point where damage to injector pumps and engines is likely. These issues can easily be prevented.
When fuel is pumped into a tank, condensation, atmospheric absorption, rust deposits and even a faulty tank internals are some of the causes of fuel contamination. Microbes also find their way into fuel and cause problems as they multiply and grow. This fuel contamination - also known as fuel bug or diesel bug - build up over time in stored fuels if they are not sampled, analysed and treated on a regular basis.
In essence, fuel polishing via a cabinet style filtration rig is an advanced level of timer controlled filtration of the fuel. Monitored and controlled via a central processing unit. The fuel polishing process effectively removes the solid particles, foreign matter and water from the fuel, the removal of dense matter is most important and that is where the Kleenoil Filter Elements are so successful due to their design of depth filtration. Firstly trapping the larger particles then as the fuel passes down through the media (or filter) trapping smaller and smaller particles. Whilst at the same time the filter fibres absorb and absorb the water (up to 1 litre per element).
FPS-CAB240 Fuel Polishing System
Designed for use on diesel fuel tanks up to 20,000 litre capacity (alternative units are available for larger capacity tanks). All components are housed in a robust steel cabinet which can be either wall mounted or supplied on a purpose built steel stand. For external use the cabinet is fitted with a rain hood.
The unit is available in 2 configurations:
Automatic Control - Fitted with a programmable 24/7 timer for a fully automated operation.
Manual Control - Fitted with an isolator switch and manual stop/start buttons and indicator running lights.
A durable Progressive cavity pump and 110/230v motor with an integrated heat overload cut out switch. Designed for long running and twin super duty KLEENOIL filter units that are fitted with 3 micron absolute elements with water removing capability all in one filter. An pressure gauge displaying pump pressure, isolating ball valves on both inlet and outlet lines complete with lock outs can be fitted. With the added safety of an automatic filter blinded shut off pressure switch, integrated bund with safety leak detection float switch. External visual warning beacon to alert to faults e.g. filter block of leak detection.
Diesel Fuel Polishing Timings
The amount of time required to complete the fuel polishing process depends on several factors. Fuel polishing machines can polish at rates from 8 litres per minute to upwards of 65 litres per minute, however the factors which govern the process are about more than just flow rate. In fact a high flow rate can possibly be detrimental to the overall effect due to increased pressures in the filter stages and adverse disturbance in the fuel tank. The FA-ST Fuel Cabinet Polishing System is set at 20 litres per minute, giving the filter media the optimum time to effectively clean the fuel.
Another factor can be the starting quality of the fuel. If the fuel is highly contaminated it will typically take longer to clean than a batch of cleaner fuel of the same volume. The third factor to take into account is the volume of the fuel to be processed, it may seem obvious but the larger the volume of fuel that requires polishing, the longer it will take to complete the cleaning process. The starting cleanliness code can easily be determined by a simple laboratory analysis. You can purchase a kit from us at FA-ST.