Modern diesel engines require high quality fuel. Tigercat assists us in ensuring that we can achieve good engine life through diesel filtration.
Diesel engines operate at much higher temperatures and pressures than in the past. Even slight contamination in fuel can result in serious engine damage. Fuel quality and filtration problems can lead to poor starting, reduced performance and low power. This reduces fuel economy and increases engine wear. Tigercat explains that even very small solid contaminants can lead to premature failure of fuel injectors and other components. Because diesel fuel is denser and is chemically more complex than other common vehicle fuels, it can develop a number of problems if not handled and stored correctly. Dirt, water, algae and asphaltene can all cause fuel filter plugging or collapse, resulting in damage to the engine and fuel system. Water and dirt can enter fuel storage tanks and cause algae growth. Removal of water in the fuel is essential to limit algae. If fuel is stored for long periods it creates the optimal conditions for algae to grow in fuel storage and vehicle tanks. Once algae has grown in these storage tanks it is difficult to remove. A fuel additive can be used, but this does not always overcome the problem and sometimes the fuel tank may need to be drained and cleaned by qualified professionals.
Asphaltene refers to high carbon content fuel molecules, which are naturally present in diesel. Asphaltene build-up occurs due to high fuel injection pressures used in modern diesel engines. Because diesel is continuously recirculated and exposed to high pressures and heat, the results can be the agglomeration of asphaltenes into larger and larger clusters of solids, which can eventually damage the fuel injectors or plug the fuel filter.
Incorrect filter use will severely impact fuel system life and reliability, which can even affect the machines warranty. Tigercat recommends a multistage filtration system on diesel storage tanks or mobile bowsers. When storing diesel, Tigercat also recommends adding appropriate additives to ensure fuel quality. An asphaltene additive can help prevent the build-up of asphaltenes, stabilize fuel in storage and clean fuel injectors. Regular microbicide treatment will help prevent algae and microbial growth. However, the additives must be compatible with Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) after treatment systems. Also, machine owners need to ensure their diesel fuel tanks are sound and not leaking or corroding. For the complete article, compiled by Tigercat’s Chris Armour, and other interesting logging news, access the November 2015 (Issue 41) edition of Between the Branches, the official publication of Tigercat Industries. Source: www.tigercat.com