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Fuel/Oil Filtration
It is quite common to find diesel engines equipped with at least a basic fuel filtration device. Yet, in the face of a general worldwide decline in the quality of diesel fuel itself, basic forms of filtration may not adequately protect precision components.
No matter how carefully fuel is handled, contaminants will find their way into fuel during transfer, storage or even inside vehicle tanks. Indeed, water, an engines #1 enemy, condenses directly from the air during normal daily heating and cooling cycles. In addition to water, solid and semi-solid (microbiological) particulate contamination is prevalent.
In addition to contaminant challenges there is also the potential for paraffin wax crystal formation in the fuel during cold weather operations. These crystals form and cause filters to plug just as if they were fouled by contamination.
Each of these threats to smooth engine operation can be met by a well designed, high quality and effective diesel fuel filter/water separator. The proper system can go a long way to assisting operators with required operation and maintenance.
- Water contamination combines with various forms of sulphur contamination, forming sulphuric acid. This strong acid can damage injection systems and engine components.
- Water inhaled by the injection system can displace lubrication provided by the fuel oil itself, causing galling and premature wear.
Typical primary filtration devices do not have the capability to remove water, leaving the engine prey to pump and injector damage and reduced efficiency. It is therefore essential to effectively separate water from the fuel prior to the final stages of solid particulate filtration.
Rust, sand and other small particles routinely find their way into diesel fuel. Sometimes larger identifiable objects such as pebbles, leaves and paint chips are also present.
The most common culprit of plugged fuel filter elements, however are oxidized organic semi-solid contaminants such as gums, varnishes and carbon. To be effective, fuel filtration devices must provide adequate solid particle retention efficiencies while also maintaining large capacities for the natural organic contaminants found in diesel fuel. Water, An Engines Worst Enemy Water is commonly found in diesel fuel, due mainly to condensation, handling and environmental conditions.
