Diesel fuel systems are becoming more sophisticated daily, aiming to meet emissions regulations and maximize fuel economy. So, the new reality is emphasizing the cleanliness and quality of diesel fuels used in engines right now.
Frequently, diesel fuel testing while storage or handling assures engine manufacturer compliance will save you from costly fuel degradation and contamination issues. Let’s look at what AL Faraji Diesel Supplier, one of the leading diesel trading companies in Dubai, takes care of testing diesel quality.
Quality testing of diesel fuel is required regardless of how and who you use diesel fuel. However, it is also essential to understand how equipment function and fuel quality affect performance. Inadequate equipment damage and performance might be the result of poor diesel quality.
This also means that poor-quality diesel fuel can lead to equipment failure in significant circumstances, so regular testing is essential.
The fuel quality assessment indicates combustion efficiency and speed, as well as pollutant buildup and stability. Each of these parameters significantly impacts fuel performance.
Pure and excellent quality fuel means it will burn more thoroughly. Moreover, clean gasoline protects equipment and parts from further damage; the primary approach to check fuel quality is to calculate its cetane number, which indicates the efficiency and rate of combustion.
According to the top diesel supplier in Dubai, UAE, additional tests include assessing containment levels and stability, which influence how adequately it performs. In some circumstances, samples must be sent to a gasoline testing laboratory for proper measurement.
Diesel fuel impurities can lower quality and affect performance, but proper fuel tank maintenance and storage techniques can avoid them. Some of the diesel fuel contaminants include:
Hydrolysis is the process through which water molecules break down diesel fuel, which results in a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Even bacteria and fungi interfere with diesel fuel in multiple ways—unbelievable, right? They clog filters, produce corrosive acids, and restrict fluid flow.
Dust, sand, and other dirt particles can cause equipment failure and affect engine performance.
Testing diesel fuel quality can unearth very different factors. Here are some essential factors you can measure with diesel fuel testing.
Considered a basic measurement, diesel’s cetane value can directly impact its performance—how fully and quickly the fuel burns.
Cetane is an essential chemical component naturally found in diesel that promptly ignites under pressure.
The cetane number is the technical term for this measurement. It is also best to consider it similar to gasoline octane ratings. The difference is that an excellent octane rating indicates that fuel doesn’t ignite too rapidly; on the other hand, a good cetane number indicates that diesel fuel ignites as soon as possible.
Remember that due to environmental impurities and variables, the cetane rating of stored fuel may be reduced over time. As a result, periodic cetane rating testing is essential for stored fuel.
It is equally crucial to test the water content of fuel since water molecules can make fuel microbiological and hinder the growth of life. Uncontrolled water content can cause equipment to perform poorly and fail. Water in fuel is affected by impurity buildup. It can also induce freezing in fuel pipes, tanks, filters, and lines. So, having a safe and maximum water content in fuel is essential.
With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, measuring sulfur content assures compliance. The EPA has a maximum sulphur content standard of 15 parts per million for diesel fuel. This restriction protects humans and ecosystems. Previously, the serious environmental concern was Surplus fuel sulphur content. Checking sulfur content helps you avoid liability by ensuring compliance.
When it comes to diesel fuel quality, checking for sediment content is essential. However, while a visual inspection can detect extreme accumulation, a more thorough test of diesel fuel quality can disclose performance.
Due to environmental variables, diesel fuel degrades over time, directly impacting performance. When used, degraded fuel can cause difficulty starting, engine stalling, and black smoke. Regular fuel testing, appropriate storage practices, and storage tank servicing can help increase diesel fuel’s life. For example, keeping storage tanks full with periodic tank refill schedules reduces the space available for contaminants to accumulate.
It is also recommended to test the microbial content in fuel. Keep in mind that microbial life requires water to survive; limiting water buildup can also minimize microbial formation. Microbe testing is required since their accumulation clogs equipment and damages fuel. However, in extreme circumstances, this can cause engine failure.
If you store diesel fuel, you must pass quality tests. If you want to learn more about quality diesel testing, reach out to our expert at AL Faraji Diesel, one of the highest-quality and finest diesel supplier in Dubai.