the problem

Microbes thrive wherever there is food and water. Forecourt storage and dispensing systems are therefore ideal habitats for bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The trend towards greener fuels is creating pressure to further reduce sulphur and increase biofuel content. Sulphur kills bugs and biofuels attract additional water, so changing fuel specifications are set to make diesel an increasingly bug friendly environment. Bugs which grow unchecked can block fuel filters, and cause gauging problems. They are so corrosive that over time, they can damage the structural integrity of the tank.

the test

All you need is 10 minutes, a flat surface, a pair of latex gloves & a 200 ml sample to discover which bugs are living in your fuel. The easy to interpret, pregnancy style test gives a negligible, low or high reading which clearly indicates the fuel system status, and what action to take, if any.

the solution

There is no magic bullet to eliminate the problem. A multi-disciplinary approach to fuel hygiene is the key to avoiding the inconvenience and cost of contaminated fuel tanks and pump dispensing systems. Good fuel hygiene entails implementing a regular ‘appropriate to risk’ fuel hygiene regime. The risk of contamination is increased in hot, humid conditions, especially where fuel comes from a source that has fewer quality control checks. The chosen regime should consist of regular draining of water, including the hazy layer, and a bug test of each tank at least once a year, followed by appropriate fuel & tank treatments. Appropriate treatments, best conducted by experienced specialist contractors, include tank cleaning, biocides and fuel polishing.