Understanding Moisture and taking the steps necessary in late fall and early winter will help prevent fuel from bacterial and icing issues. A moisture control/anti-icing agent separates the water in your fuel in two different methods: emulsifiers and demulsifiers.
There is some controversy as to what the best method is. Understanding and practicing these proactive methods will set you up for success and lessen downtime. We believe using an emulsifier moisture control agent is best practice.
Emulsifier moisture control agents will keep small moisture particles from joining together, maintaining the moisture particles in suspension. This is called “free-water.” Keeping these moisture particles little will keep them in suspension, so they can pass through the fuel system without damaging the mechanical components. This practice can lower the risk of oxidized and unstable fuel, fuel line freeze-ups or filter icing, fuel storage tank corrosion, microbial growth, and reduce the risks associated with neglected tank maintenance procedures.
Demulsifiers will push moisture out of the fuel, dropping it to the bottom of the fuel tank creating “Water Bottoms.” Doing this is not a bad idea if you’re willing and able to remove the water from the bottom of the fuel tank. If you don’t remove the water in time, you will have challenges with Bacteria, Fungus, Mold, and in winter months Icing. As moisture drops out, it tends to bring other suspended items such as glycerin from biodiesel with it, especially in a fuel that has a quick drop in ambient temperature.
In conclusion: Icing is commonly mistaken for gelling. By not following the proper moisture maintenance practices throughout the year, we run the risk of having icing issues.
We invite you to reach out and let us help you understand the ever-changing fuel in our industry. You can find an additive that is good for some applications. Still, the challenge is finding the right additive to fit YOUR application. Put us to the test, send samples, or ask questions and let us help increase your productivity and decrease downtime.
By: Mark Hill, ET Sales Rep – mhill@etproducts.com