Diesel bug risk analysis

The factors to consider when assessing risk include:

Fuel Supply Conditions – supplier’s fuel hygiene regime
Climactic Conditions – high humidity and temperature accelerate microbial growth
Condensation – changes in temperature increase condensation and thereby free water levels
Fuel Composition – the trend towards low sulphur and higher bio-fuel content increases the potential for microbial growth. Sulphur can inhibit growth and biodiesel provides more available water.
Pre-Existing Fuel System Health – the initial contamination level within the fuel system provides the baseline environment for growth.
Fuel Throughput - Fuel systems that have a high throughput can be less likely to become contaminated
Seasonal or Periodic Use – Fuel systems used on a seasonal basis can become contaminated during “downtime”.

What can I do?

Step 1 - Assess risk
Step 2 - Decide on appropriate fuel hygiene strategy
Step 3 - Test
Step 4 - Treat as appropriate
Step 5 - Test to check treatment dealt with the problem
Step 6 - Drain water at regular predetermined intervals according to risk
Step 7 - Test at regular predetermined intervals according to risk
Step 8 - Treat as appropriate

Repeat Steps 6-8 on an ongoing basis.