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Oct 22, 2018

Preparing Tanks for Cooler Temps

By Chad Larson - Energy Sales Manager

As we push into a later harvest this fall and we are now confronted with below normal temps, it is important to be mindful of your fuel filter and tank maintenance. Regardless of the size of your fuel tank(s), it is important to change filter head filters and equipment filters regularly.  Soy methyl ester is a natural solvent that scours/cleans the inside of the fuel tanks resulting in the loose material in with the fuel.

This debris and sediment can prematurely plug filters. Remember the filters of today aren’t the same filters that were on tractors and combines a few years ago. These 2-5 micron filters cannot handle an even moderate level of tank sediment and debris. With the smaller micron size of the filters, today means they will plug quicker if in a dirty environment. Today’s equipment is susceptible to even the slightest variation in fuel quality and flowability. It’s imperative to stay on top of filter and tank maintenance to prevent damage.

In addition to combating debris and sediment, water is something to address as well. Water can enter fuel storage and equipment tanks in many ways – through condensation of humid air, during transportation, by leakage of faulty pipes or vent caps and just in general poor handling.

Water in the fuel can cause injector nozzle and pump corrosion, biological growth and fuel filter plugging with materials and or debris resulting from corrosion and material from biological, or microbial, growth. Managing the impact of water in your storage is the primary goal of proper tank maintenance. Managing the water in your tanks can reduce or eliminate an array of issues, so it’s well worth the effort to manage your tanks effectively and timely.

Some tips to manage water in fuel tanks:

- Tilt tank(s) to direct water and debris away from the outlet.

- Drain and remove all the water and contaminates every three (3) months or as needed.

- Regular filter maintenance on storage and equipment tanks.  (Equipment as needed or OEM specification).

- Clean pump screens regularly.

- Sample fuel in tanks for quality assurance purposes on at least a yearly basis Your sales staff here at Crystal Valley can assist you in doing a fuel sample with our tools.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call your Energy Sales Rep.

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