Water in Diesel Generator Fuel: Causes & Solutions-EMEAN POWER

When your diesel generator set has difficulty starting or is running abnormally, water in the fuel may be the culprit. Water entering the fuel system will trigger a chain reaction and seriously affect the performance of the unit. The following is a professional analysis solution:

I. Three major sources of water infiltration into the fuel

1. Fuel quality problems

-The purchased diesel itself contains excessive water (common in non-formal channel fuel)

-Poor container sealing during storage causes water vapor condensation

2. Improper storage of diesel generator tanks (the most easily overlooked reason)

-When the tank is half full for a long time, the moisture in the air humidity will condense on the tank wall

-Experimental data shows that: 200L tanks can condense 50ml of water per month in a 70% humidity environment

-This problem is more likely to occur when diesel generator sets are parked for a long time

3. Physical leakage

-Aging of the tank welding seam/seal ring leads to external moisture infiltration

-Failure of the fuel filler cap seal (common in mobile diesel generator sets used outdoors)

II. Five major hazards of water in the fuel

1. Damage to the starting system

-Water causes poor atomization of the injector nozzle, making it difficult to start the diesel generator set

-Water reacts with sulfur to produce acidic substances, corroding the high-pressure oil pump

2. Fuel system corrosion

-Water accelerates the rust of precision parts (actual measurement: 0.1% water content can shorten the life of the pump body by 40%)

3. Microbial growth

-The water-oil interface will breed "diesel bacteria", block the filter and produce corrosive metabolites

4. Abnormal wear

-Water destroys the lubricating oil film, causing abnormal wear of the plunger pair

5. Emergency function failure

-For standby diesel generator sets, water in the fuel may cause failure to start in an emergency

III. Professional-level solutions

1. Emergency treatment measures

-Immediately drain the contaminated fuel (note: professional recycling is required)

-Replace the diesel filter (it is recommended to replace the oil-water separator at the same time)

2. Preventive maintenance plan

-Check the drain valve at the bottom of the fuel tank every month (it is recommended to use a transparent water collection cup for observation)

-Keep the fuel tank full of oil to reduce the air contact surface

-Add professional fuel desiccant (add 500ml for every 1000L fuel)

3. Deep system maintenance

-Use ultrasonic cleaning of fuel lines every year

-Replace all O-rings (fluorine rubber is recommended)

EMEAN POWER engineers specially remind: For diesel generator sets that have been parked for a long time, it is recommended to start and run for 30 minutes every 3 months, and drain the water that may condense through the fuel circulation system. Save this guide to ensure that your generator set always gets the best protection.

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