The quality of fuel used in any engine out there must be up to a certain level to ensure proper functioning and a long lifespan. Sadly, fuel contamination is extremely likely due to the way it is handled and the distance it has to travel before it is finally pumped into a vehicle’s fuel tank. Since fuel contamination is a major issue related to engines, it is important to know a little more about it in general, including the type of major contaminants in diesel fuel.
Contamination by Water
By far the most common type of fuel contamination is the one caused by the mixing of certain portions of water with the fuel itself. Water contamination is likely to happen in most fuel to some extent, owing to the fact that it is present virtually everywhere on the surface, ranging from its liquid form in seas and rivers to its vapour form found in atmospheric air. Presence of large quantities of water in diesel fuel can severely affect an engine’s performance, including severe knocking and damage to pistons and injectors. Furthermore, excess water may settle inside a vehicle’s fuel tank, necessitating a diesel fuel tank cleaner to get rid of it. To add even more problems, water stimulates microorganism growth in the fuel, which is yet another type of contaminant.
Presence of Microorganisms
When water and an ideal environment is provided, certain types of microbes start forming in the fuel mixture. Most of these organisms will be thriving on chemical compounds and additives found in the fuel mixture. Their reactions with these substances can in turn form sludge and other precipitates which are harmful to engine components. Sludge, in particular, is known to corrode metallic surfaces made of aluminium and even parts made of rubber, necessitating extensive repairs if engine failure is to be avoided.
Other Solid Particles
Particulate matter like sand and dust are yet another type of contaminant usually found in fuel. Unlike the two contaminants mentioned above, they don’t harm engines as much due to the fact that they can be easily filtered out and separated using a diesel filtration system before fuel is fed into the engine. These filters are manufactured in such a way that they can only absorb and trap a certain amount of particulates before requiring replacement. Thankfully, they aren’t expensive nor hard to replace, and you should take your time to inspect them from time to time, even if you aren’t considering about replacing them anytime soon. Check this link http://dieselclean.com.au/diesel-filtration-system/ to find out more details.
Although other types of contaminants may exist, the above three types are the most common ones, meaning that they are also the most likely to cause issues in our vehicles. What matters is the fact that you supply quality fuel to your engine at all times, even if it means spending a little more every time you top off the tank.