Understanding and Preventing Water in Fuel Storage Tanks

It is a nightmare for fuel traders to find water presence in fuel tanks. Not only it is to be tested once a year, but also very expensive if it goes unnoticed. It can be a tough job but we are diesel traders in Dubai that believe in the satisfaction of the client without any cause. Here’s a blog to let you know about Understanding and Preventing Water in Fuel Storage Tanks.

Water in the Tank

There is no way that water can be created from fuel. And it is not about the dissolved water, it is the free water that is present in the tank that can cause varied issues down the road, not to mention the prices to maintain it is expensive too. The free water can be sourced from the variations in temperature from warm days to cool nights. Water in a fuel tank can lead to a lot of problems like the accumulation of microbial contamination, tank corrosion, fuel line freezes, and fuel biodegradation.

If you are looking for standard fuels, our Fuel trading companies in UAE can provide fuels that are stored under high supervision and maintenance.

How Do You Test For Water In The Tank?
 

Water detection paste can be really helpful to test the tank for water presence. Detection pastes are available in red and green color, they will change color when it comes in contact with any water content. To test for water in the oil tank, water detection paste is applied on a stick and placed on the bottom of the tank. Leave it for approximately 30 seconds and then take it out. The color of the paste would be changed if there is a presence of water. The stick on which the paste is applied can let you know the depth of the water. You may change the oil filter and flush the boiler feed pipe to make sure that all the water is removed. An expert engineer would be advised for this responsibility.  

Where Does Water In The Fuel Tank Come From?

It is said that fuel does not produce any water. It is the free water that is created from temperature differences on warm days and cool evenings. There are other issues that are responsible for the presence of water. 

• Condensation can be one of the reasons water gets into the fuel tank which is accumulated as a result of fuel temperature swings or the variation in air temperature that is entering the vents. 
• Loose fittings can be a factor that causes the water to be present in the tanks.
• High output in the distribution of fuel provides less time for water to be set down of the product before it is pumped at the refinery. This decreases the level of quality control leaving the water left in the product which is later supplied to the tank.
• The chemical makeup can sometimes attract water content from the surroundings.
   

Prevent Water in Fuel Tanks With These Steps
 

There are good methods to prevent water in fuel tanks. Some of them are mentioned below.

Regular tank maintenance

Follow-up checking and tank maintenance make sure that the equipment is only filled with dry fuel without any moisture content. Detection of water and contamination in tanks should be inspected regularly to prevent other problems. For that, firstly, take a sample from the bottom part of the tank to test the moisture content. Hazy fuel shows that the water is building up while a darker color defines that fuel breakdown through oxidation or growth of microbial matter. 

Using high-quality diesel fuel

High-quality fuel can hold more water making it flow through the system without causing any problems. This results in long periods of time when the tank can stay dry. Inhibitors of corrosion aid in the protection of metals that are exposed to a moisture content which makes the corrosion process too quickly, providing the operators with extra time to check and eliminate the water before causing any serious harm. 

Reduce condensation

Painting the tank with white color can provide a shade for the tank and can aid in the reduction of the condensation and evaporation of the fuel, mainly warm conditions can keep down the difference in temperature. Normalizing the temperatures with equipment and eliminating headspace can aid in less condensation when the temperature goes down overnight.

Usage and checking of filters

The use of variant filters that absorb small amounts of moisture content can be helpful. It not only aids in separating dirt and water but also particles that play roles in the growth of microbes and rust from corrosion of the tank. 

How Often Should I Inspect My Fuel Tank?

Fuel sample tests and tank tests needed to be tested out in order to maintain the standard quality of the tanks. Fuel sample test needs to be tested once a year by a qualified expert. Our diesel fuel suppliers in UAE make sure you are provided with quality fuel that is stored under high maintenance.

To sum it up, many problems can be caused by the fuel that is stored in tanks. But the causes that formed with the presence of water are many. Avoiding or minimal presence of moisture can prevent a lot of harm for the tanks to keep up the good work of storing the fuels.