The kind of cold weather we've experienced in the UK in recent years can cause problems for all road users, but fleet operators are often hit particularly hard. Heavy snow and ice causes havoc with delivery schedules, with accidents, road closures and breakdowns taking their toll and stretching businesses to the limit.
But it’s not just on the road where vehicle operators
have been affected; on-site maintenance staff have an extremely hard job
keeping their vehicles up-and-running – and this is certainly the case when it
comes to vehicle refuelling and fuel storage.
In addition to unpredictable winter weather conditions
in recent years, the changeover to a new diesel specification since 2009 has
given fuel users another headache to contend with, as the combination of low temperatures
and a higher percentage of biofuel in the diesel increases the possibility of problems
in vehicle fuel systems and filters. The same problems also often arise with
the filters and pumping equipment on bulk storage tanks.
The changing fuel specification means that ‘gas oil’ (red
diesel) now contains less sulphur, and contains over 7% Biodiesel. This low
sulphur red diesel containing Biodiesel is a better solvent than diesel from
around 3-4 years ago and it will loosen deposits that have built up inside tanks. If not
correctly filtered this can end up blocking vehicle filters and possibly cause
damage to engines, resulting in more breakdowns and increased repair costs. Filters
may also need changing more frequently, depending on the age and condition of
the tank.
It is also worth considering having a full internal
tank clean to remove build up of:
- Condensation & water from the tank sump
- Sediment & dirt from the tank sump and walls
- Possible bacterial growth
This should be carried out by a company with specialist equipment and the necessary training and expertise. This is also a good opportunity to have the rest of your fuel delivery system checked over, as they will be able to advise on improvements such as filter upgrades, overfill limiting devices, tank and bund alarms, fuel level monitoring systems and fuel management software, as well as more basic pumps, meters, hoses, reels and refuelling triggers.
Low sulphur gas oil also has the effect of making
delivery hoses become rigid, and can cause seals to weep. Check that hoses and
triggers are in good condition, and replace any that are old as there is a good
chance that they will not be compatible with the current specification of fuel.
Water in tanks provides a breeding ground for
bacterial growth, which if left unchecked can form a ‘sludge’ which commonly
blocks filters and causes problems with vehicle and machine engines. In
addition water can form ice crystals when the temperature is below 0°C which
again lead to filter blockages and breakdowns, so good housekeeping of fuel
stocks (frequent checking & draining of water etc.) is required to keep
your system reliable.
The shelf life of fuel is now also considerably less
than pre-2009 as it is more prone to oxidation, which as before, may lead to
filter blockages. Fuel stocks should be turned over ideally no longer than 6
months. Find out when your fuel supplier changes from ‘summer’ to ‘winter’
grade fuel (usually at the end of October) and make sure you don’t end up with
a tank full of ‘summer’ grade for the winter, as this will ‘wax’ if the
temperature drops too low.
Avoid positioning tanks in exposed areas if possible,
and make sure pipework and pumps are sheltered to reduce heat loss and waxing.
Remember that an old partially blocked filter will be less tolerant to small amounts of
wax crystals. A large, high capacity fuel filter fitted to your fuel
delivery/storage system will mean fewer problems will occur further down the
line, so consider fitting one or upgrading.
By taking a proactive approach to your fuel tank maintenance, you not only prevent these potential problems from arising but can also make significant improvements to your whole refueling operation, reducing vehicle and equipment downtime and repair costs, and also maximizing profits by ensuring their vehicles are on the move and not sat in the workshop.
By Andrew Hargreaves, Director of Fuel Proof Ltd. For details on our range of bunded fuel tanks and bowsers please visit www.fuelproof.co.uk.
