The Low-Down on Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Boat Fuel - Anything to Worry About?

http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/magazine/SeaOct11_UltraLowSulfurDiesel.pdf

ALEXANDRIA, Va., November 17, 2011 - As a way to reduce particulate matter, ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), with only 15 ppm or less of sulfur, was mandated for use in most vehicles, boats and machinery as of December 2010. As a practical matter, however, ULSD has been around since late 2006 when 2007 model year vehicles with more advanced emissions control devices began requiring its use in cars. And since most fuel refiners don't have the capacity to offer more than one type of diesel, it's also been sold at marinas ever since.

During that time, the BoatUS Damage Avoidance Program has kept a close look out for any potential problems with the newer, environmentally-friendly fuel. Recently, the boat owner association's Damage Avoidance Program publication, Seaworthy, The BoatUS Marine Insurance and Damage Avoidance Report, investigated the issue and has these findings to share:

Lubricity: In diesel engines, having enough "lubricity" in the fuel is critical - without it, the engine would grind itself to a premature death. A lot of publicity has been given to ULSD because the process of removing sulfur from diesel fuel also removes much of the fuel's lubricity. Contrary to what some have said, however, lubricity is not a problem with ULSD. Minimum lubricity is a requirement of the ASTM-D975 diesel fuel standard and oil companies typically use a synthetic additive to return fuel to its pre-ULSD lubricity levels.  

Cetane: All diesel fuel must have a cetane rating of at least 40. Most regular diesel fuel has a cetane rating of 43 to 45, which should be fine for most boat engines.  The good news is that the cetane numbers remained the same with ULSD.

Gaskets: When the transition was made to low-sulfur diesel (LSD) in 1993, there were problems with leaking gaskets. Newer gaskets that resist leaking were developed, but there were some fears that the gaskets might not stand up to ULSD. After talking to numerous marina owners and engine manufacturers, leaking gaskets don't appear to be a problem.

Water and "Bugs": Microbial growth - bugs - need water to grow and have always been a concern with diesel fuel. ULSD holds less water than older, higher-sulfur fuels, which means that any water entering the tank is less likely to be absorbed and instead more likely to become a breeding ground for bugs. Biocides (and cold weather) kill the bugs but their tiny little carcasses pile up in funereal goo at the bottom of the tank. Tanks may need to be cleaned more often to prevent clogged filters and corrosion. The best defense is to keep tanks as full as possible (especially over winter storage) and keep a routine eye on the water separator.

Courtesy of NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom 

 

What Reverso Pumps Offers for $599	Everyone Else at $599
Fully operational Fuel Polishing Kit for Do-It-Yourself ease	No
Cleans a 100 gallon tank in one (1) hour	Requires two (2) days
Integrated shut-down switch	No
Audio / Visual alarms	No
Digital Timer	No
Can polish 3,024 - 3,744 gallons per day	Can polish only 50 gallons a day
Available in DC 12V and 24V	No
Compatible with diesel, biodiesel and kerosene	Yes
Can be used as a circulation system	Yes
Compact size	Yes

A common question we receive:
…“One of the worst problems we face with the reliability of our engines is the effect of bad fuel on the fuel injection system. This is true for most diesel engine manufacturers that make use of the latest technology in their electronically controlled engines. Although the manufacturer specifies water separators as primary fuel filtration (10 microns) and a 2 micron high efficiency secondary fuel filter system, we still have issues (even using the fuel they recommend) due to the quality of the fuel that is standard in our environment… We find that even with the best precaution methods, injectors have premature failures due to free water that bypasses all the systems in place. What else can we do to reduce system failures due to fuel?”
– Application Engineer

Answer:
We understand your problem and agree that today’s high-tech engine fuel systems have an Achilles Heel - Water.

Our fuel polishing systems, utilizing Separ Filters, remove up to 99.9% of all water and particulate. The best way to illustrate the need for and success of these systems is to showcase the following case. This photo below is from the U.S. Embassy in the UAE taken by Embassy staff.

Their problem was similar to yours in that they had fuel deliveries that were badly contaminated with water. This water destroyed several Cummins injection pumps and countless injectors. The picture (below) is the before and after just one (1) pass through our fuel polishing system. Since they started using the Portable Cart system, they have not had a single fuel-system related failure.

Storage of diesel is often an overlooked area – a popular misconception is that diesel fuel is “good for life”.
The reality is very different.

To fully understand the issues at play, it is worth taking into account several areas:
• The Diesel fuel quality standard
• The specification of supplied diesel
• Known issues
• Recommendations from the fuel supplier
• Discovering issues before they become problems
• Short and long term solutions

To look at these issues, we have been in conversation with BP and have utilised their available library of fuel data.

To see the full report, click here.

