The supreme enemy of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel! It can wreak havoc on diesel-fueled equipment. There are two types of water in diesel fuel. Free water is what you see accumulating at the bottom of the tank; since water is denser than diesel, it will separate itself from the fuel. There can also be dissolved water in diesel fuel which turns the diesel hazy or cloudy. This can occur primarily in humid environments, where moisture condensates inside open spaces in the fuel tank. Diesel additives and also the temperature of the fuel can lead to dissolved water in your fuel.

 

A failure to maintain the seal integrity of your tank, neglecting procedures during fuel transport, installation and handling can all contribute to moisture accumulation. Excess moisture in your fuel can damage injectors, corrode fuel tanks and lines and cause generator or diesel-powered component failure.

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Diesel tanks should be regularly checked (monthly if possible) for water. If water is found in your fuel it should be removed as soon as possible either by pumping it out or diesel polishing using centrifugal separation. Remember that water is your diesel's worst adversary since fungus; mold and bacteria all need water to grow. It is even more critical in today's Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel where a zero tolerance policy should be followed regarding water in your diesel fuel tank. 

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C&W Veloce Services will come out and take a complementary bottom sample of your fuel using a paste we apply to our dipstick that changes colors if free water is found in your tank.

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A preventative maintenance program is vital to maintain clean fuel. You should look for diesel additives that will inhibit moisture in your tank, removes water, disperses contaminants, prevents tank corrosion and prevents premature filter plugging. Upon request, C&W Veloce Services will go and apply additives to your tanks before servicing them and likewise at the request of the customer will supply you with your annual schedule of additives.