Like other things, your fuel tanks need regular maintenance for performance and longevity. Make sure your fuel maintenance plan covers the following fundamental areas.
Periodic tank cleaning
Water vapor and bacteria can both wreak havoc in a petroleum tank. If you have water condensing in your fuel tanks, it will become suitable for and more prone to microbial growth that can contaminate your system. A contaminated system will lead to a change in fuel color, and you also may need to make repairs if this happens. On top of that, growth in the tank can reduce efficiency, plug your filters, corrode fuel components and cause other problems.
Monitoring and testing of the tank
Regular sampling and testing of the fuel in your tank by a professional is crucial. If a minor problem is discovered, it might be addressed before it becomes a large, expensive issue. Your professional fuel service provider will be able to perform testing that follows all regulations and standards applicable to your tank in the area.
Proper fuel storage techniques
Always minimize your tank and fuel’s exposure to any water. Regularly discharge any water bottoms, and insulate your fuel tanks as this will help stabilize your fuel temperatures. Any sludge at the bottom of your tanks must be removed periodically, and inspections and basic cleanings should be done regularly.
Getting petroleum treatment as needed
Even with the right storage plan and proper maintenance, your stored fuel can become contaminated. In this case, your fuel and water bottoms need treatment to gain control over the infection. You’ll also need professionals to remove any biomass from your system.
If you have a large concentration of microbial growth in your system, you may need to treat it at the shock level with a biocide. This is done after your fuel has been clarified and any sludge, water bottoms and fuel have been mechanically processed, which is known as “scrubbing and polishing.”
All the contaminated fuel in your tank must be de-watered and removed. After that, the fuel is clarified via filtration and polished using a fibre filter with a mixed media filtration system, such as sand or diatomaceous earth. The biocide is then injected into the clean steam of the processed fuel.
A contaminated storage tank must be cleaned and sterilized before you can use it again. This is a very important part of the process. If your tank is not properly cleaned, you will still have microbial growth present. Over time, this will become a more serious infection and you’ll be dealing with the same issues as before.
All residual materials, such as sludge and slime, are removed from the tank during the cleaning. The fuel services professional handling your tank cleaning will also inspect its interior and the pipe fittings to check for any signs of corrosion. They will also confirm your lines are clean and everything is running properly.
When your fuel tank is not working correctly, it can cause serious problems. Contact a fuel service provider today so you can establish a comprehensive tank maintenance routine. A thorough routine will save you time, money and frustration when it comes to your fuel system and its performance.