The biggest threats to fuel quality and customer loyalty are phase separation, corrosion, and poor housekeeping. A 2016 study conducted by the EPA discovered that 83% of inspected Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel tanks were experiencing either moderate or severe corrosion. With the continued push to chase the minimums set forth by the Renewable Fuel Standard, more biodiesel and ethanol are entering fuel storage systems and, therefore, corrosion is becoming more of an issue.
Biodiesel is more susceptible to microbial contamination, if a strong housekeeping program is not in place, thus adding fuel to an already troublesome fire. Corrosion alone is caused by water infiltration and microbial contamination; however, compounds found in biodiesel can and will accelerate this corrosion, in not systems that aren't properly managed. Along those same lines, phase separation is an ailment of ethanol blended fuel. It makes sense that as these fuels become more prevalent, so will the problems which tend to accompany them. Housekeeping is key!
Fuels are becoming increasingly vulnerable to phase separation and corrosion brought on by contamination. Housekeeping and strong preventative maintenance programs are more important than ever. By the time these issues reach the point of sale and plug a filter; it's all but too late.
That said, it's important to employ the right man for the job - or the right filter for the tank. Whether it be a filter for phase separation detection or particulate removal, filters work best when they are designed for fuel in question. Deteriorating product quality might go unnoticed by your customers...until this lackluster product overpowers your dispenser filtration and starts making it's presence known. However, an astute manager or site operator can catch it before it becomes bad enough to cause significant problems and, worse, jeopardized a station's reputation, through preventative maintenance measures.
So what red flags should one be looking for? Easy: Contaminated bottom samples and slow dispenser flow. Your filters are clogging which means they are doing their job, but the filters themselves are growing tired. Don't overwork your filters! A slow filter is a tired filter which means it's time to take a look inside your tank and deal with the contamination issues causing this to happen.
The same goes for water-detecting filters or phase separation detecting filters - when they are effectively doing their job, they slow down. And that is also when it's also past time to take a serious look inside the tank. It bears repeating: when your filters are slow, it's past time for preventative measures and time for corrective action.
Replacing your filters for more than a preventative measure? Have Clean Fuels National help you take a deeper look. Ask about a tailored preventative maintenance and housekeeping program to fit your unique needs.