Amazing difference!
Fuel Polishing for the TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COAST GUARD 

This is an extreme case as the fuel sat unused in contaminated tanks for nearly two years. A Reverso 600 GPH was used to complete the polishing. The FPS 210 can perform equally well and the FPS 150 is good for smaller tanks and the FPS 80 for very small tanks.

As a Master Distributor for Piusi, we are proud to offer this Exclusive, one-time only sale on the versatile PIUSIBOX.

You Need this box! Why?

Fuel Transfer is always an issue that needs to be safe, efficient and clean so as to minimize any potential environmental mishap.

The PIUSIBOX Diesel Transfer Pump is the all-in-one, on-the-go diesel transfer pump solution. Incorporating the new Piusi BP3000 diesel transfer pump, the PIUSIBOX comes in its own sturdy storage box making it convenient to store and handle. The storage box keeps everything together and prevents accidental spillages. It also helps protect the transfer pump and components from damage.

This handy kit includes a 12V DC powered diesel pump (24V also available), delivery/suction hose, locking foot valve to prevent leakage and a manual nozzle. The easily transportable container is designed to protect the components from dust, sand and dirt, thus preventing contamination of fuel. The horizontal-split container makes the PIUSIBOX an eco-friendly drip-catcher - protecting the environment by containing residue and drips. And periodic cleaning is easy and simple.

The PIUSIBOX can be used by:

• Operators of commercial vehicles
• Search and Rescue / Road Side Assistance Crews
• Construction Teams
• Road Paving Crews
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Boat Owners
• Farmers filling tractors from barrels or cisterns
• Military Applications
• Heating Oil Transfer

 
This price is good until April 15th.
Act now to order your PIUSIBOX Pro
(Offer excludes Online Free Shipping promotion and Discount Codes)

UK. MDL Marinas becomes first marina operator to respond to widespread diesel legislation concern

Monday, 17 January 2011


MDL Marinas, Europe’s largest marina operator, has become the first UK marina group to offer diesel free from biofuels at its marina fuel stations. The move comes in response to growing concerns of boat owners, and sees MDL Marinas lead the way in the industry to become the first marina operator to meet the new British standard in this way.

A growing number of boaters have expressed concern over the increased risk of diesel bug due to the introduction of new fuel legislation. Diesel bug is feared because it can contaminate fuel tanks - quickly clogging filters and causing loss of power and engine breakdown. MDL has been working to secure the new diesel and is now offering low-sulphur fuel which is free from all biofuels (FAME-free), in accordance with the new British standard BS 2869:2010 – Class A2.

Dean Smith, Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, said: “We understand our customers concerns over biodiesel content in marine fuel, and through the support of our supplier, we are delighted to be able to secure supplies of diesel which meet the new British standard.
“To ensure this fuel reaches the pump in top condition, we conduct regular fuel tank cleaning and testing. This supply and our steps to ensure we maintain our fuel quality, gives our customers all the environmental benefits of low sulphur fuel with the added peace of mind that the potential problems of biodiesel will be avoided.”

Originally posted at BYM Product and Industry News  http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=80257

We received a great question from a customer the other day and I know that many of you have asked similar ones in the past. Here's the Q&A. And don't forget to check out our FAQ section regularly. We are always adding more information.

Question:  I have installed four Separ Filters on two haulers and two loaders. The filters get stuck very easily and fast. We even have to take off the valve in order to liberate the bowl. Should we clean the filter more often?

Answer: If the filter is equipped with a vacuum gauge you can monitor it and do a back flush at about 8-10 inches of vacuum. This will extend the life of the filter. There are two other options that you may want to consider as well.

1. Clean the fuel with a portable fuel polishing/dispensing cart when the equipment is fueled.  Click here for more info.

2. Install a second filter as a strainer with a 60 micron cleanable stainless steel element in from of the primary filter. This will have no effect on the restriction to flow and will remove much of the heavy dirt and water before it get to the primary 30 micron element, as seen on this John Deere combine.

Reverso Pumps now offers FREE Ground Shipping on ALL Online Orders. Offer applies: Anywhere in the Continental US For all orders placed online To every product in the online store And there is no minimum order size You must chose FREE Ground Shipping option to qualify for discount Product of the Week Each week, we will highlight 1-5 items in our Product of the Week Catalog - all at special prices. Check back every Monday to see if your favorite product is featured. Week of October 4, 2010 Gear Pump 312 - Medium Duty with On/Off or Reversing Switch $389 (list price $649)     Don't forget to check out the Fuel Education Center to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about Fuel Polishing. Reverso Pumps Blog Make sure you stay up-to-date with the Reverso Pumps Blog for news and updates. You can also sign up for our Email list and promotional offers at marketing@reversopumps.com.