DID YOU KNOW THAT MICROBES CAN SURVIVE AND MULTIPLY IN DIESEL FUEL?

Microbial growth can and does occur in all components of the fuel handling system; storage tanks, fuel delivery trucks, delivery lines and the fuel tanks of machines. Fungi grow into long strings and form large mats or globules. The growths appear slimy and are usually black, green or brown in colour. Growth usually commences at the interface between fuel and water layers but, in a short period, will spread throughout the fuel itself. Once the growth has spread throughout the storage facility, it will enter the fuel system of plant and machinery when diesel is dispensed. Running a machine with contaminated fuel completes the spread of infection throughout the system.

Once a fuel supply is contaminated, related problems such as fuel tank gauge damage and premature injector or injector pump failures are common place. Filter blockage also occurs due to both fungal residue and fuel "dropout" caused by the growth's ability to reduce the chemical stability of the fuel. This reduction in chemical stability (or oxidation) reduces the lubricating quality, cooling ability and the overall performance of the fuel.


PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE

The two steps to stop the problem of fungal attack on diesel are:

1. The regular use of a biocide such as CLADOCIDE GOLD.
   
2. Proper maintenance of the fuel handling system. This is a key step, because the effectiveness of even the most efficient biocide can be reduced if the fuel is allowed to retain fungal debris and excessive water.

Contamination occurs very easily and even the best maintained system can benefit from the preventative use of CLADOCIDE GOLD.